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Chen CJ. Epstein-Barr virus reactivation and disease flare of systemic lupus erythematosus. Taiwan J Obstet Gynecol 2024; 63:161-164. [PMID: 38485308 DOI: 10.1016/j.tjog.2024.01.008] [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] [Accepted: 12/14/2023] [Indexed: 03/19/2024] Open
Abstract
SLE affects females rather than males with a ratio of about 9:1. Owing to the high morbidity with multiple organ involvement, SLE flare-up remains a challenge for women's health. In an accumulation of the past 70 years of studies globally, EBV has been found to be strongly associated with SLE. In the past two decades, EBV reactivation has been proven as prevalent in SLE patients as well as being strongly associated with higher SLE activity and higher prevalence of SLE flare. Hence, strategies to control EBV reactivation in SLE including pharmacological (such as Tenofovir prodrugs TDF and TAF) and non-pharmacological approaches are being developed. The heterogeneity of SLE constitutes clinical challenges, suggesting a stratification of SLE into subgroups based on EBV reactivation or non-reactivation is reasonable. Future-wise, adding anti-EBV reactivation medication to current immunosuppressants for the subgroup of SLE patients with EBV reactivation could be beneficial to achieve long-term remission of SLE.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chung-Jen Chen
- Division of Allergy, Immunology & Rheumatology, Department of Internal Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University Hospital, Kaohsiung, Taiwan; Department of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University Hospital, Kaohsiung, Taiwan; Kaohsiung Municipal Ta-Tung Hospital, Kaohsiung, Taiwan; Graduate Institute of Natural Products, College of Pharmacy, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan.
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2
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Banko A, Cirkovic A, Miskovic R, Jeremic I, Grk M, Basaric M, Lazarevic I, Raskovic S, Despotovic A, Miljanovic D. Epstein-Barr virus infection as potential indicator of the occurrence and clinical presentation of systemic lupus erythematosus. Front Immunol 2023; 14:1307589. [PMID: 38146370 PMCID: PMC10749334 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1307589] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/05/2023] [Accepted: 11/20/2023] [Indexed: 12/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction The relationship between Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) and Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) infection has been suggested for decades, but the underlying mechanism of the EBV influence on SLE development remains to be elucidated. Methods The goals of this research, which included 103 SLE patients and 99 controls, were to investigate the association of the parameters of EBV infection and SLE, to explore whether pooled demographic, clinical and EBV markers achieve a more significant effect on SLE development than each of them individually, and to evaluate EBV nuclear antigen 1 (EBNA1) and latent membrane protein 1 (LMP1) gene polymorphisms in isolates from SLE patients. Results Comprehensive results related to serological, molecular and sequence markers of EBV infection in SLE patients demonstrated even 24 times higher possibility of having SLE if there is the presence of anti-EBV-EA(D) (early antigen) IgG antibodies (OR=24.086 95%CI OR=2.86-216.07, p=0.004). There was the same distribution of glucocorticoids (p=0.130), antimalarials (p=0.213), and immunosuppressives (p=0.712) in anti-EBV-EA(D) IgG positive and negative SLE patients. Further, higher anti-EBV-EA(D) IgG antibodies titers were identified as independent factors associated with lymphopenia, hematological SLE manifestation (OR=1.041, 95%CI OR=1.01-1.08, p=0.025, while a higher titer of anti-CA (viral capsid antigen) IgG antibodies (OR=1.015, 95%CI OR=1.01-1.03, p=0.019) and positive RF (rheumatoid factors) (OR=4.871, 95%CI OR=1.52-15.61, p=0.008) were identified as independent factors associated with alopecia within SLE. Finally, novel data on EBV EBNA1 and LMP1 gene polymorphisms in lupus are reported. Conclusion The results support further investigation targeting EBV as a prognostic marker and therapeutic goal for lupus.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ana Banko
- Institute of Microbiology and Immunology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Belgrade, Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Andja Cirkovic
- Institute for Medical Statistics and Informatics, Faculty of Medicine, University of Belgrade, Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Rada Miskovic
- Clinic of Allergy and Immunology, University Clinical Center of Serbia, Belgrade, Serbia
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Belgrade, Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Ivica Jeremic
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Belgrade, Belgrade, Serbia
- Institute of Rheumatology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Belgrade, Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Milka Grk
- Institute of Human Genetics, Faculty of Medicine, University of Belgrade, Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Milica Basaric
- Institute of Rheumatology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Belgrade, Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Ivana Lazarevic
- Institute of Microbiology and Immunology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Belgrade, Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Sanvila Raskovic
- Clinic of Allergy and Immunology, University Clinical Center of Serbia, Belgrade, Serbia
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Belgrade, Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Aleksa Despotovic
- Institute for Medical Statistics and Informatics, Faculty of Medicine, University of Belgrade, Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Danijela Miljanovic
- Institute of Microbiology and Immunology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Belgrade, Belgrade, Serbia
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Miskovic R, Cirkovic A, Miljanovic D, Jeremic I, Grk M, Basaric M, Lazarevic I, Stojanovic M, Plavsic A, Raskovic S, Banko A. Epstein-Barr Virus Reactivation as a New Predictor of Achieving Remission or Lupus Low Disease Activity State in Patients with Systemic Lupus Erythematosus with Cutaneous Involvement. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:6156. [PMID: 37047126 PMCID: PMC10093904 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24076156] [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: 02/12/2023] [Revised: 03/11/2023] [Accepted: 03/14/2023] [Indexed: 04/14/2023] Open
Abstract
Although Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) reactivation has long been associated with the pathogenesis of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), many aspects of this relationship remain unclear. Our objective was to investigate the association between EBV reactivation and the achievement of SLE remission and lupus low disease activity state (LLDAS) over a six-month period. Clinical, laboratory, and virological tests (anti-EBV antibodies and EBV DNA) were performed among 51 patients with the active form of SLE on two occasions six months apart. SLE remission and LLDAS achievement were assessed at the end of the follow-up period. Active EBV infection was detected in 45% of active SLE patients at baseline, and 77% transitioned to latent EBV infection at six months (p < 0.001). Multivariate regression revealed a higher titer of anti-EA(D) IgM-Abs and the presence of anti-EA(D) IgM-Abs as independent predictors of remission and LLDAS in SLE patients with mucocutaneous manifestations (p = 0.042) and rash only (p = 0.023), respectively. Since a higher C3 level was an independent predictor of transition to latent EBV infection (p = 0.027), the estimated cut-off value that could identify active SLE patients who will transition to latent EBV infection after six months was ≥0.780 g/L with a sensitivity of 70.6% and a specificity of 75.0% (AUC = 0.756, p = 0.003). EBV reactivation is common in patients with active SLE, and most of them transition to latent EBV infection after six months. Achieving remission and LLDAS in SLE patients with mucocutaneous manifestations can be predicted by a higher titer, whereas in SLE patients who have only a rash, the presence of anti-EA (D) IgM-Abs was a predictor of remission and LLDAS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rada Miskovic
- Clinic of Allergy and Immunology, University Clinical Center of Serbia, 11000 Belgrade, Serbia
- Internal medicine department, Faculty of Medicine, University of Belgrade, 11000 Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Andja Cirkovic
- Institute for Medical Statistics and Informatics, Faculty of Medicine, University of Belgrade, 11000 Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Danijela Miljanovic
- Institute of Microbiology and Immunology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Belgrade, 11000 Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Ivica Jeremic
- Internal medicine department, Faculty of Medicine, University of Belgrade, 11000 Belgrade, Serbia
- Institute of Rheumatology, 11000 Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Milka Grk
- Institute of Human Genetics, Faculty of Medicine, University of Belgrade, 11000 Belgrade, Serbia
| | | | - Ivana Lazarevic
- Institute of Microbiology and Immunology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Belgrade, 11000 Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Maja Stojanovic
- Clinic of Allergy and Immunology, University Clinical Center of Serbia, 11000 Belgrade, Serbia
- Internal medicine department, Faculty of Medicine, University of Belgrade, 11000 Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Aleksandra Plavsic
- Clinic of Allergy and Immunology, University Clinical Center of Serbia, 11000 Belgrade, Serbia
- Internal medicine department, Faculty of Medicine, University of Belgrade, 11000 Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Sanvila Raskovic
- Clinic of Allergy and Immunology, University Clinical Center of Serbia, 11000 Belgrade, Serbia
- Internal medicine department, Faculty of Medicine, University of Belgrade, 11000 Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Ana Banko
- Institute of Microbiology and Immunology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Belgrade, 11000 Belgrade, Serbia
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Vojdani A, Vojdani E, Saidara E, Maes M. Persistent SARS-CoV-2 Infection, EBV, HHV-6 and Other Factors May Contribute to Inflammation and Autoimmunity in Long COVID. Viruses 2023; 15:v15020400. [PMID: 36851614 PMCID: PMC9967513 DOI: 10.3390/v15020400] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 36.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/17/2022] [Revised: 01/24/2023] [Accepted: 01/28/2023] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
A novel syndrome called long-haul COVID or long COVID is increasingly recognized in a significant percentage of individuals within a few months after infection with SARS-CoV-2. This disorder is characterized by a wide range of persisting, returning or even new but related symptoms that involve different tissues and organs, including respiratory, cardiac, vascular, gastrointestinal, musculo-skeletal, neurological, endocrine and systemic. Some overlapping symptomatologies exist between long COVID and myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome (ME/CFS). Very much like with long ME/CFS, infections with herpes family viruses, immune dysregulation, and the persistence of inflammation have been reported as the most common pattern for the development of long COVID. This review describes several factors and determinants of long COVID that have been proposed, elaborating mainly on viral persistence, reactivation of latent viruses such as Epstein-Barr virus and human herpesvirus 6 which are also associated with the pathology of ME/CFS, viral superantigen activation of the immune system, disturbance in the gut microbiome, and multiple tissue damage and autoimmunity. Based on these factors, we propose diagnostic strategies such as the measurement of IgG and IgM antibodies against SARS-CoV-2, EBV, HHV-6, viral superantigens, gut microbiota, and biomarkers of autoimmunity to better understand and manage this multi-factorial disorder that continues to affect millions of people in the world.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aristo Vojdani
- Immunosciences Lab, Inc., Los Angeles, CA 90035, USA
- Cyrex Laboratories, LLC, Phoenix, AZ 85034, USA
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +1-310-657-1077
| | | | - Evan Saidara
- Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Ramat Aviv, Tel Aviv 69978, Israel
| | - Michael Maes
- Department of Psychiatry, Faculty of Medicine, Chulalongkorn University, 1873 Rama 4 Road, Pathumwan, Bangkok 10330, Thailand
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5
