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 changes (risk alleles) may respond differently to EBV infection, potentially affecting MS progression.
To explore this, Dr Parnell and his team are using immune cells that have been infected with EBV, called lymphoblastoid cell lines (LCLs). 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.
Good progress has been made in establishing new models to study how EBV interacts with genetic risk factors in MS.
Dr Parnell and his team have successfully created six new cell lines from blood samples donated by people with MS. Creating these cell lines is technically very difficult, so this represents a significant step forward.
These cells are very important research tools because they carry each person’s natural EBV infection, making them a more realistic model than standard laboratory systems. Early results show clear differences between cells infected with natural EBV and those infected with laboratory strains, including how actively the virus grows and how quickly the cells divide.
The team has also identified which cells lines carry the genetic change linked to faster MS progression. This will allow comparison of how EBV behaves in people with different genetic risk of MS.
This project has also led to new collaborations with researchers in Australia and overseas, helping to expand its impact.
This project has been extended into 2026.
Updated 31 March 2026Â
$24,941
2025
1 year
Current project
