A deficiency of cells that control EBV infection in MS

In this study the researchers have shown that a particular immune cell, called the CD8 T cell, is deficient in MS'ers and contributes to the decreased immune response to EBV-infected B cells.  Importantly, this worsens with age in MS'ers. They conclude that these findings have implications for the prevention and treatment of MS by controlling EBV infection.

Epub ahead of printPender et al. CD8 T cell deficiency impairs control of Epstein-Barr virus and worsens with age in multiple sclerosis. J Neurol Neurosurg Psychiatry. 2011 Jul 26.

"More data to support the strategy for testing an anti-viral agent that targets EBV in MS."

"Anti-CD20 therapies, rituximab and ocrelizumab, that target B cells, may work via killing B cells infected with EBV. MS'ers should find this very exciting as ocrelizumab is phase 3 development for both primary progressive and relapsing-remitting MS."

Extra Reading: CD8+ T cells, B cells, Epstein Barr Virus or EBV