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Eckert S, Jakimovski D, Zivadinov R, Hicar M, Weinstock-Guttman B. How to and should we target EBV in MS? Expert Rev Clin Immunol 2024; 20:703-714. [PMID: 38477887 DOI: 10.1080/1744666x.2024.2328739] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/04/2023] [Accepted: 03/06/2024] [Indexed: 03/14/2024]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION The etiology of multiple sclerosis (MS) remains unknown. Pathogenesis likely relies on a complex interaction between multiple environmental, genetic, and behavioral risk factors. However, a growing body of literature supports the role of a preceding Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) infection in the majority of cases. AREAS COVERED In this narrative review, we summarize the latest findings regarding the potential role of EBV as a predisposing event inducing new onset of MS. EBV interactions with the genetic background and other infectious agents such as human endogenous retrovirus are explored. Additional data regarding the role of EBV regarding the rate of mid- and long-term disease progression is also discussed. Lastly, the effect of currently approved disease-modifying therapies (DMT) for MS treatment on the EBV-based molecular mechanisms and the development of new EBV-specific therapies are further reviewed. EXPERT OPINION Recent strong epidemiological findings support that EBV may be the primary inducing event in certain individuals that shortly thereafter develop MS. More studies are needed in order to better understand the significant variability in susceptibility based on environmental factors such as EBV exposure. Future investigations should focus on determining the specific EBV-related risk antigen(s) and phenotyping people with likely EBV-induced MS. Targeting EBV via several different avenues, including development of an EBV vaccine, may become the mainstay of MS treatment in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Svetlana Eckert
- Jacobs Comprehensive MS Treatment and Research Center, Department of Neurology, Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, University at Buffalo, State University of New York, Buffalo, NY, USA
| | - Dejan Jakimovski
- Jacobs Comprehensive MS Treatment and Research Center, Department of Neurology, Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, University at Buffalo, State University of New York, Buffalo, NY, USA
- Buffalo Neuroimaging Analysis Center, Department of Neurology, Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, University at Buffalo, State University of New York, Buffalo, NY, USA
| | - Robert Zivadinov
- Buffalo Neuroimaging Analysis Center, Department of Neurology, Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, University at Buffalo, State University of New York, Buffalo, NY, USA
- Center for Biomedical Imaging at Clinical Translational Science Institute, University at Buffalo, State University of New York, Buffalo, NY, USA
| | - Mark Hicar
- Department of Pediatrics Jacobs School of Medicine & Biomedical Sciences, University at Buffalo, State University of New York, Buffalo, NY, USA
| | - Bianca Weinstock-Guttman
- Jacobs Comprehensive MS Treatment and Research Center, Department of Neurology, Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, University at Buffalo, State University of New York, Buffalo, NY, USA
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Kettunen P, Koistinaho J, Rolova T. Contribution of CNS and extra-CNS infections to neurodegeneration: a narrative review. J Neuroinflammation 2024; 21:152. [PMID: 38845026 PMCID: PMC11157808 DOI: 10.1186/s12974-024-03139-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/17/2024] [Accepted: 05/23/2024] [Indexed: 06/09/2024] Open
Abstract
Central nervous system infections have been suggested as a possible cause for neurodegenerative diseases, particularly sporadic cases. They trigger neuroinflammation which is considered integrally involved in neurodegenerative processes. In this review, we will look at data linking a variety of viral, bacterial, fungal, and protozoan infections to Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, multiple sclerosis and unspecified dementia. This narrative review aims to bring together a broad range of data currently supporting the involvement of central nervous system infections in the development of neurodegenerative diseases. The idea that no single pathogen or pathogen group is responsible for neurodegenerative diseases will be discussed. Instead, we suggest that a wide range of susceptibility factors may make individuals differentially vulnerable to different infectious pathogens and subsequent pathologies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pinja Kettunen
- Helsinki Institute of Life Science, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Jari Koistinaho
- Helsinki Institute of Life Science, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland.
| | - Taisia Rolova
- Helsinki Institute of Life Science, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
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3
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Tarlinton R, Tanasescu R, Shannon-Lowe C, Gran B. Ocrelizumab B cell depletion has no effect on HERV RNA expression in PBMC in MS patients. Mult Scler Relat Disord 2024; 86:105597. [PMID: 38598954 DOI: 10.1016/j.msard.2024.105597] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/02/2023] [Revised: 01/29/2024] [Accepted: 03/29/2024] [Indexed: 04/12/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Epstein barr virus (EBV) infection of B cells is now understood to be one of the triggering events for the development of Multiple Sclerosis (MS), a progressive immune-mediated disease of the central nervous system. EBV infection is also linked to expression of human endogenous retroviruses (HERVs) of the HERV-W group, a further risk factor for the development of MS. Ocrelizumab is a high-potency disease-modifying treatment (DMT) for MS, which depletes B cells by targeting CD20. OBJECTIVES We studied the effects of ocrelizumab on gene expression in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) from paired samples from 20 patients taken prior to and 6 months after beginning ocrelizumab therapy. We hypothesised that EBV and HERV-W loads would be lower in post-treatment samples. METHODS Samples were collected in Paxgene tubes, subject to RNA extraction and Illumina paired end short read mRNA sequencing with mapping of sequence reads to the human genome using Salmon and differential gene expression compared with DeSeq2. Mapping was also performed separately to the HERV-D database of HERV sequences and the EBV reference sequence. RESULTS Patient samples were more strongly clustered by individual rather than disease type (relapsing/remitting or primary progressive), treatment (pre and post), age, or sex. Fourteen genes, all clearly linked to B cell function were significantly down regulated in the post treatment samples. Interestingly only one pre-treatment sample had detectable EBV RNA and there were no significant differences in HERV expression (of any group) between pre- and post-treatment samples. CONCLUSIONS While EBV and HERV expression are clearly linked to triggering MS pathogenesis, it does not appear that high level expression of these viruses is a part of the ongoing disease process or that changes in virus load are associated with ocrelizumab treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rachael Tarlinton
- School of Veterinary Medicine and Science, University of Nottingham, Sutton Bonington Campus, Loughborough, United Kingdom.
