The association between multiple sclerosis and infection with Epstein-Barr virus and retrovirus.
B-lymphoblastoid cell-lines may develop spontaneously in mononuclear cells from patients with multiple sclerosis, an observation rarely seen in healthy individuals. Examination of such spontaneously established B-cell lines reveal the presence of Epstein-Barr virus and retrovirus particles. We have speculated that in predisposed individuals, a dual infection with retrovirus and late acquired Epstein-Barr virus plays an aetiological role in the development of multiple sclerosis. This hypothesis is supported by a number of observations, including the finding that infection with Epstein-Barr virus may be a prerequisite for developing multiple sclerosis. The association between multiple sclerosis and infection with Epstein-Barr virus and retrovirus is evaluated in this study.
Haahr
S
S
Department of Medical Microbiology and Immunology, The Bartholin Building, University of Aarhus, DK-8000 Aarhus C, Denmark.
Munch
M
M
D000956:Antigens, Viral / Q000276:immunology; D020077:Endogenous Retroviruses / Q000276:immunology*; D020031:Epstein-Barr Virus Infections / Q000276:immunology*; D006801:Humans; D009103:Multiple Sclerosis / Q000276:immunology* / Q000821:virology*
D000956:Antigens, Viral