Epstein-Barr virus and cytomegalovirus in autoimmune diseases: Are they truly notorious? A preliminary report

O. Barzilai, Y. Sherer, M. Ram, D. Izhaky, J. M. Anaya, Yehuda Shoenfeld

Research output: Chapter in Book/ReportConference contribution

186 Scopus citations

Abstract

To date, it is believed that the origin of autoimmune diseases is one of a multifactorial background. A genetic predisposition, an immune system malfunction or even backfire, hormonal regulation, and environmental factors all play important roles in the pathogenesis of autoimmune diseases. Among these environmental factors, the role of infection is known to be a major one. Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) and cytomegalovirus (CMV) are considered to be notorious as they are consistently associated with multiple autoimmune diseases. A cohort of 1595 serum samples, of 23 different autoimmune disease groups, was screened for evidence of prior infection with EBV and CMV. All samples were screened for antibodies against EBV nuclear antigen-1 (IgG), EBV viral capsid antigen (IgG and IgM), EBV early antigen (IgG), EBV heterophile antibody, and CMV (IgG and IgM) antibodies using Bio-Rad's BioPlex 2200. A new association is proposed between EBV and polymyositis, as results show a significant increase in titers of various EBV target analytes when compared with healthy controls. Our results also support prior information suggesting the association between EBV and multiple autoimmune diseases, including SLE, antiphospholipid syndrome, rheumatoid arthritis, multiple sclerosis, pemphigus vulgaris, giant cell arthritis, Wegener's granulomatosis, and polyarteritis nodosa (PAN). Elevated CMV IgG titers were observed in sera of SLE patients. Our data support the theory that EBV is notoriously associated with many autoimmune diseases. CMV appears to be associated to autoimmune diseases as well, yet establishing this theory requires further investigation.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Title of host publicationAutoimmunity, Part D
Subtitle of host publicationAutoimmune Disease, Annus Mirabilis
PublisherBlackwell Publishing, Inc.
Pages567-577
Number of pages11
ISBN (Print)157331708X, 9781573317085
DOIs
StatePublished - Jun 2007
Externally publishedYes

Publication series

NameAnnals of the New York Academy of Sciences
Volume1108
ISSN (Print)0077-8923
ISSN (Electronic)1749-6632

All Science Journal Classification (ASJC) codes

  • General Neuroscience
  • General Biochemistry, Genetics and Molecular Biology
  • History and Philosophy of Science

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