| | - Radu Tanasescu
- Department of Neurology, Nottingham University Hospitals NHS Trust, Queens Medical Centre, Derby Road, Nottingham, United Kingdom; School of Medicine, University of Nottingham, University Park Campus, Nottingham, United Kingdom
| | - Claire Shannon-Lowe
- Institute of Immunology and Immunotherapy, College of Medical and Dental Sciences, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, United Kingdom
| | - Bruno Gran
- Department of Neurology, Nottingham University Hospitals NHS Trust, Queens Medical Centre, Derby Road, Nottingham, United Kingdom; School of Medicine, University of Nottingham, University Park Campus, Nottingham, United Kingdom
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4
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Borghol AH, Bitar ER, Hanna A, Naim G, Rahal EA. The role of Epstein-Barr virus in autoimmune and autoinflammatory diseases. Crit Rev Microbiol 2024:1-21. [PMID: 38634723 DOI: 10.1080/1040841x.2024.2344114] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/16/2024] [Accepted: 04/11/2024] [Indexed: 04/19/2024]
Abstract
Epstein-Barr Virus (EBV), a dsDNA herpesvirus, is believed to play a significant role in exacerbating and potentially triggering autoimmune and autoinflammatory maladies. Around 90% of the world is infected with the virus, which establishes latency within lymphocytes. EBV is also known to cause infectious mononucleosis, a self-limited flu-like illness, in adolescents. EBV is often reactivated and it employs several mechanisms of evading the host immune system. It has also been implicated in inducing host immune dysfunction potentially resulting in exacerbation or triggering of inflammatory processes. EBV has therefore been linked to a number of autoimmune diseases, including systemic lupus erythematosus, multiple sclerosis, rheumatoid arthritis, and Sjögren's syndrome. The review examines the molecular mechanisms through which the virus alters host immune system components thus possibly resulting in autoimmune processes. Understanding the mechanisms underpinning EBV-associated autoimmunity is pivotal; however, the precise causal pathways remain elusive. Research on therapeutic agents and vaccines for EBV has been stagnant for a long number of years until recent advances shed light on potential therapeutic targets. The implications of EBV in autoimmunity underscore the importance of developing targeted therapeutic strategies and, potentially, vaccines to mitigate the autoimmune burden associated with this ubiquitous virus.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abdul Hamid Borghol
- Department of Experimental Pathology, Immunology and Microbiology, Faculty of Medicine, American University of Beirut, Beirut, Lebanon
- Center for Infectious Diseases Research (CIDR), American University of Beirut, Beirut, Lebanon
| | - Elio R Bitar
- Department of Experimental Pathology, Immunology and Microbiology, Faculty of Medicine, American University of Beirut, Beirut, Lebanon
- Center for Infectious Diseases Research (CIDR), American University of Beirut, Beirut, Lebanon
| | - Aya Hanna
- Department of Experimental Pathology, Immunology and Microbiology, Faculty of Medicine, American University of Beirut, Beirut, Lebanon
- Center for Infectious Diseases Research (CIDR), American University of Beirut, Beirut, Lebanon
| | - Georges Naim
- Department of Experimental Pathology, Immunology and Microbiology, Faculty of Medicine, American University of Beirut, Beirut, Lebanon
- Center for Infectious Diseases Research (CIDR), American University of Beirut, Beirut, Lebanon
| | - Elias A Rahal
- Department of Experimental Pathology, Immunology and Microbiology, Faculty of Medicine, American University of Beirut, Beirut, Lebanon
- Center for Infectious Diseases Research (CIDR), American University of Beirut, Beirut, Lebanon
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5
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Viel KCMF, Parameswaran S, Donmez OA, Forney CR, Hass MR, Yin C, Jones SH, Prosser HK, Diouf AA, Gittens OE, Edsall LE, Chen X, Rowden H, Dunn KA, Guo R, VonHandorf A, Leong MML, Ernst K, Kaufman KM, Lawson LP, Gewurz B, Zhao B, Kottyan LC, Weirauch MT. Shared and distinct interactions of type 1 and type 2 Epstein-Barr Nuclear Antigen 2 with the human genome. BMC Genomics 2024; 25:273. [PMID: 38475709 PMCID: PMC10935964 DOI: 10.1186/s12864-024-10183-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/14/2023] [Accepted: 03/04/2024] [Indexed: 03/14/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND There are two major genetic types of Epstein-Barr Virus (EBV): type 1 (EBV-1) and type 2 (EBV-2). EBV functions by manipulating gene expression in host B cells, using virus-encoded gene regulatory proteins including Epstein-Barr Nuclear Antigen 2 (EBNA2). While type 1 EBNA2 is known to interact with human transcription factors (hTFs) such as RBPJ, EBF1, and SPI1 (PU.1), type 2 EBNA2 shares only ~ 50% amino acid identity with type 1 and thus may have distinct binding partners, human genome binding locations, and functions. RESULTS In this study, we examined genome-wide EBNA2 binding in EBV-1 and EBV-2 transformed human B cells to identify shared and unique EBNA2 interactions with the human genome, revealing thousands of type-specific EBNA2 ChIP-seq peaks. Computational predictions based on hTF motifs and subsequent ChIP-seq experiments revealed that both type 1 and 2 EBNA2 co-occupy the genome with SPI1 and AP-1 (BATF and JUNB) hTFs. However, type 1 EBNA2 showed preferential co-occupancy with EBF1, and type 2 EBNA2 preferred RBPJ. These differences in hTF co-occupancy revealed possible mechanisms underlying type-specific gene expression of known EBNA2 human target genes: MYC (shared), CXCR7 (type 1 specific), and CD21 (type 2 specific). Both type 1 and 2 EBNA2 binding events were enriched at systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) and multiple sclerosis (MS) risk loci, while primary biliary cholangitis (PBC) risk loci were specifically enriched for type 2 peaks. CONCLUSIONS This study reveals extensive type-specific EBNA2 interactions with the human genome, possible differences in EBNA2 interaction partners, and a possible new role for type 2 EBNA2 in autoimmune disorders. Our results highlight the importance of considering EBV type in the control of human gene expression and disease-related investigations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kenyatta C M F Viel
- Molecular and Developmental Biology Graduate Program, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, OH, 45267, USA
- Center for Autoimmune Genomics and Etiology, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH, 45229, USA
| | - Sreeja Parameswaran
- Center for Autoimmune Genomics and Etiology, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH, 45229, USA
| | - Omer A Donmez
- Center for Autoimmune Genomics and Etiology, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH, 45229, USA
| | - Carmy R Forney
- Center for Autoimmune Genomics and Etiology, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH, 45229, USA
| | - Matthew R Hass
- Center for Autoimmune Genomics and Etiology, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH, 45229, USA
| | - Cailing Yin