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Stergioti EM, Manolakou T, Boumpas DT, Banos A. Antiviral Innate Immune Responses in Autoimmunity: Receptors, Pathways, and Therapeutic Targeting. Biomedicines 2022; 10:2820. [PMID: 36359340 PMCID: PMC9687478 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines10112820] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/22/2022] [Revised: 10/31/2022] [Accepted: 11/02/2022] [Indexed: 09/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Innate immune receptors sense nucleic acids derived from viral pathogens or self-constituents and initiate an immune response, which involves, among other things, the secretion of cytokines including interferon (IFN) and the activation of IFN-stimulated genes (ISGs). This robust and well-coordinated immune response is mediated by the innate immune cells and is critical to preserving and restoring homeostasis. Like an antiviral response, during an autoimmune disease, aberrations of immune tolerance promote inflammatory responses to self-components, such as nucleic acids and immune complexes (ICs), leading to the secretion of cytokines, inflammation, and tissue damage. The aberrant immune response within the inflammatory milieu of the autoimmune diseases may lead to defective viral responses, predispose to autoimmunity, or precipitate a flare of an existing autoimmune disease. Herein, we review the literature on the crosstalk between innate antiviral immune responses and autoimmune responses and discuss the pitfalls and challenges regarding the therapeutic targeting of the mechanisms involved.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eirini Maria Stergioti
- Laboratory of Autoimmunity and Inflammation, Center of Clinical, Experimental Surgery and Translational Research, Biomedical Research Foundation Academy of Athens, 115 27 Athens, Greece
- School of Medicine, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 115 27 Athens, Greece
| | - Theodora Manolakou
- Laboratory of Autoimmunity and Inflammation, Center of Clinical, Experimental Surgery and Translational Research, Biomedical Research Foundation Academy of Athens, 115 27 Athens, Greece
- School of Medicine, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 115 27 Athens, Greece
| | - Dimitrios T. Boumpas
- Laboratory of Autoimmunity and Inflammation, Center of Clinical, Experimental Surgery and Translational Research, Biomedical Research Foundation Academy of Athens, 115 27 Athens, Greece
- 4th Department of Internal Medicine, Attikon University Hospital, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens Medical School, 124 62 Athens, Greece
| | - Aggelos Banos
- Laboratory of Autoimmunity and Inflammation, Center of Clinical, Experimental Surgery and Translational Research, Biomedical Research Foundation Academy of Athens, 115 27 Athens, Greece
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6
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The Role of Exposomes in the Pathophysiology of Autoimmune Diseases II: Pathogens. PATHOPHYSIOLOGY 2022; 29:243-280. [PMID: 35736648 PMCID: PMC9231084 DOI: 10.3390/pathophysiology29020020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/14/2022] [Revised: 05/28/2022] [Accepted: 05/29/2022] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
In our continuing examination of the role of exposomes in autoimmune disease, we use this review to focus on pathogens. Infections are major contributors to the pathophysiology of autoimmune diseases through various mechanisms, foremost being molecular mimicry, when the structural similarity between the pathogen and a human tissue antigen leads to autoimmune reactivity and even autoimmune disease. The three best examples of this are oral pathogens, SARS-CoV-2, and the herpesviruses. Oral pathogens reach the gut, disturb the microbiota, increase gut permeability, cause local inflammation, and generate autoantigens, leading to systemic inflammation, multiple autoimmune reactivities, and systemic autoimmunity. The COVID-19 pandemic put the spotlight on SARS-CoV-2, which has been called “the autoimmune virus.” We explore in detail the evidence supporting this. We also describe how viruses, in particular herpesviruses, have a role in the induction of many different autoimmune diseases, detailing the various mechanisms involved. Lastly, we discuss the microbiome and the beneficial microbiota that populate it. We look at the role of the gut microbiome in autoimmune disorders, because of its role in regulating the immune system. Dysbiosis of the microbiota in the gut microbiome can lead to multiple autoimmune disorders. We conclude that understanding the precise roles and relationships shared by all these factors that comprise the exposome and identifying early events and root causes of these disorders can help us to develop more targeted therapeutic protocols for the management of this worldwide epidemic of autoimmunity.
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7
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Enfrein A, Hamidou M. Epstein-Barr Virus et lupus systémique : quels liens ? Rev Med Interne 2022; 43:487-493. [DOI: 10.1016/j.revmed.2022.03.341] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/29/2021] [Revised: 03/21/2022] [Accepted: 03/22/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
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8
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Szelinski F, Stefanski AL, Schrezenmeier E, Rincon-Arevalo H, Wiedemann A, Reiter K, Ritter J, Lettau M, Dang V, Fuchs S, Frei AP, Alexander T, Lino AC, Dörner T. Antigen-experienced CXCR5 - CD19 low B cells are plasmablast precursors expanded in SLE. Arthritis Rheumatol 2022; 74:1556-1568. [PMID: 35507291 DOI: 10.1002/art.42157] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/13/2021] [Revised: 03/23/2022] [Accepted: 04/28/2022] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Altered composition of the B cell compartment in the pathogenesis of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is characterized by expanded plasmablast (PB) and IgD- CD27- double negative (DN) B cell populations. Previous studies showed that DN B cells represent a heterogeneous subset and further characterization is needed. METHODS Therefore, we analyzed two independent cohorts of healthy donors and SLE patients using a combined approach of flow (HD: n=16; SLE: n=28,) and mass cytometry (HD: n=18; SLE: n=24) and targeted RNA sequencing. To study B cell subsets formation in acute immune response versus autoimmunity we investigated HDs at various time points upon vaccination with BNT162b2 or during acute COVID-19 infection using flow cytometry. RESULTS We have found that IgD- CD27+ switched and atypical IgD- CD27- memory B cells, which are increased in SLE, represent heterogeneous populations composed of three different subsets each. Populations of CXCR5+ CD19int , CXCR5- CD19high and CXCR5- CD19low are found in both compartments suggesting their relationship. We characterize a hitherto unknown and antigen-experienced CXCR5- CD19low subset enhanced in SLE carrying a PB phenotype with diminished B cell receptor responsiveness and expression of CD38, CD95, CD71, PRDM1, XBP-1, and IRF4. CXCR5- CD19low subsets are increased and correlate with PB frequencies in SLE and upon BNT162b2-vaccination of HD suggesting their interrelationship and contribution to plasmacytosis. The demonstration of CXCR5- CD19low B cells amongst both CD27+ and CD27- cells questions the role of CD27 as reliable marker for B cell differentiation. CONCLUSION Our data suggest that CXCR5- CD19low B cells are precursors of plasmablasts, thus co-targeting this subset may have therapeutic value in SLE.
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Affiliation(s)
- Franziska Szelinski
- Department of Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, corporate member of Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, and the Berlin Institute of Health (BIH), Berlin, Germany.,German Rheumatism Research Center Berlin (DRFZ), a Leibniz Institute, Berlin, Germany
| | - Ana Luisa Stefanski
- Department of Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, corporate member of Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, and the Berlin Institute of Health (BIH), Berlin, Germany
| | - Eva Schrezenmeier
- Department of Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, corporate member of Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, and the Berlin Institute of Health (BIH), Berlin, Germany.,Department of Nephrology and Intensive Medical Care, Charité- University Medicine Berlin, Berlin, Germany.,Berlin Institute of Health (BIH), Berlin, Germany
| | - Hector Rincon-Arevalo
- Department of Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, corporate member of Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, and the Berlin Institute of Health (BIH), Berlin, Germany.,German Rheumatism Research Center Berlin (DRFZ), a Leibniz Institute, Berlin, Germany.,Department of Nephrology and Intensive Medical Care, Charité- University Medicine Berlin, Berlin, Germany.,Grupo de Inmunología Celular e Inmunogenética, Facultad de Medicina, Instituto de Investigaciones Médicas, Universidad de Antioquia UdeA, Medellín, Colombia
| | - Annika Wiedemann
- Department of Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, corporate member of Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, and the Berlin Institute of Health (BIH), Berlin, Germany
| | - Karin Reiter
- Department of Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, corporate member of Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, and the Berlin Institute of Health (BIH), Berlin, Germany.,German Rheumatism Research Center Berlin (DRFZ), a Leibniz Institute, Berlin, Germany
| | - Jacob Ritter
- Department of Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, corporate member of Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, and the Berlin Institute of Health (BIH), Berlin, Germany.,Berlin Institute of Health (BIH), Berlin, Germany
| | - Marie Lettau
- Department of Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, corporate member of Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, and the Berlin Institute of Health (BIH), Berlin, Germany.,German Rheumatism Research Center Berlin (DRFZ), a Leibniz Institute, Berlin, Germany
| | - VanDuc Dang
- Department of Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, corporate member of Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, and the Berlin Institute of Health (BIH), Berlin, Germany.,German Rheumatism Research Center Berlin (DRFZ), a Leibniz Institute, Berlin, Germany
| | - Sebastian Fuchs
- Roche Pharma Research and Early Development, Immunology, Infectious Diseases and Ophthalmology (I2O) Discovery and Translational Area, Roche Innovation Center Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Andreas P Frei
- Roche Pharma Research and Early Development, Immunology, Infectious Diseases and Ophthalmology (I2O) Discovery and Translational Area, Roche Innovation Center Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Tobias Alexander
- Department of Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, corporate member of Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, and the Berlin Institute of Health (BIH), Berlin, Germany.,German Rheumatism Research Center Berlin (DRFZ), a Leibniz Institute, Berlin, Germany
| | - Andreia C Lino
- Department of Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, corporate member of Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, and the Berlin Institute of Health (BIH), Berlin, Germany.,German Rheumatism Research Center Berlin (DRFZ), a Leibniz Institute, Berlin, Germany
| | - Thomas Dörner
- Department of Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, corporate member of Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, and the Berlin Institute of Health (BIH), Berlin, Germany.,German Rheumatism Research Center Berlin (DRFZ), a Leibniz Institute, Berlin, Germany
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Association between EBV serological patterns and lymphocytic profile of SjS patients support a virally triggered autoimmune epithelitis. Sci Rep 2021; 11:4082. [PMID: 33603079 PMCID: PMC7893064 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-021-83550-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/14/2020] [Accepted: 02/01/2021] [Indexed: 01/31/2023] Open
Abstract
Sjögren's syndrome (SjS) is characterized by lymphocytic infiltration of exocrine glands, i.e. autoimmune epithelitis. Lymphocytes are central in SjS pathogenesis, with B-cell hyperactivity mediated by T-cells. B-cells are main targets of Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) infection, a frequently-suggested trigger for SjS. We aimed to evaluate how the EBV infection modulates B and T-cell subsets in SjS, including as controls Rheumatoid arthritis patients (RA) and healthy participants (HC). SjS patients presented decreased CXCR5+T-cells, although IL21-secreting Tfh and Tfc cells were increased. Tfc were positively correlated with ESSDAI scores, suggesting their relevant role in SjS pathogenesis. As previously described, SjS patients showed expanded circulating naïve B-cell compartments. SjS patients had a higher incidence of EBV-EA-D-IgG+ antibodies, characteristic of recent EBV-infection/reactivation. SjS patients with past infection or recent infection/reactivation showed increased CXCR3+Th1 and CXCR3+Tfh1 cells compared to those without active infection. SjS patients with a recent infection/reactivation profile presented increased transitional B-cells compared to patients with past infection and increased plasmablasts, compared to those without infection. Our results suggest EBV-infection contributes to B and T-cell differentiation towards the effector phenotypes typical of SjS. Local lymphocyte activation at ectopic germinal centres, mediated by Tfh and Tfc, can be EBV-driven, perpetuating autoimmune epithelitis, which leads to gland destruction in SjS.
