The case for targeting latent and lytic Epstein-Barr virus infection in multiple sclerosis.

ABSTRACT: Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) is strongly associated with multiple sclerosis (MS). It is likely to play a causal role in the pathogenesis of MS, possibly via triggering autoimmunity through molecular mimicry, autoantigenic presentation or immune dysregulation. Alternatively, evidence supports a direct role for EBV in driving MS disease activity via latent-lytic infection cycling either within the CNS or the periphery. We highlight the recent immunological and virological findings supporting the role of active EBV infection in MS, supporting an evaluation of anti-EBV strategies as potential treatments for MS. Anti-EBV strategies include CNS penetrant small molecule anti-viral agents targeting latent and lytic infection, and immunotherapies. Immunotherapies include EBV-specific autologous or allo

SUBMITTER: Giovannoni G 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12404723 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Sep

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature