Research: EBV triggers viral trigger

Borkosky SS, Whitley C, Kopp-Schneider A, Zur Hausen H, Devilliers EM.Epstein-barr virus stimulates torque teno virus replication: a possible relationship to multiple sclerosis. PLoS One. 2012;7(2):e32160.


Viral infections have been implicated in the pathogenesis of multiple sclerosis. Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) has frequently been investigated as a possible candidate and torque teno virus (TTV) has also been discussed in this context. Nevertheless, mechanistic aspects remain unresolved. We report viral replication, as measured by genome amplification, as well as quantitative PCR of two TTV-HD14 isolates isolated from multiple sclerosis brain in a series of EBV-positive and -negative lymphoblastoid and Burkitt's lymphoma cell lines. Our results demonstrate the replication of both transfected TTV genomes up to day 21 post transfection in all the evaluated cell lines. Quantitative amplification indicates statistically significant enhanced TTV replication in the EBV-positive cell lines, including the EBV-converted BJAB line, in comparison to the EBV-negative Burkitt's lymphoma cell line BJAB. This suggests a helper effect of EBV infections in the replication of TTV. The present study provides information on a possible interaction of EBV and TTV in the aetiology and progression of multiple sclerosis.

EBV Kissing Disease Microbe

Prof G has been building the idea of a dual viral hit hypothesis, where EBV may trigger the activation of another virus such as endogenous retrovirus (HERV) that could be involved in a trigger of MS. This study shows that EBV may trigger another virus called torque teno virus. Could this be another trigger for MS. It is not possible to say until we do something about the virus, this is why we need the Charcot Project. As you can look and find virus in many healthy people too. If it is causative we would want to see this replicated and found in everyone with MS, however it is possible that one could have more than one trigger for the same clinical disease.

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