455-EBV and HLA-DR15 Synergism in Sclerosis Pathogenesis

Paper Talk · Jan 31, 2026 · 17m

This research study investigates how the Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) and the HLA-DR15 genetic haplotype work together to trigger multiple sclerosis (MS). The authors demonstrate that EBV infection fundamentally reprograms B cells, causing them to present specific myelin basic protein (MBP) peptides that are typically hidden from the immune system. These viral-induced changes lead to the activation of proinflammatory CD4+ T cells, which then attack the central nervous system. Notably, these specific autoantigens are absent in the thymus, meaning the body fails to develop natural tolerance to them…