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Study Links Epstein-Barr Virus to Lupus Development

11/18/2025

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Story summary
  • Stanford University researchers find strong evidence linking the Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) to systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE).
  • EBV can infect and reprogram immune cells, particularly B cells, triggering SLE in genetically susceptible individuals.
  • In SLE patients, about 25 times more B cells are infected with EBV than in healthy individuals.
  • The findings could support antiviral treatments and CAR T-cell therapy, prompting further study and vaccine exploration.