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Viral Infections and Systemic Lupus Erythematosus: New Players in an Old Story. Viruses 2021; 13:v13020277. [PMID: 33670195 PMCID: PMC7916951 DOI: 10.3390/v13020277] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/01/2021] [Revised: 02/06/2021] [Accepted: 02/07/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
A causal link between viral infections and autoimmunity has been studied for a long time and the role of some viruses in the induction or exacerbation of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) in genetically predisposed patients has been proved. The strength of the association between different viral agents and SLE is variable. Epstein-Barr virus (EBV), parvovirus B19 (B19V), and human endogenous retroviruses (HERVs) are involved in SLE pathogenesis, whereas other viruses such as Cytomegalovirus (CMV) probably play a less prominent role. However, the mechanisms of viral-host interactions and the impact of viruses on disease course have yet to be elucidated. In addition to classical mechanisms of viral-triggered autoimmunity, such as molecular mimicry and epitope spreading, there has been a growing appreciation of the role of direct activation of innate response by viral nucleic acids and epigenetic modulation of interferon-related immune response. The latter is especially important for HERVs, which may represent the molecular link between environmental triggers and critical immune genes. Virus-specific proteins modulating interaction with the host immune system have been characterized especially for Epstein-Barr virus and explain immune evasion, persistent infection and self-reactive B-cell "immortalization". Knowledge has also been expanding on key viral proteins of B19-V and CMV and their possible association with specific phenotypes such as antiphospholipid syndrome. This progress may pave the way to new therapeutic perspectives, including the use of known or new antiviral drugs, postviral immune response modulation and innate immunity inhibition. We herein describe the state-of-the-art knowledge on the role of viral infections in SLE, with a focus on their mechanisms of action and potential therapeutic targets.
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Munroe ME, Anderson JR, Gross TF, Stunz LL, Bishop GA, James JA. Epstein-Barr Functional Mimicry: Pathogenicity of Oncogenic Latent Membrane Protein-1 in Systemic Lupus Erythematosus and Autoimmunity. Front Immunol 2021; 11:606936. [PMID: 33613527 PMCID: PMC7886997 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2020.606936] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/16/2020] [Accepted: 12/21/2020] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) and other autoimmune diseases are propelled by immune dysregulation and pathogenic, disease-specific autoantibodies. Autoimmunity against the lupus autoantigen Sm is associated with cross-reactivity to Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) nuclear antigen 1 (EBNA-1). Additionally, EBV latent membrane protein-1 (LMP1), initially noted for its oncogenic activity, is an aberrantly active functional mimic of the B cell co-stimulatory molecule CD40. Mice expressing a transgene (Tg) for the mCD40-LMP1 hybrid molecule (containing the cytoplasmic tail of LMP1) have mild autoantibody production and other features of immune dysregulation by 2-3 months of age, but no overt autoimmune disease. This study evaluates whether exposure to the EBV molecular mimic, EBNA-1, stimulates antigen-specific and concurrently-reactive humoral and cellular immunity, as well as lupus-like features. After immunization with EBNA-1, mCD40-LMP1 Tg mice exhibited enhanced, antigen-specific, cellular and humoral responses compared to immunized WT congenic mice. EBNA-1 specific proliferative and inflammatory cytokine responses, including IL-17 and IFN-γ, were significantly increased (p<0.0001) in mCD40-LMP1 Tg mice, as well as antibody responses to amino- and carboxy-domains of EBNA-1. Of particular interest was the ability of mCD40-LMP1 to drive EBNA-1 associated molecular mimicry with the lupus-associated autoantigen, Sm. EBNA-1 immunized mCD40-LMP1 Tg mice exhibited enhanced proliferative and cytokine cellular responses (p<0.0001) to the EBNA-1 homologous epitope PPPGRRP and the Sm B/B' cross-reactive sequence PPPGMRPP. When immunized with the SLE autoantigen Sm, mCD40-LMP1 Tg mice again exhibited enhanced cellular and humoral immune responses to both Sm and EBNA-1. Cellular immune dysregulation with EBNA-1 immunization in mCD40-LMP1 Tg mice was accompanied by enhanced splenomegaly, increased serum blood urea nitrogen (BUN) and creatinine levels, and elevated anti-dsDNA and antinuclear antibody (ANA) levels (p<0.0001 compared to mCD40 WT mice). However, no evidence of immune-complex glomerulonephritis pathology was noted, suggesting that a combination of EBV and genetic factors may be required to drive lupus-associated renal disease. These data support that the expression of LMP1 in the context of EBNA-1 may interact to increase immune dysregulation that leads to pathogenic, autoantigen-specific lupus inflammation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Melissa E. Munroe
- Arthritis and Clinical Immunology Program, Oklahoma Medical Research Foundation, Oklahoma City, OK, United States
| | - Jourdan R. Anderson
- Arthritis and Clinical Immunology Program, Oklahoma Medical Research Foundation, Oklahoma City, OK, United States
| | - Timothy F. Gross
- Arthritis and Clinical Immunology Program, Oklahoma Medical Research Foundation, Oklahoma City, OK, United States
| | - Laura L. Stunz
- Department of Microbiology & Immunology, The University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, United States
| | - Gail A. Bishop
- Department of Microbiology & Immunology, The University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, United States
- Department of Internal Medicine, The University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, United States
- Holden Comprehensive Cancer Center, The University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, United States
- Iowa City VA Medical Center, Iowa City, IA, United States
| | - Judith A. James
- Arthritis and Clinical Immunology Program, Oklahoma Medical Research Foundation, Oklahoma City, OK, United States
- Department of Medicine and Pathology, Oklahoma University Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, OK, United States
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Tan R, Phua SKA, Soong YL, Oon LLE, Chan KS, Lucky SS, Mong J, Tan MH, Lim CM. Clinical utility of Epstein-Barr virus DNA and other liquid biopsy markers in nasopharyngeal carcinoma. Cancer Commun (Lond) 2020; 40:564-585. [PMID: 32989921 PMCID: PMC7668470 DOI: 10.1002/cac2.12100] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/27/2020] [Accepted: 09/14/2020] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) is a malignant epithelial tumor ubiquitously associated with the Epstein-Barr virus (EBV), which is highly prevalent in South China, Southeast Asia, and North Africa. Despite being a highly radio-sensitive and treatable cancer, a majority of NPC patients are diagnosed in their advanced stage, and locoregional and distant relapses following definitive treatment contribute largely to cancer-specific mortality among these patients. Given that EBV-driven NPC is the predominant variant seen in endemic regions, various EBV detection methods have been developed and are utilized in screening, prognostication, and post-treatment surveillance of NPC patients. While the Immunoglobulin A (IgA) serology assay is the most extensively studied EBV detection method, the detection of plasma EBV DNA released during replication or cellular apoptosis has shown superior outcomes in endemic population screening, prognostication, and detection of distant relapse. Furthermore, there is emerging evidence on the use of circulating tumor cells, microRNAs, DNA hypermethylation, and combination assays in various clinical scenarios. Herein, this paper provides a comprehensive overview of the relevant studies using various EBV detection techniques in the management of NPC. Specifically, the recent advances, clinical evidence, and challenges associated with the clinical application of EBV liquid biopsies in population screening, prognostication, and surveillance of NPC are presented.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rong Tan
- Yong Loo Lin School of MedicineNational University of SingaporeSingapore117599Singapore
| | - Sean Kean Ann Phua
- Yong Loo Lin School of MedicineNational University of SingaporeSingapore117599Singapore
| | - Yoke Lim Soong
- Department of Radiation OncologyNational Cancer CenterSingapore169608Singapore
| | - Lynette Lin Ean Oon
- Department of Molecular PathologySingapore General HospitalSingapore169608Singapore
| | - Kian Sing Chan
