STAT+: New study untangles how Epstein-Barr viral infection triggers immune response in multiple sclerosis

STAT PlusIn the Lab New study untangles how Epstein-Barr viral infection triggers immune response in multiple sclerosis A better understanding of the underlying viral mechanisms could inspire targeted treatment for MS Manage alerts for this article Email this article Share this article By Lauren ChanJuly 15, 2026 AAAS Mass Media Science & Engineering Fellow Lauren Chan[email protected]Lauren writes about healthcare AI data interoperability, the science behind public health recommendations, and pharmaceutical advances in the rare disease space. In a new study published in Science Translational Medicine on Wednesday, researchers say they have uncovered how Epstein-Barr virus launches immune responses that lead to the inflammation and nervous system damage seen in people with multiple sclerosis. “It’s very nice now to be able to understand more about the underlying mechanisms of how EBV likely causes MS,” said lead author Kjetil Bjornevik, an assistant professor of epidemiology and nutrition at the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health. The findings, researchers hope, could help with the development of EBV vaccines or antiviral medications that could prevent or manage MS symptoms without the major side effects of commonly used immunosuppressants. Advertisement Syed Rizvi, the director of the Multiple Sclerosis Center of Rhode Island, who was not involved in this study, said the new findings help advance MS research towards more precise approaches. “When you’re developing drugs, targeted drugs, every little step, every little molecule, every little antigen is a game changer,” he said. STAT+ Exclusive Story Already have an account? Log in This article is exclusive to STAT+ subscribers Unlock this article — plus in-depth analysis, newsletters, premium events, and news alerts. Already have an account? Log in Monthly $39 Totals $468 per year $39/month Get Started Totals $468 per year Starter $30 for 3 months, then $399/year $30 for 3 months Get Started Then $399/year Annual $399 Save 15% $399/year Get Started Save 15% 11+ Users Custom Savings start at 25%! Request A Quote Request A Quote Savings start at 25%! 2-10 Users $300 Annually per user $300/year Get Started $300 Annually per user View All Plans To read the rest of this story subscribe to STAT+. Subscribe Log In research, STAT+, virology Submit a correction requestReprints Lauren Chan AAAS Mass Media Science & Engineering Fellow Lauren writes about healthcare AI data interoperability, the science behind public health recommendations, and pharmaceutical advances in the rare disease space. Newsletter Understand how science, health policy, and medicine shape the world every day Recommended Health July 15, 2026 STAT Plus: Improvements in Alzheimer’s testing could make diagnostics more accessible, informative Breaking News July 15, 2026 Cassidy grills Trump nominee on past vaccine comments in heated exchange Advertisement Pharmalot July 15, 2026 STAT Plus: Bipartisan lawmakers want to require U.S. to probe reliance on foreign-made drugs, ingredients Insurance July 15, 2026 STAT Plus: Elevance plots a Medicaid retreat as costs remain high AI Prognosis July 15, 2026 STAT Plus: The whistleblower, The Lab, and the fine print Subscriber Picks