Epstein-Barr Virus Strongly Linked to Lupus Onset, New research Reveals
LONDON – Scientists have uncovered compelling evidence suggesting the common Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) plays a critical role in triggering lupus, a chronic autoimmune disease. The groundbreaking research, published today in Science Translational Medicine, identifies a mechanism by which the virus activates autoreactive B cells, initiating the immune system attacks characteristic of the disease.
Lupus, affecting an estimated hundreds of thousands globally, causes inflammation affecting joints, skin, kidneys, and other organs. While genetic predisposition and hormonal factors are known to increase risk – particularly among women and individuals of African, caribbean, or Asian descent - the underlying cause has remained elusive.
The study, led by researchers at King’s college London, compared immune cells from 11 lupus patients and 10 healthy controls. They found a stark difference in EBV prevalence: fewer than 1 in 10,000 B cells hosted EBV in the control group, compared to approximately 1 in 400 cells in the lupus group – a 25-fold increase. Crucially, EBV was more frequently found within autoreactive B cells, those with the potential to attack the body’s own tissues.
“We think this is the critical discovery: that EBV… then activates those B cells to drive the autoimmune response that mediates lupus,” explained Dr. Christian Robinson, a lead researcher on the project. He noted the ubiquity of EBV infection, stating, “Practically the only way to not get EBV is to live in a bubble.”
The research suggests the dormant virus flips these autoreactive B cells into a hyperactive state, prompting them to target internal antigens and recruit other immune cells, including killer T-cells, to amplify the autoimmune attack.
Professor Guy Gorochov of Sorbonne University described the work as “impressive,” adding, “Its not the final paper about lupus, but they’ve done a lot and developed an interesting concept.”
The findings are expected to accelerate ongoing clinical trials for an EBV vaccine and bolster research into repurposing cancer treatments targeting B cells for severe lupus cases.