- Department of Molecular PathologySingapore General HospitalSingapore169608Singapore
| | | | - Jamie Mong
- Institute of Bioengineering and NanotechnologySingapore138669Singapore
| | - Min Han Tan
- Institute of Bioengineering and NanotechnologySingapore138669Singapore
- Lucence DiagnosticsSingapore159552Singapore
| | - Chwee Ming Lim
- Institute of Bioengineering and NanotechnologySingapore138669Singapore
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology‐Head and Neck SurgerySingapore General HospitalSingapore169608Singapore
- Surgery Academic Clinical ProgrammeDuke‐NUS Graduate Medical SchoolSingapore169857Singapore
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Xuan J, Ji Z, Wang B, Zeng X, Chen R, He Y, Rao P, Wu P, Shi G. Serological Evidence for the Association Between Epstein-Barr Virus Infection and Sjögren's Syndrome. Front Immunol 2020; 11:590444. [PMID: 33193425 PMCID: PMC7662096 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2020.590444] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/01/2020] [Accepted: 10/09/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Exposure to Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) infection has been hypothesized to be an important risk factor for multiple rheumatic diseases, but the serological evidence so far for its role in Sjögren’s syndrome (SjS) is not clearly established yet. This study aimed to assess the seroepidemiological associations of antibodies to EBV with SjS. Methods A seroepidemiological study containing 119 patients with SjS and 65 healthy controls was first performed, in which the associations of SjS with four commonly studied EBV antibodies including IgM-anti-viral capsid antigen (anti-VCA) antibody, IgG-anti-VCA antibody, IgG-anti-early antigen (anti-EA) antibody, and IgG-anti-EBV nuclear antigen 1 (anti-EBNA1) antibody were evaluated. A systematic review and meta-analysis of eligible seroepidemiological studies was also carried out, and data syntheses were performed using random-effect meta-analysis. Results In the case-control study, the patients with SjS had both a significantly higher prevalence of IgG-anti-EA antibody positivity (31.9% vs. 3.1%, P < 0.001) and high titers of IgG-anti-EA antibody (P < 0.001) than healthy controls. The titer of IgG-anti-VCA antibody was significantly increased in the patients with SjS compared with healthy controls (P < 0.001). IgG-anti-EA antibody seropositive patients with SjS had lower levels of both C3 (P = 0.002) and C4 (P = 0.02), and the titer of IgG-anti-EA antibody was inversely related to the levels of both C3 (r = -0.31, P < 0.001) and C4 (r = -0.20, P = 0.03). A total of 14 eligible studies on the serological associations between EBV infection and SjS were finally included into the meta-analysis, which suggested obvious associations of SjS with IgM-anti-VCA antibody [Odds ratio (OR) = 5.77, 95%CI 1.73–19.25, P = 0.004] and IgG-anti-EA antibody (OR = 9.97, 95%CI 4.58-21.67, P < 0.00001). Conclusions The findings from this study provide strong serological evidence for the association between EBV infection and SjS. SjS has obvious associations with IgM-anti-VCA antibody and IgG-anti-EA antibody. IgG-anti-EA antibody is linked to low levels of C3 and C4 in the patients with SjS, the significance of which needs to be addressed in further studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jingxiu Xuan
- Department of Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xiamen University, Xiamen, China.,Department of Science & Technology, Xiamen Key Laboratory of Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, Xiamen, China
| | - Zhiqian Ji
- Department of Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xiamen University, Xiamen, China
| | - Bin Wang
- Department of Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xiamen University, Xiamen, China
| | - Xiaoli Zeng
- Department of Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xiamen University, Xiamen, China
| | - Rongjuan Chen
- Department of Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xiamen University, Xiamen, China.,Department of Science & Technology, Xiamen Key Laboratory of Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, Xiamen, China
| | - Yan He
- Department of Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xiamen University, Xiamen, China.,Department of Science & Technology, Xiamen Key Laboratory of Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, Xiamen, China
| | - Peishi Rao
- Department of Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xiamen University, Xiamen, China.,Department of Science & Technology, Xiamen Key Laboratory of Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, Xiamen, China
| | - Puqi Wu
- Department of Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xiamen University, Xiamen, China.,Department of Science & Technology, Xiamen Key Laboratory of Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, Xiamen, China
| | - Guixiu Shi
- Department of Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xiamen University, Xiamen, China.,Department of Science & Technology, Xiamen Key Laboratory of Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, Xiamen, China
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Viruses and Autoimmunity: A Review on the Potential Interaction and Molecular Mechanisms. Viruses 2019; 11:v11080762. [PMID: 31430946 PMCID: PMC6723519 DOI: 10.3390/v11080762] [Citation(s) in RCA: 303] [Impact Index Per Article: 60.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/07/2019] [Revised: 07/27/2019] [Accepted: 07/31/2019] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
For a long time, viruses have been shown to modify the clinical picture of several autoimmune diseases, including type 1 diabetes (T1D), systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), rheumatoid arthritis (RA), Sjögren’s syndrome (SS), herpetic stromal keratitis (HSK), celiac disease (CD), and multiple sclerosis (MS). Best examples of viral infections that have been proposed to modulate the induction and development of autoimmune diseases are the infections with enteric viruses such as Coxsackie B virus (CVB) and rotavirus, as well as influenza A viruses (IAV), and herpesviruses. Other viruses that have been studied in this context include, measles, mumps, and rubella. Epidemiological studies in humans and experimental studies in animal have shown that viral infections can induce or protect from autoimmunopathologies depending on several factors including genetic background, host-elicited immune responses, type of virus strain, viral load, and the onset time of infection. Still, data delineating the clear mechanistic interaction between the virus and the immune system to induce autoreactivity are scarce. Available data indicate that viral-induced autoimmunity can be activated through multiple mechanisms including molecular mimicry, epitope spreading, bystander activation, and immortalization of infected B cells. Contrarily, the protective effects can be achieved via regulatory immune responses which lead to the suppression of autoimmune phenomena. Therefore, a better understanding of the immune-related molecular processes in virus-induced autoimmunity is warranted. Here we provide an overview of the current understanding of viral-induced autoimmunity and the mechanisms that are associated with this phenomenon.
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EBNA1 IgM-Based Discrimination Between Rheumatoid Arthritis Patients, Systemic Lupus Erythematosus Patients and Healthy Controls. Antibodies (Basel) 2019; 8:antib8020035. [PMID: 31544841 PMCID: PMC6640720 DOI: 10.3390/antib8020035] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/30/2019] [Revised: 05/24/2019] [Accepted: 05/28/2019] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Epstein-Barr Virus (EBV) has been associated with development of rheumatic connective tissue diseases like rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) in genetically susceptible individuals. Diagnosis of RA and SLE relies on clinical criteria in combination with the presence of characteristic autoantibodies. In addition, antibodies to several EBV antigens have been shown to be elevated in patients with these diseases compared to healthy controls (HC). Here, we elaborated improved enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays for antibodies (IgM, IgA, IgG) to the EBV proteins Epstein-Barr Virus nuclear antigen (EBNA)1 and early antigen diffuse (EAD) in order to determine their potential diagnostic role. We showed that especially EBNA1 IgM distinguished RA from SLE and HCs and also distinguished SLE from HCs. EBNA1 IgA was almost as effective in differentiating RA from SLE and HC, while EAD IgG and IgA were able to discern SLE patients from RA patients and HCs. Collectively, these findings illustrate the potential diagnostic use of antibodies to EBV proteins to diagnose RA and to differentiate SLE from RA.
