The case for targeting latent and lytic Epstein-Barr virus infection in multiple sclerosis

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Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) is strongly linked to multiple sclerosis (MS) and may trigger autoimmunity through various mechanisms.
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Active EBV infection may drive MS disease activity via latent-lytic infection cycling in the CNS or periphery.
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Anti-EBV strategies, including antiviral agents and immunotherapies, are being explored as potential treatments for MS.
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B-cell depleting therapies have demonstrated anti-EBV activity, suggesting a direct link between EBV targeting and MS treatment.
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Innovative trial designs are needed to test EBV-targeted therapies as preventive and disease-modifying agents for MS.

Brain

by Gavin Giovannoni, Louisa James, Adekunle A Adeniran, Julian Gold, Lawrence S Young, David L Selwood, David Baker, Ruth Dobson
May 6, 2025

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