Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) is a pathogen that can cause serious damage to health. However, we all associate it exclusively with mononucleosis. However, this concept could be completely wrong because, according to a study conducted by scientists at the University of Cincinnati, EBV puts you at risk of contracting at least seven other diseases. Among these also celiac disease. Here are the results obtained by the researchers. The seven diseases linked to the Epstein-Barr virus
The study, coordinated by Dr. John Harley, director of the Center for Autoimmune Genomics and Etiology (CAGE) at Cincinnati Children’s, highlighted how the Epstein-Barr virus is intimately linked to the appearance of at least seven other diseases: lupus erythematosus. systemic (SLE), multiple sclerosis (MS), rheumatoid arthritis (RA), juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA), inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), celiac disease and type 1 diabetes . a protein
It seems that the reason why the virus predisposes to the risk of these diseases is due to the fact that a particular protein produced by the same pathogen, EBNA2, is able to bind in multiple locations along the human genome. Such positions, unfortunately, are linked to these seven diseases. It goes without saying that if in addition to these changes one is also exposed to other potentially dangerous factors – such as pollution or an unhealthy eating style – the risk increases dramatically until it becomes reality. The successes of genetics
If today we have been able to take many steps forward in the understanding and development of many diseases, we owe it to genetics and the tools that allow us to observe DNA more closely, and with impressive precision. ‘Now, using genomic methods that weren’t available 10 years ago, it appears that components produced by the virus interact with human DNA in places where the genetic risk of disease has increased. And not just for lupus, but all of these other diseases as well, ”explains Harley. Epstein-Barr, a very common virus
Unfortunately, the Epstein-Barr virus is much more common than people think. It is believed that over 90% of people in developed countries are infected by the age of 20. Once this happens, the virus continues to live inside our bodies for life. Mononucleosis is the most common disease caused by the pathogen, but many are unaware that they are infected with EBV. Dr. Harley who has been studying autoimmune diseases such as lupus for many years has found a close relationship between the virus and lupus, noting that most children with this disease are infected with EBV. Now his research shows that there are many other diseases directly related to the pathogen. Fighting the Epstein-Barr virus
‘This discovery is probably important enough to prompt many other scientists around the world to reconsider this virus in such unrest. Consequently, and assuming that others can replicate our findings, this could lead to therapies, ways of prevention and ways of anticipating diseases that do not currently exist. ” We remind you that at the moment there is no vaccine available that can prevent the attack of the virus. “Some EBV vaccines are in development and I think this study will encourage many researchers to move forward with the research.” The weapons of the Epstein-Barr virus
EBV destabilizes our immune system once it has taken over our bodies. Generally, in fact, when a virus or a bacterium attacks our organism, the B cells that are inside our defense system try to fight the invaders. But when they collide with the Epstein-Barr virus, the cells are reprogrammed and lose control of their functions. And the Cincinnati Children’s research team has been able to uncover the method by which it does this. Transcription factors
Researchers explain that our bodies have around 1600 transcription factors that work for our genome. This type of protein moves along the DNA strands, turning specific genes on or off to ensure that cells function properly. But if any mutation occurs in transcription factors – such as those induced by the EBV virus – cell functions are altered leading to a new disease. In particular, the EBNA2 protein seems to transform the way B cells work and make our bodies respond differently to the virus. Epstein-Barr virus and diseases
‘The impact of the virus can vary from disease to disease. In lupus and MS, for example, the virus could account for a large percentage of these cases, ”continues Harley. “This same cast of characters is found in multiple diseases related to the immune system. They are playing that role in different ways, and they do it at different points in the genome, but they are the same sinister characters, so if we could develop therapies to stop them from doing that, then it would help more diseases, “explains Dr. Weirauch, co-author. of study. “A number of compounds – some experimental, some approved as drugs for other conditions – are already known to be able to block some of the high-risk transcription factors listed in the paper,” continues Weirauch. ‘Our study revealed potential for many other diseases, including breast cancer. We absolutely cannot follow up on all this, but we hope that the other scientists will do so ».Major Study
“I have co-authored nearly 500 articles – this is more important than everything else put together, and a milestone for a career in medical research,” concludes Harley. The results of the studies were published in Nature Genetics. The research saw the collaboration of three leading scientists: John Harley, MD, PhD, director of the Center for Autoimmune Genomics and Etiology (CAGE) at Cincinnati Children’s and faculty member of the Cincinnati VA Medical Center; Leah Kottyan, PhD, immunobiology expert at CAGE; and Matthew Weirauch, PhD, computational biologist.
[1] ‘Mono’ Virus Linked to Seven Serious Diseases – Epstein-Barr Virus Affects Health in More Ways Than KnownCincinnati Children’s