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Hussein HM, Rahal EA. The role of viral infections in the development of autoimmune diseases. Crit Rev Microbiol 2019; 45:394-412. [PMID: 31145640 DOI: 10.1080/1040841x.2019.1614904] [Citation(s) in RCA: 61] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
The exact aetiology of most autoimmune diseases remains unknown, nonetheless, several factors contributing to the induction or exacerbation of autoimmune reactions have been suggested. These include the genetic profile and lifestyle of the affected individual in addition to environmental triggers such as bacterial, parasitic, fungal and viral infections. Infections caused by viruses usually trigger a potent immune response that is necessary for the containment of the infection; however, in some cases, a failure in the regulation of this immune response may lead to harmful immune reactions directed against the host's antigens. The autoimmune attack can be carried out by different arms and components of the immune system and through different possible mechanisms including molecular mimicry, bystander activation, and epitope spreading among others. In this review, we examine the data available for the involvement of viral infections in triggering or exacerbating autoimmune diseases in addition to discussing the mechanisms by which these viral infections and the immune pathways they trigger possibly contribute to the development of autoimmunity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hadi M Hussein
- 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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Halec G, Waterboer T, Brenner N, Butt J, Hardy DW, D’Souza G, Wolinsky S, Macatangay BJ, Pawlita M, Detels R, Martínez-Maza O, Hussain SK. Serological Assessment of 18 Pathogens and Risk of AIDS-Associated Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma. J Acquir Immune Defic Syndr 2019; 80:e53-e63. [PMID: 30531297 PMCID: PMC6375787 DOI: 10.1097/qai.0000000000001916] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND HIV infection is associated with increased susceptibility to common pathogens, which may trigger chronic antigenic stimulation and hyperactivation of B cells, events known to precede the development of AIDS-associated non-Hodgkin lymphoma (AIDS-NHL). METHODS To explore whether cumulative exposure to infectious agents contributes to AIDS-NHL risk, we tested sera from 199 AIDS-NHL patients (pre-NHL, average lead time 3.9 years) and 199 matched HIV-infected controls from the Multicenter AIDS Cohort Study, for anti-IgG responses to 18 pathogens using multiplex serology. Odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were estimated using conditional logistic regression models. RESULTS We found no association between cumulative exposure to infectious agents and AIDS-NHL risk (OR 1.01, 95% CI: 0.91 to 1.12). However, seropositivity for trichodysplasia spinulosa polyomavirus (TSPyV), defined as presence of antibodies to TSPyV capsid protein VP1, was significantly associated with a 1.6-fold increase in AIDS-NHL risk (OR 1.62, 95% CI: 1.02 to 2.57). High Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) anti-VCA p18 antibody levels closer to the time of AIDS-NHL diagnosis (<4 years) were associated with a 2.6-fold increase in AIDS-NHL risk (OR 2.59, 95% CI: 1.17 to 5.74). In addition, high EBV anti-EBNA-1 and anti-ZEBRA antibody levels were associated with 2.1-fold (OR 0.47, 95% CI: 0.26 to 0.85) and 1.6-fold (OR 0.57, 95% CI: 0.35 to 0.93) decreased risk of AIDS-NHL, respectively. CONCLUSIONS Our results do not support the hypothesis that cumulative exposure to infectious agents contributes to AIDS-NHL development. However, the observed associations with respect to TSPyV seropositivity and EBV antigen antibody levels offer additional insights into the pathogenesis of AIDS-NHL.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gordana Halec
- University of California Los Angeles (UCLA) AIDS Institute and Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, UCLA David Geffen School of Medicine, Los Angeles, California, USA
| | - Tim Waterboer
- Infections and Cancer Epidemiology, Research Program Infection, Inflammation and Cancer, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Nicole Brenner
- Infections and Cancer Epidemiology, Research Program Infection, Inflammation and Cancer, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Julia Butt
- Infections and Cancer Epidemiology, Research Program Infection, Inflammation and Cancer, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany
| | - David W. Hardy
- Clinical Investigations, Whitman-Walker Health, Washington, DC
| | - Gypsyamber D’Souza
- Department of Epidemiology, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Steven Wolinsky
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, Illinois, USA
| | - Bernard J. Macatangay
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, University of Pittsburg School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Michael Pawlita
- Infections and Cancer Epidemiology, Research Program Infection, Inflammation and Cancer, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Roger Detels
- Department of Epidemiology, UCLA Fielding School of Public Health, Los Angeles, California, USA
| | - Otoniel Martínez-Maza
- University of California Los Angeles (UCLA) AIDS Institute and Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, UCLA David Geffen School of Medicine, Los Angeles, California, USA
| | - Shehnaz K. Hussain
- Department of Epidemiology, UCLA Fielding School of Public Health, Los Angeles, California, USA
- Samuel Oschin Comprehensive Cancer Institute and Department of Medicine, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, California, USA
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Sternbæk L, Draborg AH, Østerlund MT, Iversen LV, Troelsen L, Theander E, Nielsen CT, Jacobsen S, Houen G. Increased antibody levels to stage-specific Epstein-Barr virus antigens in systemic autoimmune diseases reveal a common pathology. Scandinavian Journal of Clinical and Laboratory Investigation 2019; 79:7-16. [PMID: 30727744 DOI: 10.1080/00365513.2018.1550807] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
Abstract
The immune responses to antigens from different stages of the Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) life cycle were investigated in systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), rheumatoid arthritis (RA), Sjögren's syndrome (SS), and systemic sclerosis (SSc) to gain knowledge of EBV's involvement in the etiology of systemic autoimmune diseases (SADs) and for an overview of the humoral immune responses against EBV. Investigations were performed by the use of ELISA. IgM, IgA, and IgG antibody binding to 11 EBV antigens: EBNA1, EBNA2, BALF5, EAD, BALF2, EA/R, VCA p18, VCA p23, gB, gp350, and gp42 were examined in serum pools from SAD patients and healthy controls (HCs). Increased antibody levels against the 11 EBV antigens in the SAD pools were seen compared to the HC pool. Specifically, SLE was characterized by strongly increased IgA to EAD both compared to HCs and other SADs, and RA was characterized by increased IgM levels to several EBV antigens. The SADs may be partly distinguished by their differential immune responses to various antigens in the EBV life cycle. All together, these findings support an association between EBV infection and SADs.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Anette H Draborg
- b Biomedical Laboratory Science Education , University College Lillebaelt , Odense , Denmark
| | - Mark T Østerlund
- c Statens Serum Institut , Section for Food-borne Infections , Copenhagen , Denmark
| | - Line V Iversen
- d Department of Dermatology , Copenhagen University Hospital , Copenhagen , Denmark
| | - Lone Troelsen
- e Department of Clinical Immunology , Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen University Hospital , Copenhagen , Denmark
| | - Elke Theander
- f Department of Rheumatology , Lund University, Skåne University Hospital , Malmö , Sweden
| | - Christoffer T Nielsen
- g Copenhagen Lupus & Vasculitis Clinic, Center for Rheumatology and Spine Disease, Rigshospitalet , Copenhagen University Hospital , Copenhagen , Denmark
| | - Søren Jacobsen
- g Copenhagen Lupus & Vasculitis Clinic, Center for Rheumatology and Spine Disease, Rigshospitalet , Copenhagen University Hospital , Copenhagen , Denmark
| | - Gunnar Houen
- h Department of Autoimmunology and Biomarkers , Statens Serum Institut , Copenhagen , Denmark
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Kudaeva F, Speechley M, Pope J. A systematic review of viral exposures as a risk for rheumatoid arthritis. Semin Arthritis Rheum 2019; 48:587-596. [DOI: 10.1016/j.semarthrit.2018.03.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/18/2018] [Revised: 03/11/2018] [Accepted: 03/19/2018] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
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20
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The risk of systemic lupus erythematosus associated with Epstein-Barr virus infection: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Clin Exp Med 2018; 19:23-36. [PMID: 30361847 PMCID: PMC6394567 DOI: 10.1007/s10238-018-0535-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/11/2018] [Accepted: 10/18/2018] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Previous systematic reviews have found a higher sero-prevalence of EBV antibodies in SLE patients compared with controls. Because many studies have been published, there is a need to apply more precise systematic review methods. We examined the association between EBV and SLE patients by conducting a systematic review and meta-analysis of case–control studies that examined the prevalence of EBV antibodies and the DNA-positive rate. We searched the MEDLINE and EMBASE databases from 1966 to 2018 with no language restrictions. The Mantel–Haenszel odds ratios (OR) for EBV antibody sero-positivity were calculated, and meta-analyses were conducted. Quality assessment was performed using a modified version of the Newcastle–Ottawa scale, and 33 studies were included. Most studies found a higher sero-prevalence of VCA IgG and EA IgG in SLE patients compared with controls. Meta-analysis demonstrated a significantly higher OR for sero-positivity to VCA IgG and EA IgG for SLE cases (2.06 [95% confidence interval (CI) 1.30–3.26, p = 0.002] and 7.70, [95% CI 4.64–12.76, p < 0.001], respectively). The overall OR for the DNA-positive rate for SLE patients compared with controls was 3.86 (95% CI 1.52–9.83, p = 0.005). Other antibodies, i.e., VCA IgA/IgM, EBNA IgA, and EA IgA/IgM, also demonstrated a significant difference between SLE patients and controls. These findings support previous systematic reviews; however, publication bias cannot be excluded. The methodological conduct of studies could be improved, particularly when selecting controls and analyses of laboratory conduct.
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Anti-Epstein-Barr virus antibodies in Beijing during 2013-2017: What we have found in the different patients. PLoS One 2018; 13:e0193171. [PMID: 29494658 PMCID: PMC5832223 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0193171] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/11/2017] [Accepted: 02/06/2018] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Epstein–Barr virus (EBV) is associated with nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) which is prevalent in South China, and its association with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) or other autoimmune diseases has not been studied in the mainland of China. The EBV serological tests have been performed on patients with various diseases or manifestations for years at our institution and their values need to be evaluated. Methods For routine medical purposes, anti-EB viral capsid antigen (VCA) IgG, IgA and IgM antibodies, anti-EBV diffuse early antigen (EA-D) IgA antibodies, and anti-EBV nuclear antigen-1(EBNA-1) IgG antibodies were tested with commercial enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) in patients visiting Peking Union Medical College Hospital between 2013 and 2017. The test results were analyzed in this retrospective study. Results There were a total of 11122 serum samples available to be tested in the study. As indicators of past EBV infection, the prevalence of VCA-IgG/EBNA1-IgG were 66.6%/58.5%, 84.3%/78.8%, 92.9%/87.0% and 98.5%/95.4% in patients aged under 5 years, 6–10 years, 11–20 years and 21–30 years old, respectively, and these values maintained at this highest rate as age increased further. The prevalence of VCA-IgM, as a parameter of acute EBV infection, was 14.6%, 10.2%, 10.4%, 6.3% and 3.1% in patients aged under 5 years, 6–10 years,11–20 years, 21–30 years, 31–40 years old, respectively, and decreased to 2%~3% in older patients. Patients with elevated serum liver enzymes were more likely to have a higher prevalence of EA/D IgA antibody (P < 0.01) and young patients (≤30 years) with lymphadenopathy were more likely to have higher prevalence of VCA-IgM antibody (P < 0.01). The prevalence of VCA-IgA and EAD-IgA were 87.0% and 59.2% in NPC patients, respectively, and both were significantly higher (P < 0.001) than that in non-NPC patients. The prevalence of VCA-IgA was 45.4% and 25.6% in SLE patients and patients with other autoimmune diseases, respectively, which were significantly (P < 0.001) and mildly (P = 0.039) higher than their controls. In pediatric SLE patients between 6 and10 years old, the prevalence of VCA-IgG, VCA-IgA and EBNA1-IgG was 100%, 59.5% and 100%, respectively, all being significantly higher than the age (6-10y) related controls (P< 0.01). In the 705 cerebral spinal fluid (CSF) specimens, VCA-IgG, VCA-IgM, VCA-IgA and EAD-IgA were found to be positive in 12.1%, 0.15%, 0.25% and 0.25%, respectively. There were 157 paired specimens (CSF and serum were collected simultaneously) and VCA-IgG was identified as positive in 12.7% of the CSF and 100% of the serum specimens. Conclusions Around 98% of Chinese patients were infected with EBV before 30 years of age and the highest rate of acute EBV infection were observed in patients under 5 years old. EBV infection was found to be associated with elevated serum liver enzymes, NPC and SLE. Acute anti-EBV antibody was valued for young patients with lymphadenopathy but limited value for CNS neuropathy.
