How an Epstein–Barr virus protein (EBNA2) connects multiple sclerosis risk genes
Binding of Epstein Barr Virus EBNA2 Unifies Multiple Sclerosis Genetic Mechanisms
This work looks at how an Epstein–Barr virus protein changes gene activity in people with or at risk for multiple sclerosis.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Cincinnati Childrens Hosp Med Ctr NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Cincinnati, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11318963 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
You would be asked to give blood so researchers can compare gene activity in immune cells from people with MS and from diverse ancestries. The team will measure how EBV infection and specific genetic variants change gene expression in B cells and downstream effects on T cells. They will use high-throughput lab tests called MPRAs to test many genetic variants in primary B cells and combine those results with patient-derived gene-expression data. The goal is to link EBV-driven, allele-dependent changes to immune cell behavior that relate to MS.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal participants are people with multiple sclerosis or individuals at risk who can provide blood samples and include individuals of European, African, or Asian ancestry.
Not a fit: This research is not a treatment trial, so participants should not expect direct therapeutic benefit or immediate changes to their care.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could reveal how EBV interacts with MS risk genes and point to new targets for treatments or prevention strategies.
How similar studies have performed: Previous studies have linked EBV and the EBNA2 protein to many MS risk loci, but this systematic functional mapping across diverse patients and many variants is relatively new.
Where this research is happening
Cincinnati, United States
- Cincinnati Childrens Hosp Med Ctr — Cincinnati, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Weirauch, Matthew Tyson — Cincinnati Childrens Hosp Med Ctr
- Study coordinator: Weirauch, Matthew Tyson
About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.