- Center for Autoimmune Genomics and Etiology, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH, 45229, USA
| | - Sydney H Jones
- Center for Autoimmune Genomics and Etiology, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH, 45229, USA
| | - Hayley K Prosser
- Center for Autoimmune Genomics and Etiology, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH, 45229, USA
| | - Arame A Diouf
- Center for Autoimmune Genomics and Etiology, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH, 45229, USA
| | - Olivia E Gittens
- Center for Autoimmune Genomics and Etiology, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH, 45229, USA
| | - Lee E Edsall
- Center for Autoimmune Genomics and Etiology, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH, 45229, USA
| | - Xiaoting Chen
- Center for Autoimmune Genomics and Etiology, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH, 45229, USA
| | - Hope Rowden
- Center for Autoimmune Genomics and Etiology, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH, 45229, USA
| | - Katelyn A Dunn
- Center for Autoimmune Genomics and Etiology, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH, 45229, USA
| | - Rui Guo
- Department of Molecular Biology and Microbiology, Tufts University School of Medicine, 145 Harrison Ave, Boston, MA, 02111, USA
| | - Andrew VonHandorf
- Center for Autoimmune Genomics and Etiology, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH, 45229, USA
| | - Merrin Man Long Leong
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, 02115, USA
| | - Kevin Ernst
- Center for Autoimmune Genomics and Etiology, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH, 45229, USA
| | - Kenneth M Kaufman
- Center for Autoimmune Genomics and Etiology, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH, 45229, USA
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, OH, 45267, USA
- Division of Human Genetics, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH, 45229, USA
| | - Lucinda P Lawson
- Center for Autoimmune Genomics and Etiology, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH, 45229, USA
| | - Ben Gewurz
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, 02115, USA
| | - Bo Zhao
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, 02115, USA
| | - Leah C Kottyan
- Center for Autoimmune Genomics and Etiology, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH, 45229, USA.
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, OH, 45267, USA.
- Division of Human Genetics, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH, 45229, USA.
| | - Matthew T Weirauch
- Center for Autoimmune Genomics and Etiology, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH, 45229, USA.
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, OH, 45267, USA.
- Division of Human Genetics, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH, 45229, USA.
- Division of Biomedical Informatics, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH, 45229, USA.
- Division of Developmental Biology, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH, 45229, USA.
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6
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Ziaei A, Solomon O, Casper TC, Waltz M, Weinstock-Guttman B, Aaen G, Wheeler Y, Graves J, Benson L, Gorman M, Rensel M, Mar S, Lotze T, Greenberg B, Chitnis T, Waldman AT, Krupp L, James JA, Hart J, Barcellos LF, Waubant E. Gene-environment interactions: Epstein-Barr virus infection and risk of pediatric-onset multiple sclerosis. Mult Scler 2024; 30:308-315. [PMID: 38332747 PMCID: PMC11093131 DOI: 10.1177/13524585231224685] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/10/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE Prior Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) infection is associated with an increased risk of pediatric-onset multiple sclerosis (POMS) and adult-onset multiple sclerosis (MS). It has been challenging to elucidate the biological mechanisms underlying this association. We examined the interactions between candidate human leukocyte antigen (HLA) and non-HLA variants and childhood EBV infection as it may provide mechanistic insights into EBV-associated MS. METHODS Cases and controls were enrolled in the Environmental and Genetic Risk Factors for Pediatric MS study of the US Network of Pediatric MS Centers. Participants were categorized as seropositive and seronegative for EBV-viral capsid antigen (VCA). The association between prior EBV infection and having POMS was estimated with logistic regression. Interactions between EBV serostatus, major HLA MS risk factors, and non-HLA POMS risk variants associated with response to EBV infection were also evaluated with logistic regression. Models were adjusted for sex, age, genetic ancestry, and the mother's education. Additive interactions were calculated using relative risk due to interaction (RERI) and attributable proportions (APs). RESULTS A total of 473 POMS cases and 702 controls contributed to the analyses. Anti-VCA seropositivity was significantly higher in POMS cases compared to controls (94.6% vs 60.7%, p < 0.001). There was evidence for additive interaction between childhood EBV infection and the presence of the HLA-DRB1*15 allele (RERI = 10.25, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 3.78 to 16.72; AP = 0.61, 95% CI = 0.47 to 0.75). There was evidence for multiplicative interaction (p < 0.05) between childhood EBV infection and the presence of DRB1*15 alleles (odds ratio (OR) = 3.43, 95% CI = 1.06 to 11.07). Among the pediatric MS variants also associated with EBV infection, we detected evidence for additive interaction (p = 0.02) between prior EBV infection and the presence of the GG genotype in risk variant (rs2255214) within CD86 (AP = 0.30, 95% CI = 0.03 to 0.58). CONCLUSION We report evidence for interactions between childhood EBV infection and DRB1*15 and the GG genotype of CD86 POMS risk variant. Our results suggest an important role of antigen-presenting cells (APCs) in EBV-associated POMS risk.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amin Ziaei
- University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA/Department of Pathology & Laboratory Medicine, University of California, Irvine Medical Center (UCIMC), Orange, CA, USA
| | - Olivia Solomon
- Division of Epidemiology and Genetic Epidemiology and Genomics Laboratory, School of Public Health, University of California, Berkeley, Berkeley, CA, USA
| | | | | | | | - Greg Aaen
- Loma Linda University Children's Hospital, Loma Linda, CA, USA
| | - Yolanda Wheeler
- The University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, USA
| | | | - Leslie Benson
- Pediatric Multiple Sclerosis and Related Disorders Program, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Mark Gorman
- Pediatric Multiple Sclerosis and Related Disorders Program, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
| | | | - Soe Mar
- Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, MO, USA
| | - Tim Lotze
- Texas Children's Hospital, Houston, TX, USA
| | | | - Tanuja Chitnis
- Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Amy T Waldman
- Division of Child Neurology, The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Lauren Krupp
- New York University Medical Center, New York, NY, USA
| | - Judith A James
