Groundbreaking research has identified Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) as a possible trigger for the autoimmune disease lupus. According to scientists, EBV can cause immune cells to "go rogue" and mistakenly attack the body's own tissues, leading to the chronic condition.
The study suggests that EBV is responsible for 100% of lupus cases, according to Prof William Robinson, a professor of immunology and rheumatology at Stanford University. The researchers believe that this discovery could lead to the development of new therapies that can fundamentally treat and benefit patients with lupus.
Lupus is a chronic autoimmune condition that affects about 69,000 people in the UK. It causes joint and muscle pain, extreme tiredness, and skin rashes, and there is no known cure for the condition. Previous epidemiological surveys have hinted at a link between EBV and lupus, which has been proven true in this latest study.
The researchers used high-precision genetic sequencing to compare the number and type of B cells that are infected with EBV in patients with lupus versus healthy controls. The results showed that about 25 times more B cells were infected with EBV in patients with lupus, compared to those without the condition.
When these cells were infected with EBV, they became hyperactive and not only targeted antigens inside the body but also recruited other immune cells to join the attack. This finding suggests that EBV is responsible for flipping the balance of these cells into an autoimmune response that mediates lupus.
While this discovery has significant implications, researchers stress that there are other well-known risk factors that contribute to a person's susceptibility to lupus, such as hormones and genetic background. However, the study provides new hope for developing treatments for severe cases of lupus.
The findings have been welcomed by experts in the field, including Prof Guy Gorochov, who described the work as "impressive". The researchers believe that this discovery could lead to clinical trials for an EBV vaccine and repurposing cancer treatments designed to wipe out B cells.
The study suggests that EBV is responsible for 100% of lupus cases, according to Prof William Robinson, a professor of immunology and rheumatology at Stanford University. The researchers believe that this discovery could lead to the development of new therapies that can fundamentally treat and benefit patients with lupus.
Lupus is a chronic autoimmune condition that affects about 69,000 people in the UK. It causes joint and muscle pain, extreme tiredness, and skin rashes, and there is no known cure for the condition. Previous epidemiological surveys have hinted at a link between EBV and lupus, which has been proven true in this latest study.
The researchers used high-precision genetic sequencing to compare the number and type of B cells that are infected with EBV in patients with lupus versus healthy controls. The results showed that about 25 times more B cells were infected with EBV in patients with lupus, compared to those without the condition.
When these cells were infected with EBV, they became hyperactive and not only targeted antigens inside the body but also recruited other immune cells to join the attack. This finding suggests that EBV is responsible for flipping the balance of these cells into an autoimmune response that mediates lupus.
While this discovery has significant implications, researchers stress that there are other well-known risk factors that contribute to a person's susceptibility to lupus, such as hormones and genetic background. However, the study provides new hope for developing treatments for severe cases of lupus.
The findings have been welcomed by experts in the field, including Prof Guy Gorochov, who described the work as "impressive". The researchers believe that this discovery could lead to clinical trials for an EBV vaccine and repurposing cancer treatments designed to wipe out B cells.
I can only imagine how frustrating it must be for those living with lupus - a condition that's just so unfair 
. This new research is really hopeful though, like maybe we'll finally get some answers on what causes this disease and how to treat it 
. But it's also important to remember that there are other factors at play here too, like hormones and genetics... it's not just one thing, you know? 
It's still a bit scary thinking about an EBV vaccine, but if it means we can help people feel better, then I'm all for it 
. Fingers crossed these trials come through! 
!!! i'm so hyped about this study it's like lupus has finally got some new friends 
helping us find a cure!! i can only imagine how hard it must've been for all those patients who've been dealing with chronic pain and fatigue 
i'm sending all my love to the researchers and scientists who made this possible 
! 100% of cases linked to EBV? That's huge 
! According to the stats, 69k people in UK are affected by lupus... that's like the entire population of a small country 
. Joint pain, extreme tiredness, skin rashes... symptoms can't be ignored 
.
! Makes sense now - I mean, our immune system is supposed to protect us, not harm us 
. 25 times more B cells infected in lupus patients? That's some crazy numbers 
! Potential repurposing of cancer treatments could be a game-changer too 
.
. But now we have a clear link to EBV, that's gold dust 
! This study puts me in good vibes for those living with lupus - hope is on the horizon 
. Next step? Get the stats on how many people are currently researching EBV-related treatments... just saying 
what i dont get is why didnt we know about this before lol researchers have been saying there was a connection but now it's confirmed 
, causing our own body to turn against us 
. it's like when we're trying to focus on something but our mind keeps wandering off in a million directions 
.
... sometimes they work perfectly fine, and other times... well, we get sick or hurt 
. but isn't it amazing how scientists keep trying to figure out what makes us tick? 
i think that's what makes life so fascinating 
...
. So basically it's saying that one of these viruses is like a super villain in our body and it just wreaks havoc on our immune system... no wonder people with lupus are always tired and in pain 
.
! I know some ppl who have family members with lupus, so I can imagine how scary this must be for them. The thought of a possible EBV vaccine tho... that's like sci-fi stuff 
. Let's hope they can make it happen soon and save some lives 
What a breakthrough! Can't wait for more research & trials... this is gonna change lives!! 
. I'm really hoping this discovery leads to some game-changing treatments for these patients