How common herpesviruses may influence MS by switching human genes on and off

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is an inflammatory condition of the central nervous system (CNS) that develops due to both genetic and environmental factors. Amongst the known environmental risk factors is infection with the Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) and other herpesviruses. EBV is a common herpesvirus that affects up to 90% of people worldwide and is the virus that causes infectious mononucleosis (glandular fever).

EBV has been strongly linked to the development of MS and is thought to play a role in how the disease progresses over time. However, even though these connections are known, the biological mechanisms behind this link are not fully understood.

To better understand this link, the project will use data from three large Australian studies: the Ausimmune Study, Ausimmune Longitudinal Study, and PrevANZ trial. This includes blood tests of genetics; which genes are switched on and off in the blood cells; and immune responses – to both herpesviruses and brain proteins (autoimmune responses).

This project aims to examine:

• How EBV and other herpesviruses influence the risk of developing MS and its progression over time.
• Whether these herpesviruses cause MS by altering how genes are regulated, through a process called DNA methylation (a process where genes are turned ‘on’ or ‘off’).
• Whether different types of herpesviruses change how people respond to common MS treatments.

Mr Eisner and his research team aim to better understand the impact of EBV on MS onset and progression, with the goal of helping to tailor treatments to each individual person to slow the disease progression.