How Epstein-Barr virus mimics brain proteins and changes B cells in multiple sclerosis
Deciphering the Role of Epstein-Barr Virus Molecular Mimicry and B cell Transformation in Multiple Sclerosis
This project looks at whether Epstein-Barr virus can mimic brain proteins and reprogram B cells in people with multiple sclerosis to drive harmful immune reactions.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Stanford University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Stanford, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11245758 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
From a patient's perspective, researchers will collect B cells from people with and without MS and grow EBV-transformed B cells to see how their gene activity differs. They will test whether those EBV-infected B cells can activate T cells that attack the nervous system. The team will also analyze antibodies that cross-react between EBV proteins and brain proteins to find patterns of molecular mimicry. Finally, they will try to link these immune patterns to distinct MS subtypes with different genetics and clinical features.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates are adults with multiple sclerosis who can provide blood samples and relevant clinical history so researchers can analyze EBV-infected B cells and related antibodies.
Not a fit: People without MS and patients unwilling or unable to provide biological samples are unlikely to gain direct benefit, since this is not a therapeutic trial.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could reveal immune markers and pathways that explain MS in a subset of patients and point to new diagnostic tests or targeted treatments that block the EBV-driven process.
How similar studies have performed: Epidemiology and the success of B cell–targeting therapies support a role for EBV and B cells in MS, but the specific molecular mimicry mechanisms being studied here are relatively new and still under active research.
Where this research is happening
Stanford, United States
- Stanford University — Stanford, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Robinson, William H — Stanford University
- Study coordinator: Robinson, William H
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.