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.

Details

Title
Epstein-Barr Virus in Systemic Lupus Erythematosus, Rheumatoid Arthritis and Multiple Sclerosis-Association and Causation
Author
Lossius, Andreas; Johansen, Jorunn N; Torkildsen, Øivind; Vartdal, Frode; Holmøy, Trygve
Pages
3701-3730
Publication year
2012
Publication date
2012
Publisher
MDPI AG
e-ISSN
19994915
Source type
Scholarly Journal
Language of publication
English
ProQuest document ID
1539435073
Copyright
Copyright MDPI AG 2012