Systemic lupus erythematosusRheumatoid arthritisMultiple sclerosisInflammatory bowel diseaseType 1 diabetesJuvenile idiopathic arthritisCeliac disease

Researchers say the virus appears to “switch on” certain genes that more likely to develop one of these diseases.

This article looks at the link between EBV and seven autoimmune diseases. It also discusses how this might affect you if you’ve had EBV.

Persistence of EBV Infection

The Epstein-Barr virus is one of the most common viruses that infect humans. Almost everyone carries it.

You most often hear about EBV as the cause of infectious mononucleosis. This disease is also called mono or the “kissing disease.”

EBV is a member of the herpes virus family. Like other viruses in this group, once you contract it you always carry it.

EBV typically stays dormant. If it does become active again, a healthy immune system can easily get it back to a dormant state.

In some people, though, the initial infection can cause long-term problems. It may activate genes that affect how your immune system functions. This is just one of the possible long-term effects of EBV.

What is an Autoimmune Disease?

Your immune system sends out special cells to kill dangerous things. This includes invaders like viruses and bacteria.

Autoimmunity is like a case of mistaken identity. Your immune system incorrectly targets things that are supposed to be in your body, like an organ or type of tissue.

This triggers inflammation and tissue damage. People with these conditions can experience pain. They may also have fatigue. This happens because the body diverts resources to the immune response.

Other symptoms depend on what’s being damaged. For example, your pancreas produces insulin. Insulin helps your body process sugars. If your immune system attacks your pancreas, you will have trouble processing sugars.

Predisposition and Gene Switching

Most of us think of genetics as fixed. It’s not that simple, though. Illness, environment, and other variables can turn genes on or off.

Think of a breaker box. If you turn one switch off, you lose power to part of your house. Turn it on, the power comes back on. The same thing happens with genes and their positive or negative effect on the body.

Many people are born with genetic predispositions to certain illnesses. This doesn’t mean they’ll develop these diseases. They could get them under the right circumstances, though.

How the Epstein-Barr Virus Tricks the Immune System

The 2018 study showed that EBV seems to be able to switch on the genes that cause autoimmune diseases. Someone without a genetic predisposition, though, can contract EBV without this happening.

Researchers looked at the genetic impact of several proteins in EBV. They found that a protein called Epstein-Barr virus nuclear antigen 2 (EBNA2) interacts with half the known genes that put a person at risk for lupus.

Researchers also looked at hundreds of other illnesses. They discovered the same association with the other six linked to the virus.

Here is the complete list of diseases believed to be associated with EBV:

Lupus Rheumatoid arthritis Multiple sclerosis Inflammatory bowel disease Type 1 diabetes Juvenile idiopathic arthritis Celiac disease

The study only looked at EBV in people with European ancestry. So far, though, people of other ancestries are not known to have a different risk profile for EBV.

What This Means for You

This is just the first study to show that EBV can switch on these genes. This means that more research is needed.

The study does point to new directions for research. Some scientists believe this will change the way we think about autoimmune diseases and EBV.

In fact, this study had a swift impact. A multiple sclerosis study published in 2020 mentioned the study and the potential link between EBV and MS. Researchers added that antiviral treatments for MS are being studied.

Another 2020 study states: “Infection with Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) appears to be necessary for the development of multiple sclerosis.” Its authors discuss methods of targeting the virus as a way to treat MS.

If the 2018 study is correct, it could lead to more effective treatments for many diseases.

Summary

The Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) is a type of herpes virus. It causes mononucleosis.

A 2018 study found a link between EBV and seven kinds of autoimmune diseases. 

In most poeple, EBV remains dormant. In people who are genetically predisposed to certain autoimmune diseases, it may “switch on” the genes associated with those conditions.

The 2018 study may point to new treatments for autoimmune diseases.

A Word From Verywell

You’ll probably come in contact with the Epstein-Barr virus at some point in your life. If any of these seven autoimmune diseases run in your family, it’s possible you have a genetic predisposition.

If you’ve been diagnosed with mono, talk to your doctor about the possible increased risk of autoimmune disease.

It is important to know the symptoms of these conditions. Early diagnosis and treatment are critical to your long-term health.

FatigueFeverInflammation in the throatSwollen lymph nodesEnlarged spleenInflamed liverRash