- Oklahoma Medical Research Foundation, The University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, OK, USA
| | - Janace Hart
- University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Lisa F Barcellos
- Division of Epidemiology and Genetic Epidemiology and Genomics Laboratory, School of Public Health, University of California, Berkeley, Berkeley, CA, USA
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7
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Lape M, Schnell D, Parameswaran S, Ernst K, Salomonis N, Martin LJ, Harnett BM, Kottyan LC, Weirauch MT. After the Infection: A Survey of Pathogens and Non-communicable Human Disease. MEDRXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR HEALTH SCIENCES 2023:2023.09.14.23295428. [PMID: 37745430 PMCID: PMC10516055 DOI: 10.1101/2023.09.14.23295428] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 09/26/2023]
Abstract
There are many well-established relationships between pathogens and human disease, but far fewer when focusing on non-communicable diseases (NCDs). We leverage data from The UK Biobank and TriNetX to perform a systematic survey across 20 pathogens and 426 diseases, focused primarily on NCDs. To this end, we assess the association between disease status and infection history proxies. We identify 206 pathogen-disease pairs that replicate in both cohorts. We replicate many established relationships, including Helicobacter pylori with several gastroenterological diseases, and connections between Epstein-Barr virus with multiple sclerosis and lupus. Overall, our approach identified evidence of association for 15 of the pathogens and 96 distinct diseases, including a currently controversial link between human cytomegalovirus (CMV) and ulcerative colitis (UC). We validate this connection through two orthogonal analyses, revealing increased CMV gene expression in UC patients and enrichment for UC genetic risk signal near human genes that have altered expression upon CMV infection. Collectively, these results form a foundation for future investigations into mechanistic roles played by pathogens in disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael Lape
- Department of Biomedical Informatics, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, Ohio, USA
- Division of Biomedical Informatics, Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, Ohio, USA
- Center for Autoimmune Genomics and Etiology, Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, Ohio, USA
| | - Daniel Schnell
- Division of Biomedical Informatics, Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, Ohio, USA
| | - Sreeja Parameswaran
- Center for Autoimmune Genomics and Etiology, Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, Ohio, USA
- Division of Human Genetics, Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH, USA
| | - Kevin Ernst
- Center for Autoimmune Genomics and Etiology, Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, Ohio, USA
| | - Nathan Salomonis
- Department of Biomedical Informatics, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, Ohio, USA
- Division of Biomedical Informatics, Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, Ohio, USA
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, Ohio, USA
| | - Lisa J. Martin
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, Ohio, USA
- Division of Human Genetics, Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH, USA
| | - Brett M. Harnett
- Department of Biomedical Informatics, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, Ohio, USA
| | - Leah C. Kottyan
- Center for Autoimmune Genomics and Etiology, Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, Ohio, USA
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, Ohio, USA
- Division of Human Genetics, Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH, USA
| | - Matthew T. Weirauch
- Division of Biomedical Informatics, Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, Ohio, USA
- Center for Autoimmune Genomics and Etiology, Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, Ohio, USA
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, Ohio, USA
- Division of Developmental Biology, Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH, USA
- Division of Human Genetics, Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH, USA
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8
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Afrasiabi A, Ahlenstiel C, Swaminathan S, Parnell GP. The interaction between Epstein-Barr virus and multiple sclerosis genetic risk loci: insights into disease pathogenesis and therapeutic opportunities. Clin Transl Immunology 2023; 12:e1454. [PMID: 37337612 PMCID: PMC10276892 DOI: 10.1002/cti2.1454] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/09/2023] [Revised: 05/30/2023] [Accepted: 06/05/2023] [Indexed: 06/21/2023] Open
Abstract
Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a chronic neurodegenerative autoimmune disease, characterised by the demyelination of neurons in the central nervous system. Whilst it is unclear what precisely leads to MS, it is believed that genetic predisposition combined with environmental factors plays a pivotal role. It is estimated that close to half the disease risk is determined by genetic factors. However, the risk of developing MS cannot be attributed to genetic factors alone, and environmental factors are likely to play a significant role by themselves or in concert with host genetics. Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) infection is the strongest known environmental risk factor for MS. There has been increasing evidence that leaves little doubt that EBV is necessary, but not sufficient, for developing MS. One plausible explanation is EBV may alter the host immune response in the presence of MS risk alleles and this contributes to the pathogenesis of MS. In this review, we discuss recent findings regarding how EBV infection may contribute to MS pathogenesis via interactions with genetic risk loci and discuss possible therapeutic interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ali Afrasiabi
- EBV Molecular Lab, Centre for Immunology and Allergy Research, Westmead Institute for Medical ResearchUniversity of SydneySydneyNSWAustralia
- The Graduate School of Biomedical EngineeringUniversity of New South WalesSydneyNSWAustralia
| | - Chantelle Ahlenstiel
- Kirby InstituteUniversity of New South WalesSydneyNSWAustralia
- RNA InstituteUniversity of New South WalesSydneyNSWAustralia
| | - Sanjay Swaminathan
- EBV Molecular Lab, Centre for Immunology and Allergy Research, Westmead Institute for Medical ResearchUniversity of SydneySydneyNSWAustralia
- Department of MedicineWestern Sydney UniversitySydneyNSWAustralia
| | - Grant P Parnell
- EBV Molecular Lab, Centre for Immunology and Allergy Research, Westmead Institute for Medical ResearchUniversity of SydneySydneyNSWAustralia
- Biomedical Informatics and Digital Health, School of Medical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and HealthThe University of SydneySydneyNSWAustralia
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9
