Understanding how EBV may cause multiple sclerosis in African Americans
Official title: Elucidating the biological mechanisms underlying the association between EBV and MS in African Americans
Funded at Harvard School of Public Health · NIH-11048546 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how the Epstein-Barr virus might be connected to multiple sclerosis in African Americans, hoping to find out if the body's response to the virus could lead to MS, and it could help in creating ways to prevent it, like a vaccine.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Harvard School of Public Health NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Boston, United States) |
| Project start | November 15, 2024 |
| Project end | May 8, 2025 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $763,865 |
| NIH project number | 1R01AI177514-01A1 |
| Project ID | NIH-11048546 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are African Americans, particularly those with a family history of multiple sclerosis or those who have been diagnosed with EBV.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are not of African descent or those who do not have a history of EBV infection may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the link between the Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) and multiple sclerosis (MS) specifically in African Americans. It aims to explore how antibodies produced in response to EBV may mistakenly attack the body's own tissues, potentially leading to MS. By analyzing blood samples collected from military personnel over many years, the study seeks to identify biological mechanisms that could explain the increased incidence and severity of MS in this population. The findings could pave the way for preventive strategies, including the development of an EBV vaccine.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to better understanding and prevention of multiple sclerosis in African Americans.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results in understanding the role of EBV in MS, but this study focuses specifically on African Americans, making it a novel approach.
Where this research is happening
-
Harvard School of Public Health
Boston, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Ascherio, Alberto — Harvard School of Public Health
- Study coordinator: Ascherio, Alberto
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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.