Epstein-Barr Virus in Systemic Lupus Erythematosus, Rheumatoid Arthritis and Multiple Sclerosis—Association and Causation

Viruses

Andreas Lossius¹  Jorunn N. Johansen¹  Øivind Torkildsen²  Frode Vartdal¹ 

[1] Institute of Immunology, Oslo University Hospital Rikshospitalet, Oslo, Norway;Norwegian Multiple Sclerosis Competence Centre, Department of Neurology, Haukeland University Hospital, Bergen, Norway

关键词: systemic lupus erythematosus;    rheumatoid arthritis;    multiple sclerosis;    Epstein-Barr virus;    autoimmunity;    B-cells;    T-cells;   

DOI  :  10.3390/v4123701

来源: mdpi

【 摘 要 】

Epidemiological data suggest that the Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) is associated with several autoimmune diseases, such as systemic lupus erythematosus, rheumatoid arthritis and multiple sclerosis. However, it is not clear whether EBV plays a role in the pathogenesis of these diseases, and if so, by which mechanisms the virus may contribute. In this review, we discuss possible viral and immunological mechanisms that might explain associations between EBV and autoimmune diseases and whether these associations represent causes or effects of inflammation and autoimmunity.

【 授权许可】

CC BY   
© 2012 by the authors; licensee MDPI, Basel, Switzerland.