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Frau J, Coghe G, Lorefice L, Fenu G, Cocco E. The Role of Microorganisms in the Etiopathogenesis of Demyelinating Diseases. Life (Basel) 2023; 13:1309. [PMID: 37374092 DOI: 10.3390/life13061309] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/01/2023] [Revised: 05/28/2023] [Accepted: 05/29/2023] [Indexed: 06/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Multiple sclerosis (MS), neuromyelitis optica (NMO) and myelin oligodendrocyte glycoprotein antibody disease (MOGAD) are inflammatory diseases of the central nervous system (CNS) with a multifactorial aetiology. Environmental factors are important for their development and microorganisms could play a determining role. They can directly damage the CNS, but their interaction with the immune system is even more important. The possible mechanisms involved include molecular mimicry, epitope spreading, bystander activation and the dual cell receptor theory. The role of Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) in MS has been definitely established, since being seropositive is a necessary condition for the onset of MS. EBV interacts with genetic and environmental factors, such as low levels of vitamin D and human endogenous retrovirus (HERV), another microorganism implicated in the disease. Many cases of onset or exacerbation of neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder (NMOSD) have been described after infection with Mycobacterium tuberculosis, EBV and human immunodeficiency virus; however, no definite association with a virus has been found. A possible role has been suggested for Helicobacter pylori, in particular in individuals with aquaporin 4 antibodies. The onset of MOGAD could occur after an infection, mainly in the monophasic course of the disease. A role for the HERV in MOGAD has been hypothesized. In this review, we examined the current understanding of the involvement of infectious factors in MS, NMO and MOGAD. Our objective was to elucidate the roles of each microorganism in initiating the diseases and influencing their clinical progression. We aimed to discuss both the infectious factors that have a well-established role and those that have yielded conflicting results across various studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jessica Frau
- Multiple Sclerosis Centre, ASL Cagliari, 09126 Cagliari, Italy
| | - Giancarlo Coghe
- Multiple Sclerosis Centre, ASL Cagliari, 09126 Cagliari, Italy
| | - Lorena Lorefice
- Multiple Sclerosis Centre, ASL Cagliari, 09126 Cagliari, Italy
| | | | - Eleonora Cocco
- Multiple Sclerosis Centre, ASL Cagliari, 09126 Cagliari, Italy
- Department of Medical Sciences and Public Health, University of Cagliari, 09124 Cagliari, Italy
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10
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Ortega-Hernandez OD, Martínez-Cáceres EM, Presas-Rodríguez S, Ramo-Tello C. Epstein-Barr Virus and Multiple Sclerosis: A Convoluted Interaction and the Opportunity to Unravel Predictive Biomarkers. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24087407. [PMID: 37108566 PMCID: PMC10138841 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24087407] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/14/2023] [Revised: 04/06/2023] [Accepted: 04/13/2023] [Indexed: 04/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Since the early 1980s, Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) infection has been described as one of the main risk factors for developing multiple sclerosis (MS), and recently, new epidemiological evidence has reinforced this premise. EBV seroconversion precedes almost 99% of the new cases of MS and likely predates the first clinical symptoms. The molecular mechanisms of this association are complex and may involve different immunological routes, perhaps all running in parallel (i.e., molecular mimicry, the bystander damage theory, abnormal cytokine networks, and coinfection of EBV with retroviruses, among others). However, despite the large amount of evidence available on these topics, the ultimate role of EBV in the pathogenesis of MS is not fully understood. For instance, it is unclear why after EBV infection some individuals develop MS while others evolve to lymphoproliferative disorders or systemic autoimmune diseases. In this regard, recent studies suggest that the virus may exert epigenetic control over MS susceptibility genes by means of specific virulence factors. Such genetic manipulation has been described in virally-infected memory B cells from patients with MS and are thought to be the main source of autoreactive immune responses. Yet, the role of EBV infection in the natural history of MS and in the initiation of neurodegeneration is even less clear. In this narrative review, we will discuss the available evidence on these topics and the possibility of harnessing such immunological alterations to uncover predictive biomarkers for the onset of MS and perhaps facilitate prognostication of the clinical course.
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Affiliation(s)
- Oscar-Danilo Ortega-Hernandez
- Multiple Sclerosis Unit, Department of Neurosciences, Hospital Universitari Germans Trias i Pujol-IGTP, 08916 Badalona, Spain
| | - Eva M Martínez-Cáceres
- Department of Immunology, Hospital Universitari Germans Trias i Pujol-IGTP, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, 08916 Badalona, Spain
| | - Silvia Presas-Rodríguez
- Multiple Sclerosis Unit, Department of Neurosciences, Hospital Universitari Germans Trias i Pujol-IGTP, 08916 Badalona, Spain
| | - Cristina Ramo-Tello
- Multiple Sclerosis Unit, Department of Neurosciences, Hospital Universitari Germans Trias i Pujol-IGTP, 08916 Badalona, Spain
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11
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Aloisi F, Giovannoni G, Salvetti M. Epstein-Barr virus as a cause of multiple sclerosis: opportunities for prevention and therapy. Lancet Neurol 2023; 22:338-349. [PMID: 36764322 DOI: 10.1016/s1474-4422(22)00471-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 37.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2022] [Revised: 10/27/2022] [Accepted: 11/04/2022] [Indexed: 02/10/2023]
Abstract
Multiple sclerosis is a chronic inflammatory disease of the CNS that results from the interplay between heritable and environmental factors. Mounting evidence from different fields of research supports the pivotal role of the Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) in the development of multiple sclerosis. However, translating this knowledge into clinically actionable information requires a better understanding of the mechanisms linking EBV to pathophysiology. Ongoing research is trying to clarify whether EBV causes neuroinflammation via autoimmunity or antiviral immunity, and if the interaction of EBV with genetic susceptibility to multiple sclerosis can explain why a ubiquitous virus promotes immune dysfunction in susceptible individuals. If EBV also has a role in driving disease activity, the characterisation of this role will help diagnosis, prognosis, and treatment in people with multiple sclerosis. Ongoing clinical trials targeting EBV and new anti-EBV vaccines provide hope for future treatments and preventive interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francesca Aloisi
- Department of Neuroscience, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Rome, Italy.
