Researchers have created a new blood test to measure the immune response to the Epstein Barr Virus (EBV), which is the top risk factor for developing multiple sclerosis (MS). The test could be used for basic research on understanding EBV’s role in MS and may also be useful for clinical trials targeting the virus. The test, based on an existing diagnostic procedure, has the potential to be applied in clinical trials that target the Epstein Barr Virus.Scientists at Trinity College Dublin have created a new blood test to measure the immune response to the Epstein Barr Virus (EBV), which is the main risk factor for developing multiple sclerosis (MS). Their findings have been published in the journal Neurology Neuroimmunology and Neuroinflammation and could have implications for future research into understanding the biology of EBV in MS. The test also has the potential to be used in clinical trials targeting the virus. MS is a chronic neurological disease with no known cure, affecting around three million people worldwide, and is the second leading cause.
Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a leading cause of disability in young adults, and there is a high demand for better treatments.
While various viruses have been studied in relation to MS, none have shown as strong evidence as the Epstein-Barr virus (EBV). The team of researchers sought to understand why some people with MS have an abnormal immune response to EBV, a common virus that typically does not cause symptoms.
To address this question, the scientists analyzed the cellular response of MS patients to EBNA-1, a component of EBV that can resemble the myelin coating of nerves – the main target of the immune system in MS. The team discovered that the immune response to EBNA-1 is elevated in MS patients.-1 in individuals with MS compared to those with epilepsy or the healthy control group. The team also discovered that the body’s cellular response to EBNA-1 is affected by currently approved medications for MS that target the immune system, rather than the virus. The immune response to EBNA-1 was found to be lower in individuals taking B cell depleting medications compared to those with MS who are not taking medication, and the level recorded was similar to that of healthy controls.
B cell depleting medications have been proven to be effective in reducing MS disease activity. However, it is still unclear how exactly they work. Many believe that reducing B cells also reduces EBV levels, as EB.Virus V can remain inactive within B cells. While the scientists have not proven this theory, they have demonstrated that the immune response to EBV in MS is similar to that of healthy controls when certain medications are used. The team believes that this supports the need for a more targeted reduction in EBV, rather than targeting all B cells. This is important because B cells play a crucial role in fighting infection, and a non-targeted approach can result in undesirable side effects. The researchers at Trinity College Dublin are the first to capture the immune response to EBNA-1 using whole blood samples, conducted exclusively with equipment used in hospital laboratories.This study is significant because it demonstrates the potential for a scalable test to measure the immune system’s response to EBNA-1, which is crucial in understanding the development of MS. Unlike previous research that required extensive pre-processing in research laboratories, this test can be conducted elsewhere without the need for new equipment or personnel. The standard blood test processed in a hospital laboratory provides valuable information on the immune system’s response to EBNA-1, and being able to measure this on a larger scale is a major breakthrough.The research, which focuses on understanding the biology of EBV in MS, has important implications for future basic research. Additionally, the test could potentially be used in clinical trials aimed at targeting the virus. This would allow for the direct measurement of the immune response to any potential antiviral treatments, rather than solely relying on MS outcome measures.
Dr. Hugh Kearney, Neurologist at the School of Medicine in Trinity College and the lead author of the study, emphasized the potential benefits of this research, stating that in the short term, it is likely to benefit the MS research community. The approach taken in this study is believed to be highly beneficial.multiple sclerosis and monitoring them over time to assess the effectiveness of the new treatments. This will provide valuable insights into the long-term benefits and implications of the treatments for those living with MS. Additionally, we hope that our research will contribute to the growing body of evidence on the management and treatment of this condition, ultimately improving the quality of life for individuals affected by MS. Our ultimate goal is to make a meaningful impact on the lives of those with MS by advancing the development of effective treatments and therapies.The study found that monitoring a blood test for B cell depletion before and during treatment for MS can show how it directly affects the body’s response to EBNA-1. This could be an important factor to consider when choosing treatments for multiple sclerosis.
