IMMUNOLOGY2025™ Conference Recordings-Functional and molecular mimics link Epstein-Barr virus and lupus autoimmunity

Functional and molecular mimics link Epstein-Barr virus and lupus autoimmunity - Judith James

Video Transcription

Video Summary

The speaker discussed Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) as a potential trigger and driver of lupus, emphasizing that autoimmune disease is often shaped by both genetic risk and environmental factors. EBV persists for life, can reactivate intermittently, and is more common or more active in lupus patients than controls. Evidence presented included abnormal antibody responses to EBV proteins, molecular mimicry with lupus autoantigens, higher viral reactivation markers, and correlations between EBV reactivation and disease onset, activity, and inflammatory cytokines. The talk also highlighted molecular phenotypes of lupus, where EBV reactivation was enriched in specific patient clusters. Finally, the speaker described viral homologs such as EBV IL-10 and LMP1, which may alter immune function and promote autoimmunity, and concluded with optimism about new EBV vaccines that may eventually reduce reactivation, flares, and immune dysregulation in lupus.

Keywords

Epstein-Barr virus

lupus

autoimmune disease

viral reactivation

molecular mimicry

EBV vaccine