The evidence that EBV infection puts someone at high risk for getting MS is a significant discovery.
It means researchers can begin to design preventive treatments for MS, such as vaccines and anti-virals, like those that protect against SARS-CoV2 — the virus that causes COVID-19.
Other studies have shown that EBV infection in people already diagnosed with MS can change their immune system from one that protects them from disease to one that attacks the brain and spinal cord. This is an immune response that is specific to EBV. This suggests that even in people who have MS, focusing on treatments designed to prevent EBV from altering the immune system would be a novel strategy to prevent progression.
The discovery of the link between EBV and risk for MS is a crucial piece of the MS puzzle, opening up new potential treatments for people living with this condition.Michael C. Levin does not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organization that would benefit from this article, and has disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment.This article is republished from The Conversation under a Creative Commons license.
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