Epstein-Barr virus and rheumatoid arthritis: is there a link?
Rheumatoid arthritis is a systemic autoimmune disease characterized by chronic, destructive, debilitating arthritis. Its etiology is unknown; it is presumed that environmental factors trigger development in the genetically predisposed. Epstein-Barr virus, a nearly ubiquitous virus in the human population, has generated great interest as a potential trigger. This virus stimulates polyclonal lymphocyte expansion and persists within B lymphocytes for the host's life, inhibited from reactivating by the immune response. In latent and replicating forms, it has immunomodulating actions that could play a role in the development of this autoimmune disease. The evidence linking Epstein-Barr virus and rheumatoid arthritis is reviewed.
Costenbader
Karen H
KH
Brigham and Women's Hospital, Division of Rheumatology, Immunology and Allergy, Department of Medicine, Harvard Medical School, 75 Francis Street, Boston, MA 02115, USA. KCostenbader@Partners.org
Karlson
Elizabeth W
EW
D001172:Arthritis, Rheumatoid / Q000821:virology*; D020031:Epstein-Barr Virus Infections; D006801:Humans