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Tu J, Wang X, Geng G, Xue X, Lin X, Zhu X, Sun L. The Possible Effect of B-Cell Epitopes of Epstein-Barr Virus Early Antigen, Membrane Antigen, Latent Membrane Protein-1, and -2A on Systemic Lupus Erythematosus. Front Immunol 2018; 9:187. [PMID: 29497417 PMCID: PMC5819577 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2018.00187] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/05/2017] [Accepted: 01/22/2018] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
This study was aimed to evaluate the role of B-cell epitopes of Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) Early antigen protein D (EA), envelope glycoprotein GP340/membrane antigen (MA), latent membrane protein (LMP)-1, and LMP-2A in systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). B-cell epitopes were predicted by analyzing secondary structure, transmembrane domains, surface properties, and homological comparison. 60 female mice were randomized equally into 12 groups: 1-10 groups were immunized by epitope peptides (EPs) 1-10, respectively, while 11 and 12 groups were PBS and Keyhole limpet hemocyanin (KLH) control groups. Immunoglobulin G (IgG) and autoantibody to nuclear antigen (ANA) concentrations in mice serum were determined at week 8. Indirect levels of EP1-10 were further detected by enzyme-linked immuno sorbent assay (ELISA) in 119 SLE patients and 64 age- and gender-matched health controls (HCs). 10 probable EBV EA, MA, LMP-1, and LMP-2A B-cell epitopes related to SLE self-antigens were predicted and corresponding EP1-10 were synthesized. IgG concentrations at week 8 were increased in EP1-10 and KLH groups compared with PBS group in mice; while ANA levels were elevated in only EP1-4, EP6-7, and EP10 groups compared to KLH group by ELISA, and ANA-positive rates were increased in only EP1, EP2, EP4, EP6, and EP10 groups by indirect immunofluorescence assay. EP1-4, EP6, and EP10 indirect levels were increased in SLE patients than HCs, while EP1, EP3, EP6, and EP9 were correlated with SLE disease activity index score. In conclusion, EBV EA, MA, LMP-1, and LMP-2A B-cell EPs increased SLE-related autoantibodies in mice, and their indirect levels might be served as potential biomarkers for SLE diagnosis and disease severity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jianxin Tu
- Department of Rheumatology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China
| | - Xiaobing Wang
- Department of Rheumatology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China
| | - Guannan Geng
- Central Laboratory, Renji Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Xiangyang Xue
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Basic Medical College of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China
| | - Xiangyang Lin
- Medical Laboratory, The First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China
| | - Xiaochun Zhu
- Department of Rheumatology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China
| | - Li Sun
- Department of Rheumatology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China
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Serological profiling of the EBV immune response in Chronic Fatigue Syndrome using a peptide microarray. PLoS One 2017; 12:e0179124. [PMID: 28604802 PMCID: PMC5467847 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0179124] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/22/2016] [Accepted: 05/24/2017] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Epstein-Barr-Virus (EBV) plays an important role as trigger or cofactor for various autoimmune diseases. In a subset of patients with Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS) disease starts with infectious mononucleosis as late primary EBV-infection, whereby altered levels of EBV-specific antibodies can be observed in another subset of patients. METHODS We performed a comprehensive mapping of the IgG response against EBV comparing 50 healthy controls with 92 CFS patients using a microarray platform. Patients with multiple sclerosis (MS), systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) and cancer-related fatigue served as controls. 3054 overlapping peptides were synthesised as 15-mers from 14 different EBV proteins. Array data was validated by ELISA for selected peptides. Prevalence of EBV serotypes was determined by qPCR from throat washing samples. RESULTS EBV type 1 infections were found in patients and controls. EBV seroarray profiles between healthy controls and CFS were less divergent than that observed for MS or SLE. We found significantly enhanced IgG responses to several EBNA-6 peptides containing a repeat sequence in CFS patients compared to controls. EBNA-6 peptide IgG responses correlated well with EBNA-6 protein responses. The EBNA-6 repeat region showed sequence homologies to various human proteins. CONCLUSION Patients with CFS had a quite similar EBV IgG antibody response pattern as healthy controls. Enhanced IgG reactivity against an EBNA-6 repeat sequence and against EBNA-6 protein is found in CFS patients. Homologous sequences of various human proteins with this EBNA-6 repeat sequence might be potential targets for antigenic mimicry.
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Sternbæk L, Draborg AH, Nielsen CT, Jacobsen S, Iversen LV, Troelsen L, Theander E, Houen G. Efficient evaluation of humoral immune responses by the use of serum pools. J Immunol Methods 2017; 443:1-8. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jim.2017.01.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/19/2016] [Revised: 01/16/2017] [Accepted: 01/23/2017] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
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Impaired Cytokine Responses to Epstein-Barr Virus Antigens in Systemic Lupus Erythematosus Patients. J Immunol Res 2016; 2016:6473204. [PMID: 27110576 PMCID: PMC4826706 DOI: 10.1155/2016/6473204] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/12/2015] [Accepted: 03/06/2016] [Indexed: 01/05/2023] Open
Abstract
We analyzed cytokine responses against latent and lytic Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) antigens in systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) patients and healthy controls (HCs) to obtain an overview of the distinctive immune regulatory response in SLE patients and to expand the previously determined impaired EBV-directed T-cell response. The concentrations of 14 cytokines (IL2, IL4, IL5, IL6, IL10, IL12, IL17, IL18, IL1β, IFNγ, TNFα, TNFβ, TGFβ, and GM-CSF) were quantified upon stimulation of whole blood with latent state antigen EBNA1, lytic cycle antigen EBV-EA/D, and the superantigen SEB. To avoid results affected by lack of lymphocytes, we focused on SLE patients with normal levels. Decreased induction of IL12, IFNγ, IL17, and IL6 upon EBNA1 stimulation and that of IFNγ, IL6, TNFβ, IL1β, and GM-CSF upon EBV-EA/D stimulation were detected in SLE patients compared to HCs. IFNγ responses, especially, were shown to be reduced. Induction of several cytokines was furthermore impaired in SLE patients upon SEB stimulation, but no difference was observed in basic levels. Results substantiate the previously proposed impaired regulation of the immune response against latent and lytic cycle EBV infection in SLE patients without lymphopenia. Furthermore, results indicate general dysfunction of leukocytes and their cytokine regulations in SLE patients.
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Ball RJ, Avenell A, Aucott L, Hanlon P, Vickers MA. Systematic review and meta-analysis of the sero-epidemiological association between Epstein-Barr virus and rheumatoid arthritis. Arthritis Res Ther 2015; 17:274. [PMID: 26416719 PMCID: PMC4587583 DOI: 10.1186/s13075-015-0755-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/06/2015] [Accepted: 08/12/2015] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction Infection with Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) has been suggested to contribute to the pathogenesis of autoimmune diseases, including rheumatoid arthritis (RA). We sought to determine whether prior infection with the virus occurs more frequently in patients with RA compared to controls. Methods We performed a systematic review and meta-analyses of studies that reported the prevalence of anti-EBV antibodies in the sera of cases with RA and controls by searching Medline and Embase databases from 1946 to 2014, with no language restriction. Mantel-Haenszel odds ratios for the detection of anti-EBV antibodies were calculated, and meta-analyses conducted. Quality assessments were performed using a modified version of the Newcastle-Ottawa scale. Results Twenty-three studies were included. Quality assessment found most studies reported acceptable selection criteria but poor descriptions of how cases and controls were recruited. When all studies were included, there was a statistically significant higher seroprevalence of anti-VCA IgG in patients with RA compared to controls with an odds ratio (OR) of 1.61 (95 % confidence interval (CI) 1.05–2.46, p = 0.03), which is a similar-sized summary OR to that reported for systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). However, when studies were restricted to those reporting more plausible levels of exposure to EBV in the control groups, no significant association was apparent, OR 1.47 (95 % CI 0.88–2.46, p = 0.14). Using anti-EBNA 1 or anti-EA IgG as markers of previous infection also did not yield significant associations (OR 1.05, 95 % CI 0.68–1.61, p = 0.82; OR 2.2, 95 % CI 0.86–5.65, p = 0.10 respectively). Conclusions Overall, these findings do not demonstrate an association between EBV seroprevalence and RA and therefore do not support the hypothesis that prior infection with EBV predisposes to the development of RA. This contrasts with meta-analyses that indicate EBV infection is associated with multiple sclerosis and SLE. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s13075-015-0755-6) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
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Affiliation(s)
- Robert J Ball
- Health Services Research Unit, Division of Applied Health Sciences, University of Aberdeen, Foresterhill, AB25 2ZD, Aberdeen, UK.
| | - Alison Avenell
- Research Health Services Research Unit, Division of Applied Health Sciences, University of Aberdeen, Foresterhill, Aberdeen, AB25 2ZD, UK.
| | - Lorna Aucott
- School of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Aberdeen, Foresterhill, Aberdeen, AB25 2ZD, UK.
| | - Peter Hanlon
- Health Services Research Unit, Division of Applied Health Sciences, University of Aberdeen, Foresterhill, AB25 2ZD, Aberdeen, UK.
| | - Mark A Vickers
- Division of Applied Medicine, University of Aberdeen, Foresterhill, Aberdeen, AB25 2ZD, UK. .,Blood Transfusion Centre, Foresterhill Road, Aberdeen, AB25 2ZW, UK.
