Epstein-Barr virus protein can 'switch on' risk genes for autoimmune diseases

(NIH/National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases) Infection with Epstein-Barr virus (EBV), the cause of infectious mononucleosis, has been associated with subsequent development of systemic lupus erythematosus and other chronic autoimmune illnesses, but the mechanisms behind this association were unclear. Now, a novel computational method shows that a viral protein found in EBV-infected human cells may activate genes associated with increased risk for autoimmunity. Scientists supported by the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases report their findings today in Nature Genetics.
Source: EurekAlert! - Infectious and Emerging Diseases - Category: Infectious Diseases Source Type: news