Triggering multiple sclerosis: infection with Epstein-Barr virus activates multiple pre-existing autoreactive B and T cells
Abstract
Three recent publications 1 , 2 , 3 show that the Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) activates pre-existing autoreactive T cells by altering the immunopeptidome and inducing molecular mimicry, while also preventing the elimination of autoreactive B cells. These multiple autoimmune responses against the central nervous system (CNS) triggered by EBV might then synergistically precipitate multiple sclerosis (MS) within years after encountering this virus.
Fields of Study & Subjects
Multiple Sclerosis Research Studies
Neuroinflammation and Neurodegeneration Mechanisms
T-cell and B-cell Immunology
Publication details
- Journal / source
- Signal Transduction and Targeted Therapy
- Publisher
- Springer Science and Business Media LLC
- Volume
- 11
- Issue
- 1
- Publication date
- 7 April 2026
- Language
- EN