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Draborg AH, Lydolph MC, Westergaard M, Olesen Larsen S, Nielsen CT, Duus K, Jacobsen S, Houen G. Elevated Concentrations of Serum Immunoglobulin Free Light Chains in Systemic Lupus Erythematosus Patients in Relation to Disease Activity, Inflammatory Status, B Cell Activity and Epstein-Barr Virus Antibodies. PLoS One 2015; 10:e0138753. [PMID: 26402865 PMCID: PMC4581754 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0138753] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/23/2015] [Accepted: 08/09/2015] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE In this study, we examined the concentration of serum immunoglobulin free light chains (FLCs) in systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) patients and investigated its association with various disease parameters in order to evaluate the role of FLCs as a potential biomarker in SLE. Furthermore, FLCs' association with Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) antibodies was examined. METHODS Using a nephelometric assay, κFLC and λFLC concentrations were quantified in sera from 45 SLE patients and 40 healthy controls. SLE patients with renal insufficiency were excluded in order to preclude high concentrations of serum FLCs due to decreased clearance. RESULTS Serum FLC concentrations were significantly elevated in SLE patients compared to healthy controls (p<0.0001) also after adjusting for Ig levels (p<0.0001). The concentration of serum FLCs correlated with a global disease activity (SLE disease activity index (SLEDAI)) score of the SLE patients (r = 0.399, p = 0.007). Furthermore, concentrations of FLCs correlated with titers of dsDNA antibodies (r = 0.383, p = 0.009), and FLC levels and SLEDAI scores correlated in the anti-dsDNA-positive SLE patients, but not in anti-dsDNA-negative SLE patients. Total immunoglobulin (IgG and IgA) concentrations correlated with FLC concentrations and elevated FLC levels were additionally shown to associate with the inflammatory marker C-reactive protein and also with complement consumption determined by low C4 in SLE patients. Collectively, results indicated that elevated serum FLCs reflects increased B cell activity in relation to inflammation. SLE patients had an increased seropositivity of EBV-directed antibodies that did not associate with elevated FLC concentrations. An explanation for this could be that serum FLC concentrations reflect the current EBV activity (reactivation) whereas EBV-directed antibodies reflect the extent of previous infection/reactivations. CONCLUSION SLE patients have elevated concentrations of serum FLCs that correlate with global disease activity scores and especially serologic markers for active disease. These findings are suggestive of circulating FLCs having potential as a new supplementary serologic biomarker in SLE.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anette H. Draborg
- Department of Autoimmunology and Biomarkers, Statens Serum Institut, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Magnus C. Lydolph
- Department of Autoimmunology and Biomarkers, Statens Serum Institut, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Marie Westergaard
- Department of Autoimmunology and Biomarkers, Statens Serum Institut, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Severin Olesen Larsen
- Department of Autoimmunology and Biomarkers, Statens Serum Institut, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Christoffer T. Nielsen
- Department of Autoimmunology and Biomarkers, Statens Serum Institut, Copenhagen, Denmark
- Department of Infectious Diseases and Rheumatology, Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen University Hospital, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Karen Duus
- Department of Autoimmunology and Biomarkers, Statens Serum Institut, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Søren Jacobsen
- Department of Infectious Diseases and Rheumatology, Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen University Hospital, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Gunnar Houen
- Department of Autoimmunology and Biomarkers, Statens Serum Institut, Copenhagen, Denmark
- * E-mail:
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Isotypes of Epstein-Barr virus antibodies in rheumatoid arthritis: association with rheumatoid factors and citrulline-dependent antibodies. BIOMED RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2015; 2015:472174. [PMID: 26000294 PMCID: PMC4426970 DOI: 10.1155/2015/472174] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/11/2014] [Revised: 01/28/2015] [Accepted: 02/23/2015] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
In order to study the humoral immune response against Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and to compare it with the two major autoantibody types in RA, plasma samples from 77 RA patients, 28 patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), and 28 healthy controls (HCs) were investigated by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays (ELISA). Increased percentages of positives and concentrations of IgG/IgA/IgM antibodies against the latent EBV nuclear antigen-1 (EBNA-1) were observed in RA patients compared to SLE patients and HCs. Increased concentrations and percentages of positives of IgG/IgA/IgM against the early lytic EBV antigen diffuse (EAD) were also found in RA patients compared to HCs but were highest in SLE patients. Furthermore, associations between the elevated EBNA-1 IgA and EBNA-1 IgM levels and the presence of IgM and IgA rheumatoid factors (RFs) and anti-citrullinated protein antibodies (ACPAs, IgG) and between elevated IgA concentrations against EAD and the presence of RFs and ACPAs in RA patients were found. Thus, RA patients had elevated antibodies of all isotypes characteristic of latent EBV infection (whereas SLE patients had elevated antibodies characteristic of lytic EBV infection). Notably, for IgM and IgA (but not IgG), these were associated with the presence of characteristic RA autoantibodies.
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Rasmussen NS, Draborg AH, Nielsen CT, Jacobsen S, Houen G. Antibodies to early EBV, CMV, and HHV6 antigens in systemic lupus erythematosus patients. Scand J Rheumatol 2015; 44:143-9. [PMID: 25562120 PMCID: PMC4389709 DOI: 10.3109/03009742.2014.973061] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES We investigated the antibody levels against early antigens of Epstein-Barr virus (EBV), cytomegalovirus (CMV), and human herpesvirus 6 (HHV6) in systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) patients and healthy controls, and further correlated these antibodies to haematology/biochemistry, serology, and disease activity measures. METHOD Immunoglobulin (Ig)M, IgG, and IgA levels against the DNA polymerase processivity factors of EBV, CMV, and HHV6, termed early antigen diffuse (EA/D), pp52, and p41, respectively, were determined in plasma samples from 77 SLE patients and 29 healthy controls by using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays (ELISAs). RESULTS IgM, IgG, and IgA levels against EBV EA/D, and IgG and IgA levels against CMV pp52, were significantly higher in SLE patients compared with healthy controls. Furthermore, EBV EA/D- and CMV pp52-directed IgG levels were inversely and positively associated, respectively, with lymphocyte counts in SLE patients. None of the findings seemed to be associated with use of immunosuppressive medication. CONCLUSIONS Our results suggest strong, but opposite, associations of lytic EBV and CMV infections with SLE. The amplified humoral responses to EBV EA/D and CMV pp52 in our SLE patient cohort probably reflect aberrant control of EBV and CMV reactivation. However, reactivation of EBV appeared to correlate with lymphopenic manifestations in SLE patients whereas CMV reactivation seemed to correlate with increments in lymphocyte levels.
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Affiliation(s)
- N S Rasmussen
- Department of Clinical Biochemistry, Immunology and Genetics, Statens Serum Institut , Copenhagen , Denmark
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Abstract
Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) is widely distributed in the world and associated with a still increasing number of acute, chronic, malignant and autoimmune disease syndromes. Humoral immune responses to EBV have been studied for diagnostic, pathogenic and protective (vaccine) purposes. These studies use a range of methodologies, from cell-based immunofluorescence testing to antibody-diversity analysis using immunoblot and epitope analysis using recombinant or synthetic peptide-scanning. First, the individual EBV antigen complexes (VCA , MA, EA(D), EA(R) and EBNA) are defined at cellular and molecular levels, providing a historic overview. The characteristic antibody responses to these complexes in health and disease are described, and differences are highlighted by clinical examples. Options for EBV vaccination are briefly addressed. For a selected number of immunodominant proteins, in particular EBNA1, the interaction with human antibodies is further detailed at the epitope level, revealing interesting insights for structure, function and immunological aspects, not considered previously. Humoral immune responses against EBV-encoded tumour antigens LMP1, LMP2 and BARF1 are addressed, which provide novel options for targeted immunotherapy. Finally, some considerations on EBV-linked autoimmune diseases are given, and mechanisms of antigen mimicry are briefly discussed. Further analysis of humoral immune responses against EBV in health and disease in carefully selected patient cohorts will open new options for understanding pathogenesis of individual EBV-linked diseases and developing targeted diagnostic and therapeutic approaches.
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Abstract
Autoimmune diseases have increased dramatically worldwide since World War II. This is coincidental with the increased production and use of chemicals both in industrial countries and agriculture, as well as the ease of travel from region to region and continent to continent, making the transfer of a pathogen or pathogens from one part of the world to another much easier than ever before. In this review, triggers of autoimmunity are examined, principally environmental. The number of possible environmental triggers is vast and includes chemicals, bacteria, viruses, and molds. Examples of these triggers are given and include the mechanism of action and method by which they bring about autoimmunity.