| | - Gavin Giovannoni
- Preventive Neurology Unit, Wolfson Institute of Preventive Medicine and Blizard Institute, Queen Mary University, London, UK
| | - Marco Salvetti
- Department of Neurosciences, Mental Health and Sensory Organs, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy; IRCCS Neuromed, Pozzilli, Italy
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12
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Bjornevik K, Münz C, Cohen JI, Ascherio A. Epstein-Barr virus as a leading cause of multiple sclerosis: mechanisms and implications. Nat Rev Neurol 2023; 19:160-171. [PMID: 36759741 DOI: 10.1038/s41582-023-00775-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 59] [Impact Index Per Article: 59.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 01/11/2023] [Indexed: 02/11/2023]
Abstract
Epidemiological studies have provided compelling evidence that multiple sclerosis (MS) is a rare complication of infection with the Epstein-Barr virus (EBV), a herpesvirus that infects more than 90% of the global population. This link was long suspected because the risk of MS increases markedly after infectious mononucleosis (symptomatic primary EBV infection) and with high titres of antibodies to specific EBV antigens. However, it was not until 2022 that a longitudinal study demonstrated that MS risk is minimal in individuals who are not infected with EBV and that it increases over 30-fold following EBV infection. Over the past few years, a number of studies have provided clues on the underlying mechanisms, which might help us to develop more targeted treatments for MS. In this Review, we discuss the evidence linking EBV to the development of MS and the mechanisms by which the virus is thought to cause the disease. Furthermore, we discuss implications for the treatment and prevention of MS, including the use of antivirals and vaccines.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kjetil Bjornevik
- Department of Nutrition, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA, USA
- Department of Epidemiology, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Christian Münz
- Viral Immunobiology, Institute of Experimental Immunology, University of Zürich, Zürich, Switzerland
| | - Jeffrey I Cohen
- Laboratory of Infectious Diseases, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, NIH, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Alberto Ascherio
- Department of Nutrition, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA, USA.
- Department of Epidemiology, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA, USA.
- Channing Laboratory, Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital, and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA.
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13
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Virolainen SJ, VonHandorf A, Viel KCMF, Weirauch MT, Kottyan LC. Gene-environment interactions and their impact on human health. Genes Immun 2023; 24:1-11. [PMID: 36585519 PMCID: PMC9801363 DOI: 10.1038/s41435-022-00192-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 20.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/13/2022] [Revised: 12/09/2022] [Accepted: 12/13/2022] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
The molecular processes underlying human health and disease are highly complex. Often, genetic and environmental factors contribute to a given disease or phenotype in a non-additive manner, yielding a gene-environment (G × E) interaction. In this work, we broadly review current knowledge on the impact of gene-environment interactions on human health. We first explain the independent impact of genetic variation and the environment. We next detail well-established G × E interactions that impact human health involving environmental toxicants, pollution, viruses, and sex chromosome composition. We conclude with possibilities and challenges for studying G × E interactions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Samuel J Virolainen
- Division of Human Genetics, Center for Autoimmune Genomics and Etiology, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, 3333 Burnet Ave., Cincinnati, OH, 45229, USA
- Immunology Graduate Program, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, 3230 Eden Ave, Cincinnati, OH, 45229, USA
| | - Andrew VonHandorf
- Division of Human Genetics, Center for Autoimmune Genomics and Etiology, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, 3333 Burnet Ave., Cincinnati, OH, 45229, USA
| | - Kenyatta C M F Viel
- Division of Human Genetics, Center for Autoimmune Genomics and Etiology, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, 3333 Burnet Ave., Cincinnati, OH, 45229, USA
| | - Matthew T Weirauch
- Division of Human Genetics, Center for Autoimmune Genomics and Etiology, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, 3333 Burnet Ave., Cincinnati, OH, 45229, USA.
- Immunology Graduate Program, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, 3230 Eden Ave, Cincinnati, OH, 45229, USA.
- Divisions of Biomedical Informatics and Developmental Biology, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, 3333 Burnet Ave., Cincinnati, OH, 45229, USA.
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, 3230 Eden Ave, Cincinnati, OH, 45229, USA.
| | - Leah C Kottyan
- Division of Human Genetics, Center for Autoimmune Genomics and Etiology, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, 3333 Burnet Ave., Cincinnati, OH, 45229, USA.
- Immunology Graduate Program, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, 3230 Eden Ave, Cincinnati, OH, 45229, USA.
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, 3230 Eden Ave, Cincinnati, OH, 45229, USA.
- Division of Allergy and Immunology, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, 3333 Burnet Ave., MLC 15012, Cincinnati, OH, 45229, USA.
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14
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Sedighi S, Gholizadeh O, Yasamineh S, Akbarzadeh S, Amini P, Favakehi P, Afkhami H, Firouzi-Amandi A, Pahlevan D, Eslami M, Yousefi B, Poortahmasebi V, Dadashpour M. Comprehensive Investigations Relationship Between Viral Infections and Multiple Sclerosis Pathogenesis. Curr Microbiol 2023; 80:15. [PMID: 36459252 PMCID: PMC9716500 DOI: 10.1007/s00284-022-03112-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/08/2022] [Accepted: 11/05/2022] [Indexed: 12/04/2022]
Abstract
Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a chronic autoimmune disease that affects the central nervous system (CNS). Compared to other types of self-limiting myelin disorders, MS compartmentalizes and maintains chronic inflammation in the CNS. Even though the exact cause of MS is unclear, it is assumed that genetic and environmental factors play an important role in susceptibility to this disease. The progression of MS is triggered by certain environmental factors, such as viral infections. The most important viruses that affect MS are Epstein-Barr virus (EBV), human herpes virus 6 (HHV-6), human endogenous retrovirus (HERV), cytomegalovirus (CMV), and varicella zoster virus (VZV). These viruses all have latent stages that allow them to escape immune detection and reactivate after exposure to various stimuli. Furthermore, their tropism for CNS and immune system cells explains their possible deleterious function in neuroinflammation. In this study, the effect of viral infections on MS disease focuses on the details of viruses that can change the risk of the disease. Paying attention to the most recent articles on the role of SARS-CoV-2 in MS disease, laboratory indicators show the interaction of the immune system with the virus. Also, strategies to prevent viruses that play a role in triggering MS are discussed, such as EBV, which is one of the most important.
