Groundbreaking research has uncovered a significant link between the Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) and multiple sclerosis (MS). An international research team is now focusing on unveiling the role of EBV in the onset and progression of MS. Led by Professor Kjell-Morten Myhr of the University of Bergen, the team aims to understand why only a few EBV-infected individuals develop MS and determine the underlying mechanism of this process. They also plan to investigate whether antiviral treatments targeting EBV infection can improve the disease course or halt disease progression.
Multiple sclerosis is a chronic inflammatory and degenerative disease of the central nervous system that affects a large population worldwide. The recent research, published in Science in 2022, demonstrates that EBV infection significantly increases the risk of developing MS, making it nearly impossible to develop MS without prior infection by the virus. Nearly all people with MS have been infected by EBV, while only a small percentage of individuals who have had an EBV infection go on to develop MS. Currently, there is no preventive treatment available for EBV infection or MS.
With the goal of developing a new treatment for MS that targets the underlying driver of the disease, the research team will conduct clinical trials of antiviral therapies specifically aimed at EBV infection in MS. They will also analyze blood and saliva samples and perform registry-based research. The team comprises experts in various fields, including EBV and human genetics, virology, immunology, neurology, clinical trial design, patient involvement, epidemiology, mathematical modeling, artificial intelligence, and data management. The project emphasizes multi-stakeholder engagement and co-responsibility through a governance method that considers patients’ needs and experiences.
The project, known as EBV-MS: Targeting Epstein-Barr virus Infection for Treatment and Prevention of Multiple Sclerosis, has received €7 million in funding from Horizon Europe for the period of 2024-2028. The principal investigators, Professor Kjell-Morten Myhr and Professor Øivind Torkildsen, along with their team from various institutions in Norway, Sweden, Italy, the United States, and Spain, are dedicated to advancing treatment options for people living with MS. By exploring the intricate connection between EBV and MS, the project aims to improve understanding of the disease and develop preventive measures, ultimately enhancing the quality of life for individuals affected by MS.
The research holds great potential for identifying individuals at high risk of developing MS after EBV infection, leading to primary prevention strategies. If successful, it could provide mechanistic evidence for EBV as a prerequisite for MS development and progression, paving the way for eradicating the disease. The European Multiple Sclerosis Platform expresses optimism about the project’s outcomes and its potential to alleviate the burden of MS. With further investigation into the EBV-MS connection, this research initiative may contribute to a future free from the challenges posed by MS.
In conclusion, the groundbreaking research on the link between EBV and MS offers hope for the development of targeted treatments and preventive strategies. The international research team’s collaboration and multidisciplinary approach position them to uncover crucial insights into the role of EBV in MS onset and progression. By addressing the underlying driver of the disease, this research aims to significantly improve the lives of those affected by MS and ultimately work towards eradicating the disease altogether.
