BREAKING: Epstein-Barr Virus Strongly Linked to Lupus Progress,New Research Reveals
A new study has established a significant link between the common Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) and the autoimmune disease lupus. Researchers found that EBV infects and reprograms B cells – white blood cells crucial for fighting infection – causing them to produce antinuclear antibodies that attack the body’s own tissues, ultimately leading to lupus.
The research, led by Dr. John Robinson,revealed that lupus patients have a 25 times higher proportion of B cells containing the dormant Epstein-Barr virus compared to healthy individuals. This finding builds upon previous research connecting EBV to other autoimmune conditions, including multiple sclerosis, where the virus is considered a potential component in the disease’s development, though not the sole trigger.
While most people infected with Epstein-Barr do not develop lupus or other autoimmune diseases, researchers suggest certain strains of the virus might potentially be responsible for triggering autoimmune reactions. The study’s findings align with existing theories about lupus causation, which also implicate genetics and hormonal factors.
Further supporting the connection, a study published last year in Nature found an imbalance of T cells – another type of white blood cell - in lupus patients, with too manny associated with cell damage and too few with repair. Robinson suggests the pathway identified in his study could activate the problematic T cell response.
The research opens avenues for new lupus treatments.current medications primarily focus on reducing inflammation, but future therapies could specifically target EBV-infected B cells.Additionally, an Epstein-Barr vaccine - several of which are currently in clinical trials – could potentially prevent infection and, consequently, reduce the risk of developing lupus.
“Vaccination to protect people against ever being infected by EBV would be the ultimate, essential solution,” Robinson said.
