Population-scale sequencing resolves determinants of persistent EBV DNA.

ABSTRACT: Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) is an endemic herpesvirus implicated in autoimmunity, cancer and neurological disorders. Although primary infection is often subclinical, persistent EBV infection can drive immune dysregulation and long-term complications. Despite the ubiquity of infection, the determinants of EBV persistence following primary exposure remain poorly understood, although human genetic variation partially contributes to this phenotypic spectrum^1-3. Here we demonstrate that existing whole genome sequencing (WGS) data of human populations can be used to quantify persistent EBV DNA. Using WGS and health record data from the UK Biobank (n = 490,560) and All of Us (n = 245,394), we uncover reproducible associations between blood-derived EBV DNA quantifications and respiratory,

SUBMITTER: Nyeo SS 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12888827 | biostudies-literature | 2026 Feb

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature