Groundbreaking research has established a significant link between the Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) and the development of multiple sclerosis (MS), a chronic autoimmune disease affecting the central nervous system. This pivotal work has earned Dr. Alberto Ascherio of the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health and Dr. Stephen Hauser of the University of California, San Francisco, the prestigious 2025 Breakthrough Prize in Life Sciences.
The research, which analyzed the health records of over 10 million young adults in the U.S. military, demonstrated a compelling correlation between EBV infection and an increased risk of developing MS. The study revealed that individuals infected with EBV were 32 times more likely to develop MS compared to those who were not. This finding is particularly significant as EBV is a ubiquitous virus, with over 95% of adults having been infected at some point in their lives. Further supporting a causal link, the research measured elevated levels of neurofilament light chain, a biomarker indicating nerve degeneration, which were observed only after EBV infection, suggesting that nerve damage associated with MS begins after EBV exposure. The strength of this association has led to a near-consensus within the scientific community that EBV is the leading cause of MS.
Dr. Ascherio's decades-long dedication to understanding the root causes of diseases, aiming for prevention, has been a driving force behind this discovery. His work, alongside Dr. Hauser's contributions in identifying the role of B cells in MS and developing targeted treatments, has transformed the understanding and management of this debilitating condition. Dr. Hauser's research was instrumental in identifying B cells as key drivers of MS, leading to the development of effective B-cell-targeting therapies.
The implications of this research are profound, potentially paving the way for new preventative strategies, including the development of EBV vaccines. While the exact mechanisms by which EBV triggers MS are still under investigation, the strong evidence points to molecular mimicry, where the virus's proteins resemble those in the nervous system, prompting the immune system to attack healthy tissues. This discovery not only offers hope for preventing MS but also deepens our understanding of autoimmune diseases as a whole, highlighting the intricate interplay between viral infections and neurological health. The awarding of the Breakthrough Prize underscores the immense significance of this research in advancing human health and offering a new perspective on tackling a disease that affects millions worldwide.