[HTML][HTML] The interaction of Multiple Sclerosis risk loci with Epstein-Barr virus phenotypes implicates the virus in pathogenesis

A Afrasiabi, GP Parnell, S Swaminathan, GJ Stewart… - Scientific reports, 2020 - nature.com
Scientific reports, 2020nature.com
Translating the findings of genome wide association studies (GWAS) to new therapies
requires identification of the relevant immunological contexts to interrogate for genetic
effects. In one of the largest GWAS, more than 200 risk loci have been identified for Multiple
Sclerosis (MS) susceptibility. Infection with Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) appears to be
necessary for the development of Multiple Sclerosis (MS). Many MS risk loci are associated
with altered gene expression in EBV infected B cells (LCLs). We have interrogated this …
Abstract
Translating the findings of genome wide association studies (GWAS) to new therapies requires identification of the relevant immunological contexts to interrogate for genetic effects. In one of the largest GWAS, more than 200 risk loci have been identified for Multiple Sclerosis (MS) susceptibility. Infection with Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) appears to be necessary for the development of Multiple Sclerosis (MS). Many MS risk loci are associated with altered gene expression in EBV infected B cells (LCLs). We have interrogated this immunological context to identify interaction between MS risk loci and EBV DNA copy number, intrinsic growth rate and EBV encoded miRNA expression. The EBV DNA copy number was associated with significantly more risk alleles for MS than for other diseases or traits. EBV miRNAs BART4-3p and BART3-5p were highly associated with EBV DNA copy number and MS risk loci. The poliovirus receptor (PVR) risk SNP was associated with EBV DNA copy number, PVR and miRNA expression. Targeting EBV miRNAs BART4-3p and BART3-5p, and the gene PVR, may provide therapeutic benefit in MS. This study also indicates how immunological context and risk loci interactions can be exploited to validate and develop novel therapeutic approaches.
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