A new study suggests that a past infection with the Epstein Barr virus may change how the immune system behaves in people with certain genetic traits, increasing the likelihood of the body mistakenly attacking its own brain tissue. Researchers say this could help explain how viral infection and genetics come together to influence the risk of developing MS.
While the exact causes of MS remain unclear, scientists know that both environmental and genetic factors play a role. One of the strongest known risk factors for MS is infection with the Epstein-Barr virus (EBV). This virus is extremely common and most adults will have been infected at some point in their lives, often during childhood. Despite this, only a small number of people go on to develop MS, which has left researchers searching for answers as to why.
The research findings suggest that in some people, EBV infection may prompt the immune system to mistake myelin for a threat, leading to inflammation and damage over time. This could help explain why MS develops only in certain people, even though EBV infection is widespread.
Source: MS-UK
