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

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. EB

SUBMITTER: Afrasiabi A 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC6957475 | biostudies-literature | 2020 Jan

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature