Epstein-Barr Virus Strongly Linked as Trigger for Lupus, Landmark Study Reveals
washington D.C. - In a breakthrough that could reshape understanding and treatment of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), scientists have established a compelling mechanistic link between the Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) – one of the most prevalent viruses in humans – and the autoimmune disease. Published November 13, 2025, in Science Translational Medicine, the research identifies how EBV infection appears to reactivate autoreactive B cells, initiating the inflammatory cascade characteristic of lupus.
Lupus, a chronic autoimmune disease, affects an estimated 5 million people worldwide, disproportionately women and individuals of African, Hispanic, and Asian descent. While genetic predisposition plays a role, the precise triggers for lupus development have remained elusive, hindering effective prevention and targeted therapies. This study suggests that EBV infection, coupled with individual genetic vulnerabilities, may be a critical initiating factor in a significant subset of lupus cases, offering a potential pathway for preventative strategies and more precise treatments.
Researchers found that approximately 20 percent of B cells in a healthy body are “autoreactive,” meaning they are capable of producing antibodies that target the body’s own tissues.normally,these cells are kept in check. Though, the study demonstrates that when EBV infects latent B cells, it appears to revert them to a pro-inflammatory state, potentially triggering the autoimmune response seen in lupus.
“Our findings provide a mechanistic basis for why only a small fraction of EBV-infected individuals develop SLE,” the study authors conclude.
The findings are bolstered by the success of a recent immunotherapy trial for lupus, which focuses on eliminating and replacing faulty B cells. The trial achieved remission-like outcomes in clinical trials, suggesting the validity of targeting B cells in lupus treatment.
“It’s not the final paper about lupus,” commented virologist Guy Gorochov from Sorbonne university, who was not involved in the study, “but they’ve done a lot and developed an engaging concept.”
The research also opens avenues for investigating EBV’s potential role in other autoimmune conditions, including multiple sclerosis, long COVID, and myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome. Further research will focus on identifying individuals at high risk of developing lupus following EBV infection and developing targeted interventions to prevent disease onset.
