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New Research Links Epstein-Barr Virus to Multiple Sclerosis

1/14/2026

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Summary

Story summary

Karolinska Institutet researchers report that T cells targeting the Epstein-Barr virus attack a brain protein and contribute to multiple sclerosis, as published in Cell.
A University of Basel team finds EBV disrupts immune responses in B cells, allowing them to survive and potentially cause localized brain damage.
The studies together suggest a direct role for B cells in early MS lesions and call for therapies targeting cross-reactive immune cells.

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Story summary

Karolinska Institutet researchers report that T cells targeting the Epstein-Barr virus attack a brain protein and contribute to multiple sclerosis, as published in Cell.
A University of Basel team finds EBV disrupts immune responses in B cells, allowing them to survive and potentially cause localized brain damage.
The studies together suggest a direct role for B cells in early MS lesions and call for therapies targeting cross-reactive immune cells.