Strong association between Epstein-Barr virus and multiple sclerosis

[Nevilledog]

Link to tweet

Link to tweet

Tweet text:

Tatiana Prowell, MD
@tmprowell
WOW! Major #MedTwitter news today on #MultipleSclerosis! Analysis using DOD Serum Repository—which houses 10s of millions of longitudinal servicemember🩸samples—suggests EBV (the virus that causes mono) is leading cause of MS.

#MilMed #drugdevelopment

https://science.org/doi/10.1126/science.abj8222#.YeCeFg-U_Ho.twitter…
Image


I predict we eventually learn most neurodegenerative diseases are the result of an infectious second hit in a person at increased genetic risk. If the hypothesis is true, that's two different opportunities to prevent the most catastrophic, looming unmet need in medicine.


P.S. Important for gen'l public to note that this study shows a strong association btwn EBV & subsequent development of MS, but the majority of ppl who get EBV do not develop MS. It's big news because it suggests we may be able to prevent a devastating neurological disease.
10:57 PM · Jan 13, 2022

[Klaralven]

1. The immune response to any viral infection is probably risky

The immune response to viruses includes mechanisms to identify and kill cells that are infected or to interfere with how infected cells process genetic material in order to prevent viruses from replicating.

These mechanisms seem likely to occasionally produce "off target" effects that damage tissues and cause disease, sort of the way drug's off target effects cause side effects.

Anything that targets and kills or modifies nerve cells is likely to be particularly risky, since they are much less likely to be replaced.