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Affiliation(s)
- Somayeh Sedighi
- Department of Immunology, Faculty of Medicine, Medical Science of Mashhad, Mashhad, Iran
| | - Omid Gholizadeh
- Department of Bacteriology and Virology, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
- Research Center for Clinical Virology, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Saman Yasamineh
- Research Center for Clinical Virology, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Sama Akbarzadeh
- Department of Animal Biology, Faculty of Natural Science, University of Tabriz, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Parya Amini
- Research Center for Clinical Virology, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Parnia Favakehi
- Department of Microbiology, Falavargan Branch, Islamic Azad University, Isfahan, Iran
| | - Hamed Afkhami
- Department of Bacteriology, Faculty of Medicine, Medical Science of Shahed, Tehran, Iran
| | - Akram Firouzi-Amandi
- Department of Immunology, Faculty of Medicine, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Daryoush Pahlevan
- Determinants of Health Research Center, Semnan University of Medical Sciences, Semnan, Iran
| | - Majid Eslami
- Department of Bacteriology and Virology, Semnan University of Medical Sciences, Semnan, Iran
| | - Bahman Yousefi
- Cancer Research Center, Semnan University of Medical Sciences, Semnan, Iran
| | - Vahdat Poortahmasebi
- Department of Bacteriology and Virology, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran.
| | - Mehdi Dadashpour
- Cancer Research Center, Semnan University of Medical Sciences, Semnan, Iran.
- Department of Medical Biotechnology, Faculty of Medicine, Semnan University of Medical Sciences, Semnan, Iran.
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15
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Abstract
Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) is a ubiquitous human lymphotropic herpesvirus with a well-established causal role in several cancers. Recent studies have provided compelling epidemiological and mechanistic evidence for a causal role of EBV in multiple sclerosis (MS). MS is the most prevalent chronic inflammatory and neurodegenerative disease of the central nervous system and is thought to be triggered in genetically predisposed individuals by an infectious agent, with EBV as the lead candidate. How a ubiquitous virus that typically leads to benign latent infections can promote cancer and autoimmune disease in at-risk populations is not fully understood. Here we review the evidence that EBV is a causal agent for MS and how various risk factors may affect EBV infection and immune control. We focus on EBV contributing to MS through reprogramming of latently infected B lymphocytes and the chronic presentation of viral antigens as a potential source of autoreactivity through molecular mimicry. We consider how knowledge of EBV-associated cancers may be instructive for understanding the role of EBV in MS and discuss the potential for therapies that target EBV to treat MS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Samantha S. Soldan
- grid.251075.40000 0001 1956 6678The Wistar Institute, Philadelphia, PA USA
| | - Paul M. Lieberman
- grid.251075.40000 0001 1956 6678The Wistar Institute, Philadelphia, PA USA
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16
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Labani M, Beheshti A, Lovell NH, Alinejad-Rokny H, Afrasiabi A. KARAJ: An Efficient Adaptive Multi-Processor Tool to Streamline Genomic and Transcriptomic Sequence Data Acquisition. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:14418. [PMID: 36430895 PMCID: PMC9694301 DOI: 10.3390/ijms232214418] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/13/2022] [Revised: 11/15/2022] [Accepted: 11/17/2022] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Here we developed KARAJ, a fast and flexible Linux command-line tool to automate the end-to-end process of querying and downloading a wide range of genomic and transcriptomic sequence data types. The input to KARAJ is a list of PMCIDs or publication URLs or various types of accession numbers to automate four tasks as follows; firstly, it provides a summary list of accessible datasets generated by or used in these scientific articles, enabling users to select appropriate datasets; secondly, KARAJ calculates the size of files that users want to download and confirms the availability of adequate space on the local disk; thirdly, it generates a metadata table containing sample information and the experimental design of the corresponding study; and lastly, it enables users to download supplementary data tables attached to publications. Further, KARAJ provides a parallel downloading framework powered by Aspera connect which reduces the downloading time significantly.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mahdieh Labani
- Biomedical Machine Learning Lab, The Graduate School of Biomedical Engineering, University of New South Wales (UNSW), Sydney, NSW 2052, Australia
- Data Analytics Lab, Department of Computing, Macquarie University, Sydney, NSW 2109, Australia
| | - Amin Beheshti
- Data Analytics Lab, Department of Computing, Macquarie University, Sydney, NSW 2109, Australia
| | - Nigel H. Lovell
- The Graduate School of Biomedical Engineering (GSBmE), University of New South Wales (UNSW), Sydney, NSW 2052, Australia
- Tyree Institute of Health Engineering (IHealthE), University of New South Wales (UNSW), Sydney, NSW 2052, Australia
| | - Hamid Alinejad-Rokny
- Biomedical Machine Learning Lab, The Graduate School of Biomedical Engineering, University of New South Wales (UNSW), Sydney, NSW 2052, Australia
- UNSW Data Science Hub, University of New South Wales (UNSW), Sydney, NSW 2052, Australia
- Health Data Analytics Program, Centre for Applied Artificial Intelligence, Macquarie University, Sydney, NSW 2109, Australia
| | - Ali Afrasiabi
- Biomedical Machine Learning Lab, The Graduate School of Biomedical Engineering, University of New South Wales (UNSW), Sydney, NSW 2052, Australia
- Centre for Immunology and Allergy Research, Westmead Institute for Medical Research, University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW 2006, Australia
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17
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MINI-review of Epstein-Barr virus involvement in multiple sclerosis etiology and pathogenesis. J Neuroimmunol 2022; 371:577935. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jneuroim.2022.577935] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/27/2022] [Revised: 07/11/2022] [Accepted: 07/24/2022] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
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18
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Afrasiabi A, Keane JT, Ong LTC, Alinejad-Rokny H, Fewings NL, Booth DR, Parnell GP, Swaminathan S. Genetic and transcriptomic analyses support a switch to lytic phase in Epstein Barr virus infection as an important driver in developing Systemic Lupus Erythematosus. J Autoimmun 2021; 127:102781. [PMID: 34952359 DOI: 10.1016/j.jaut.2021.102781] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/05/2021] [Revised: 12/04/2021] [Accepted: 12/10/2021] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