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Draborg AH, Jacobsen S, Westergaard M, Mortensen S, Larsen JL, Houen G, Duus K. Reduced response to Epstein-Barr virus antigens by T-cells in systemic lupus erythematosus patients. Lupus Sci Med 2014; 1:e000015. [PMID: 25396062 PMCID: PMC4225738 DOI: 10.1136/lupus-2014-000015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/13/2014] [Revised: 03/06/2014] [Accepted: 03/07/2014] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Abstract
Objective Epstein–Barr virus (EBV) has for long been associated with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). In this study, we investigated the levels of latent and lytic antigen EBV-specific T-cells and antibodies in SLE patients. Methods T cells were analyzed by flow cytometry and antibodies were analyzed by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Results SLE patients showed a significantly reduced number of activated (CD69) T-cells upon ex vivo stimulation with EBV nuclear antigen (EBNA) 1 or EBV early antigen diffuse (EBV-EA/D) in whole blood samples compared with healthy controls. Also, a reduced number of T-cells from SLE patients were found to produce interferon-γ upon stimulation with these antigens. Importantly, responses to a superantigen were normal in SLE patients. Compared with healthy controls, SLE patients had fewer EBV-specific T-cells but higher titres of antibodies against EBV. Furthermore, an inverse correlation was revealed between the number of lytic antigen EBV-specific T-cells and disease activity of the SLE patients, with high-activity SLE patients having fewer T-cells than low-activity SLE patients. Conclusions These results indicate a limited or a defective EBV-specific T-cell response in SLE patients, which may suggest poor control of EBV infection in SLE with an immune reaction shift towards a humoral response in an attempt to control viral reactivation. A role for decreased control of EBV as a contributing agent in the development or exacerbation of SLE is proposed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anette Holck Draborg
- Department of Clinical Biochemistry, Immunology and Genetics , Statens Serum Institut , Copenhagen , Denmark
| | - Søren Jacobsen
- Department of Infectious Diseases and Rheumatology, Rigshospitalet , Copenhagen University Hospital , Copenhagen , Denmark
| | - Marie Westergaard
- Department of Clinical Biochemistry, Immunology and Genetics , Statens Serum Institut , Copenhagen , Denmark
| | - Shila Mortensen
- Department of Microbiological Diagnostics and Virology , Statens Serum Institut , Copenhagen , Denmark
| | - Janni Lisander Larsen
- Department of Infectious Diseases and Rheumatology, Rigshospitalet , Copenhagen University Hospital , Copenhagen , Denmark
| | - Gunnar Houen
- Department of Clinical Biochemistry, Immunology and Genetics , Statens Serum Institut , Copenhagen , Denmark
| | - Karen Duus
- Department of Clinical Biochemistry, Immunology and Genetics , Statens Serum Institut , Copenhagen , Denmark
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Loebel M, Strohschein K, Giannini C, Koelsch U, Bauer S, Doebis C, Thomas S, Unterwalder N, von Baehr V, Reinke P, Knops M, Hanitsch LG, Meisel C, Volk HD, Scheibenbogen C. Deficient EBV-specific B- and T-cell response in patients with chronic fatigue syndrome. PLoS One 2014; 9:e85387. [PMID: 24454857 PMCID: PMC3893202 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0085387] [Citation(s) in RCA: 61] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/17/2013] [Accepted: 11/26/2013] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) has long been discussed as a possible cause or trigger of Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS). In a subset of patients the disease starts with infectious mononucleosis and both enhanced and diminished EBV-specific antibody titers have been reported. In this study, we comprehensively analyzed the EBV-specific memory B- and T-cell response in patients with CFS. While we observed no difference in viral capsid antigen (VCA)-IgG antibodies, EBV nuclear antigen (EBNA)-IgG titers were low or absent in 10% of CFS patients. Remarkably, when analyzing the EBV-specific memory B-cell reservoir in vitro a diminished or absent number of EBNA-1- and VCA-antibody secreting cells was found in up to 76% of patients. Moreover, the ex vivo EBV-induced secretion of TNF-α and IFN-γ was significantly lower in patients. Multicolor flow cytometry revealed that the frequencies of EBNA-1-specific triple TNF-α/IFN-γ/IL-2 producing CD4(+) and CD8(+) T-cell subsets were significantly diminished whereas no difference could be detected for HCMV-specific T-cell responses. When comparing EBV load in blood immune cells, we found more frequently EBER-DNA but not BZLF-1 RNA in CFS patients compared to healthy controls suggesting more frequent latent replication. Taken together, our findings give evidence for a deficient EBV-specific B- and T-cell memory response in CFS patients and suggest an impaired ability to control early steps of EBV reactivation. In addition the diminished EBV response might be suitable to develop diagnostic marker in CFS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Madlen Loebel
- Institute for Medical Immunology, Charité University Medicine Berlin, Campus Virchow, Berlin, Germany
| | - Kristin Strohschein
- Institute for Medical Immunology, Charité University Medicine Berlin, Campus Virchow, Berlin, Germany
- Julius Wolff Institute, Charité University Medicine Berlin, Campus Virchow, Berlin, Germany
| | - Carolin Giannini
- Institute for Medical Immunology, Charité University Medicine Berlin, Campus Virchow, Berlin, Germany
| | - Uwe Koelsch
- Labor Berlin GmbH, Immunology Department, Charité University Medicine Berlin, Campus Virchow, Berlin, Germany
| | - Sandra Bauer
- Institute for Medical Immunology, Charité University Medicine Berlin, Campus Virchow, Berlin, Germany
| | | | - Sybill Thomas
- Institute for Medical Immunology, Charité University Medicine Berlin, Campus Virchow, Berlin, Germany
| | - Nadine Unterwalder
- Labor Berlin GmbH, Immunology Department, Charité University Medicine Berlin, Campus Virchow, Berlin, Germany
| | | | - Petra Reinke
- Berlin-Brandenburg Center for Regenerative Therapies (BCRT), Charité University Medicine Berlin, Germany
- Department Nephrology, Charité University Medicine Berlin, Germany
| | - Michael Knops
- Institute for Medical Immunology, Charité University Medicine Berlin, Campus Virchow, Berlin, Germany
| | - Leif G. Hanitsch
- Institute for Medical Immunology, Charité University Medicine Berlin, Campus Virchow, Berlin, Germany
| | - Christian Meisel
- Institute for Medical Immunology, Charité University Medicine Berlin, Campus Virchow, Berlin, Germany
- Labor Berlin GmbH, Immunology Department, Charité University Medicine Berlin, Campus Virchow, Berlin, Germany
| | - Hans-Dieter Volk
- Institute for Medical Immunology, Charité University Medicine Berlin, Campus Virchow, Berlin, Germany
- Berlin-Brandenburg Center for Regenerative Therapies (BCRT), Charité University Medicine Berlin, Germany
| | - Carmen Scheibenbogen
- Institute for Medical Immunology, Charité University Medicine Berlin, Campus Virchow, Berlin, Germany
- Berlin-Brandenburg Center for Regenerative Therapies (BCRT), Charité University Medicine Berlin, Germany
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Tung YC, Ke LY, Tsai SM, Lu PL, Tsai WC. High seroprevalence of human herpesvirus 8 infection in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus. Int J Rheum Dis 2013; 16:709-14. [DOI: 10.1111/1756-185x.12193] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Yi-Ching Tung
- Department of Public Health and Environmental Medicine; Kaohsiung Medical University; Kaohsiung Taiwan
- Graduate Institute of Medicine; Kaohsiung Medical University; Kaohsiung Taiwan
| | - Liang-Yin Ke
- Graduate Institute of Medicine; Kaohsiung Medical University; Kaohsiung Taiwan
- Department of Laboratory Medicine; Kaohsiung Medical University Hospital; Kaohsiung Taiwan
| | - Shih-Meng Tsai
- Department of Public Health and Environmental Medicine; Kaohsiung Medical University; Kaohsiung Taiwan
| | - Po-Liang Lu
- Department of Laboratory Medicine; Kaohsiung Medical University Hospital; Kaohsiung Taiwan
- College of Medicine; Kaohsiung Medical University; Kaohsiung Taiwan
- Department of Internal Medicine; Kaohsiung Medical University Hospital; Kaohsiung Taiwan
| | - Wen-Chan Tsai
- Department of Laboratory Medicine; Kaohsiung Medical University Hospital; Kaohsiung Taiwan
- College of Medicine; Kaohsiung Medical University; Kaohsiung Taiwan
- Department of Internal Medicine; Kaohsiung Medical University Hospital; Kaohsiung Taiwan
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Epstein-Barr virus in systemic autoimmune diseases. Clin Dev Immunol 2013; 2013:535738. [PMID: 24062777 PMCID: PMC3766599 DOI: 10.1155/2013/535738] [Citation(s) in RCA: 138] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/24/2013] [Accepted: 07/17/2013] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Systemic autoimmune diseases (SADs) are a group of connective tissue diseases with diverse, yet overlapping, symptoms and autoantibody development. The etiology behind SADs is not fully elucidated, but a number of genetic and environmental factors are known to influence the incidence of SADs. Recent findings link dysregulation of Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) with SAD development. EBV causes a persistent infection with a tight latency programme in memory B-cells, which enables evasion of the immune defence. A number of immune escape mechanisms and immune-modulating proteins have been described for EBV. These immune modulating functions make EBV a good candidate for initiation of autoimmune diseases and exacerbation of disease progression. This review focuses on systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), rheumatoid arthritis (RA), and Sjögren's syndrome (SS) and sum up the existing data linking EBV with these diseases including elevated titres of EBV antibodies, reduced T-cell defence against EBV, and elevated EBV viral load. Together, these data suggest that uncontrolled EBV infection can develop diverse autoreactivities in genetic susceptible individuals with different manifestations depending on the genetic background and the site of reactivation.
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Lossius A, Johansen JN, Torkildsen Ø, Vartdal F, Holmøy T. Epstein-Barr virus in systemic lupus erythematosus, rheumatoid arthritis and multiple sclerosis—association and causation. Viruses 2013; 4:3701-30. [PMID: 23342374 PMCID: PMC3528287 DOI: 10.3390/v4123701] [Citation(s) in RCA: 93] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Epidemiological data suggest that the Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) is associated with several autoimmune diseases, such as systemic lupus erythematosus, rheumatoid arthritis and multiple sclerosis. However, it is not clear whether EBV plays a role in the pathogenesis of these diseases, and if so, by which mechanisms the virus may contribute. In this review, we discuss possible viral and immunological mechanisms that might explain associations between EBV and autoimmune diseases and whether these associations represent causes or effects of inflammation and autoimmunity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andreas Lossius
- Institute of Immunology, Oslo University Hospital Rikshospitalet, Oslo, Norway.
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Epstein-Barr virus and systemic lupus erythematosus. Clin Dev Immunol 2012; 2012:370516. [PMID: 22811739 PMCID: PMC3395176 DOI: 10.1155/2012/370516] [Citation(s) in RCA: 83] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/20/2012] [Revised: 03/23/2012] [Accepted: 04/14/2012] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
The etiology of SLE is not fully established. SLE is a disease with periods of waning disease activity and intermittent flares. This fits well in theory to a latent virus infection, which occasionally switches to lytic cycle, and EBV infection has for long been suspected to be involved. This paper reviews EBV immunobiology and how this is related to SLE pathogenesis by illustrating uncontrolled reactivation of EBV as a disease mechanism for SLE. Studies on EBV in SLE patients show enlarged viral load, abnormal expression of viral lytic genes, impaired EBV-specific T-cell response, and increased levels of EBV-directed antibodies. These results suggest a role for reactivation of EBV infection in SLE. The increased level of EBV antibodies especially comprises an elevated titre of IgA antibodies, and the total number of EBV-reacting antibody isotypes is also enlarged. As EBV is known to be controlled by cell-mediated immunity, the reduced EBV-specific T-cell response in SLE patients may result in defective control of EBV causing frequent reactivation and expression of lytic cycle antigens. This gives rise to enhanced apoptosis and amplified cellular waste load resulting in activation of an immune response and development of EBV-directed antibodies and autoantibodies to cellular antigens.
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