All articles tagged with #epstein barr virus
A DNA-virome analysis of blood and saliva from biobanks shows Epstein–Barr virus DNA abundance varies with age, sex, and dozens of genetic variants, and genetic analyses indicate high latent EBV is a causal risk factor for Hodgkin’s lymphoma.
Fred Hutch researchers produced fully human monoclonal antibodies against EBV by targeting its gp350 and gp42 proteins. In humanized mice, one antibody completely prevented EBV infection and another offered partial protection, outlining a pathway to prevent EBV reactivation and PTLD in transplant patients. The team aims to advance safety testing in healthy volunteers followed by trials in immunocompromised individuals, with IP protection filed for the antibodies.
A large-scale study using UK Biobank and All of Us genome data detects EBV reads in a subset of individuals, linking higher EBV load to HIV, immunosuppression, and smoking; GWAS identifies major associations in MHC/HLA and additional loci including ERAP2, with EBV load polygenic burden tied to multiple sclerosis (MHC class I) and rheumatoid arthritis (MHC class II) and overlaps with inflammatory diseases like IBD, hypothyroidism, and type 1 diabetes; proposes host-genome–derived markers of EBV persistence to guide future research and therapy.
A Nature-backed study of biobank DNA data identifies 22 human genes, many in the immune-related HLA region, that correlate with higher EBV DNA levels and chronic disease risk (MS, certain cancers, and related conditions), suggesting genetics may influence why EBV persists and becomes harmful in some people.
Researchers show that non-human DNA discarded during whole-genome sequencing can be repurposed to detect and quantify Epstein–Barr virus DNA in human cells, using a method described by Nyeo et al. in Nature. This population-scale approach lets biobanks reveal persistent EBV DNA and its links to complex diseases, turning sequencing byproducts into a new source of epidemiological insight.
Groundbreaking research suggests that the Epstein-Barr virus (EBV), common in childhood, may be the trigger for lupus by causing immune cells to attack the body's tissues, potentially leading to new treatments and vaccine development.
A study published in Nature Microbiology found that the dormant Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) reactivates during multiple sclerosis (MS) relapses, triggering inflammatory activity in immune cells. Blocking EBV activation with antiviral compounds like tenofovir alenfenamide (TAF) can reduce this inflammation, suggesting a potential new treatment strategy for MS. However, further research is needed to confirm these findings in human models.
Researchers have developed a new blood test that measures the immune response to Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) in people with multiple sclerosis (MS), potentially advancing understanding and treatment of the disease. The test revealed a stronger immune response to EBV in MS patients compared to those with other conditions, supporting the theory that EBV plays a significant role in MS. This development could lead to better treatments, including antiviral drugs, by targeting the virus more precisely without broadly suppressing the immune system.
The Epstein-Barr virus, discovered 60 years ago, is the most common viral infection in humans and is linked to 1% of cancers and autoimmune diseases like multiple sclerosis. Lawrence Young, a professor of molecular oncology, discusses the virus's implications and how understanding it could aid in preventing and treating various illnesses.
Yvonne Barr, a virologist, played a crucial role in the discovery of the cancer-causing Epstein-Barr virus while working with pathologist Anthony Epstein in 1963. Her expertise in growing cell cultures in a controlled environment was instrumental in proving Epstein's hypothesis that the virus was responsible for large facial tumors in Ugandan children. Barr's contributions to virology and her role in this groundbreaking discovery have been overlooked for many years.
The Epstein-Barr Virus (EBV), which infects around 95% of the human population and is associated with diseases like mononucleosis and certain cancers, has been found to have vulnerabilities. New research has identified weak spots on the virus's protein, gp42, and developed antibodies that could prevent infection in mice. If these findings translate to humans, it could lead to targeted treatments and potential vaccines for EBV, offering hope for preventing severe diseases caused by the virus.
Scientists at the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID) have identified potential targets for designing treatments and vaccines for the Epstein-Barr virus (EBV), a common virus that can lead to various cancers and other health issues. Their research focused on a viral protein called gp42, and they discovered two monoclonal antibodies that interact with distinct sites on gp42, showing promise in preventing EBV infection and related diseases in mice. The findings could lead to the development of antibody-based treatments and vaccines for EBV, benefiting individuals at risk of severe or fatal EBV disease.
Anthony Epstein, the British pathologist who co-discovered the Epstein-Barr virus, has passed away at the age of 102. His groundbreaking work in the 1960s led to extensive research into the virus's links to cancers and other chronic ailments, including Hodgkin’s lymphoma, multiple sclerosis, and lupus. Despite the virus's prevalence, no vaccine has been developed, but ongoing research aims to understand its role in various diseases. Dr. Epstein's accidental discovery of the virus's presence in human tumors opened new avenues in cancer research, and his legacy continues to impact the field.
Professor Sir Anthony Epstein, a renowned pathologist and virologist, co-discovered the Epstein-Barr virus, which causes Burkitt lymphoma and glandular fever. His groundbreaking work led to the understanding of how viruses can cause cancer in humans and paved the way for the development of vaccinations. Throughout his career, he made significant contributions to medical science, received numerous accolades, and was a passionate advocate for science education. Professor Sir Anthony Epstein passed away at the age of 102, leaving behind a lasting legacy in the field of cancer research.
A study from the University of Texas reveals how the Epstein-Barr virus may trigger multiple sclerosis by showing that T cells recognizing EBV-infected cells are present in the cerebrospinal fluid at the earliest stages of MS, suggesting their potential role in the disease's pathogenesis. The research provides "smoking gun evidence" for the link between EBV and MS, shedding light on the immune system's response to the virus and its potential contribution to the development of the autoimmune condition.