Is EBV connected to the genetic risk of MS progression?

Dr Grant Parnell

The University of Sydney, NSW

February 2025

specialisation: Immunology

focus area: Causes and Prevention

funding type: Incubator

project type: Investigator Led Research

Summary

Dr. Grant Parnell’s research investigates how the Epstein-Barr virus (EBV), known to increase the risk of developing MS, interacts with genetic factors linked to MS severity.

While EBV’s role in MS is established, the exact relationship is still being studied. The International MS Genetics Consortium recently identified a link between MS severity and a specific area of DNA. This DNA region is located between two genes: DYSF, involved in cell repair, and ZNF638, which helps control viral infections. Interestingly, EBV can influence ZNF638, suggesting that people with certain genetic variants (risk alleles) may respond differently to EBV infection, potentially affecting their MS progression.

To explore this, Dr. Parnell and his team will be using special lymphoblastoid cell lines (LCLs) that have been infected with EBV. They have previously observed that cells naturally infected with EBV differ from those infected with lab-modified virus strains. By studying LCLs from people with and without the MS severity risk allele, the team aims to understand how EBV might drive MS development and progression.

This project will also link specific EBV characteristics in these cells with clinical measures of MS severity, potentially identifying new treatment approaches that address the interaction between EBV and genetic factors in MS.

lead investigator

co-investigator

total funding

$24,941

start year

2025

duration

1 year

STATUS

Current project

Stages of the research process

Fundamental laboratory Research

Laboratory research that investigates scientific theories behind the possible causes, disease progression, ways to diagnose and better treat MS.

Lab to clinic timeline

10+ years

Translational Research

Research that builds on fundamental scientific research to develop new therapies, medical procedures or diagnostics and advances it closer to the clinic.

Lab to clinic timeline

5+ years

Clinical Studies and Clinical Trials

Clinical research is the culmination of fundamental and translational research turning those research discoveries into treatments and interventions for people with MS.

Lab to clinic timeline

3+ years

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Is EBV connected to the genetic risk of MS progression?