To investigate the molecular mechanisms through which Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) may contribute to Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE) pathogenesis, we interrogated SLE genetic risk loci for signatures of EBV infection. We first compared the gene expression profile of SLE risk genes across 459 different cell/tissue types. EBV-infected B cells (LCLs) had the strongest representation of highly expressed SLE risk genes. By determining an SLE risk allele effect on gene expression (expression quantitative trait loci, eQTL) in LCLs and 16 other immune cell types, we identified 79 SLE risk locus:gene pairs putatively interacting with EBV infection. A total of 10 SLE risk genes from this list (CD40, LYST, JAZF1, IRF5, BLK, IKZF2, IL12RB2, FAM167A, PTPRC and SLC15A) were targeted by the EBV transcription factor, EBNA2, differentially expressed between LCLs and B cells, and the majority were also associated with EBV DNA copy number, and expression level of EBV encoded genes. Our final gene network model based on these genes is suggestive of a nexus involving SLE risk loci and EBV latency III and B cell proliferation signalling pathways. Collectively, our findings provide further evidence to support the interaction between SLE risk loci and EBV infection that is in part mediated by EBNA2. This interplay may increase the tendency towards EBV lytic switching dependent on the presence of SLE risk alleles. These results support further investigation into targeting EBV as a therapeutic strategy for SLE.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ali Afrasiabi
- EBV Molecular Lab, Centre for Immunology and Allergy Research, Westmead Institute for Medical Research, University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia; BioMedical Machine Learning Lab (BML), The Graduate School of Biomedical Engineering, UNSW Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Jeremy Thomas Keane
- EBV Molecular Lab, Centre for Immunology and Allergy Research, Westmead Institute for Medical Research, University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Lawrence T C Ong
- EBV Molecular Lab, Centre for Immunology and Allergy Research, Westmead Institute for Medical Research, University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Hamid Alinejad-Rokny
- BioMedical Machine Learning Lab (BML), The Graduate School of Biomedical Engineering, UNSW Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia; Health Data Analytics Program Leader, AI-enabled Processes (AIP) Research Centre, Macquarie University, Sydney, 2109, Australia; Core Member of UNSW Data Science Hub, The University of New South Wales (UNSW Sydney), Sydney, NSW, 2052, Australia
| | - Nicole Louise Fewings
- EBV Molecular Lab, Centre for Immunology and Allergy Research, Westmead Institute for Medical Research, University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia; Westmead Clinical School, Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia
| | - David Richmond Booth
- EBV Molecular Lab, Centre for Immunology and Allergy Research, Westmead Institute for Medical Research, University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Grant Peter Parnell
- EBV Molecular Lab, Centre for Immunology and Allergy Research, Westmead Institute for Medical Research, University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia; Biomedical Informatics and Digital Health, School of Medical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia.
| | - Sanjay Swaminathan
- EBV Molecular Lab, Centre for Immunology and Allergy Research, Westmead Institute for Medical Research, University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia; Department of Medicine, Western Sydney University, Sydney, NSW, Australia.
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19
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Läderach F, Münz C. Epstein Barr Virus Exploits Genetic Susceptibility to Increase Multiple Sclerosis Risk. Microorganisms 2021; 9:2191. [PMID: 34835317 PMCID: PMC8625064 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms9112191] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/29/2021] [Revised: 10/12/2021] [Accepted: 10/13/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Multiple sclerosis (MS) is an autoimmune disease of the central nervous system (CNS) for which both genetic and environmental risk factors have been identified. The strongest synergy among them exists between the MHC class II haplotype and infection with the Epstein Barr virus (EBV), especially symptomatic primary EBV infection (infectious mononucleosis) and elevated EBV-specific antibodies. In this review, we will summarize the epidemiological evidence that EBV infection is a prerequisite for MS development, describe altered EBV specific immune responses in MS patients, and speculate about possible pathogenic mechanisms for the synergy between EBV infection and the MS-associated MHC class II haplotype. We will also discuss how at least one of these mechanisms might explain the recent success of B cell-depleting therapies for MS. While a better mechanistic understanding of the role of EBV infection and its immune control during MS pathogenesis is required and calls for the development of innovative experimental systems to test the proposed mechanisms, therapies targeting EBV-infected B cells are already starting to be explored in MS patients.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Christian Münz
- Viral Immunobiology, Institute of Experimental Immunology, University of Zurich, 8057 Zurich, Switzerland; or
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20
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Abstract
Multiple sclerosis (MS) is an inflammatory autoimmune demyelinating disease of the central nervous system (CNS) [1]. Its debilitating effects on sensory, motor, autonomic, and neurocognitive functions affect primarily young adults, especially women (two to three times more frequent than in men), and is most frequent in northern countries, affecting more than 150 individuals of every 100,000 inhabitants e.g. in Canada and the Scandinavian countries. The development of this often initially relapsing/remitting and later progressive disease is associated with genetic and environmental risk factors [1, 3]. The major histocompatibility complex (MHC) class II gene locus is by far the most prominent genetic risk factor, and altered immune responses to the Epstein Barr virus (EBV), the causative infectious agent of most cases of infectious mononucleosis or “kissing disease”, have in recent years emerged as the most prominent environment induced risk factors for MS [1]. Interestingly, particularly infectious mononucleosis as symptomatic primary EBV infection, caused by a lymphocytosis of mainly lytic EBV antigen specific CD8+ T cells, and elevated antibody responses against EBV have been found to synergize with the MS associated MHC class II molecule HLA-DRB1*1501 to increase MS risk seven- to fifteen-fold, respectively [1]. Moreover, EBV infection seems to precede MS onset by several years in nearly all patients. Thus, EBV infection currently appears as a prerequisite for MS development that increases the risk for this autoimmune disease in genetically susceptible individuals.
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