One of the most common viruses in the world could be behind lupus, an autoimmune condition with a wide range of symptoms, according to a study released Wednesday. Lupus has long puzzled doctors: No single cause has been identified, and there is no standard treatment. However, new research, published in Science Translational Medicine, suggests that Epstein-Barr virus, which infects 95% of people at some point in their lives, may trigger lupus by prompting the body to attack its own healthy cells.Also Read: New Malaria Drug 2025: GanLum Outperforms Standard Treatment, Could Save Millions Epstein-Barr Virus: What Is It?Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) is a widespread herpesvirus that infects most people globally and is the main cause of infectious mononucleosis, also called mono. It spreads primarily through saliva, meaning kissing, sharing drinks, or close personal contact can pass the virus. For most, EBV causes a short-lived illness with symptoms such as fatigue, fever, and sore throat. Once infected, the virus stays in the body for life, often without causing further problems, though it has been linked to certain cancers and autoimmune diseases, especially in people with weaker immune systems, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.This adds to growing evidence connecting EBV to long-term health issues, including autoimmune conditions. Researchers say the findings strengthen the case for developing a vaccine targeting the virus.In people with lupus, the immune system attacks the body, causing extreme fatigue, joint pain, and skin rashes. In rare cases, the disease can lead to serious complications like kidney damage or make the body less able to fight infections.Also Read: Botulism Infant Formula Recall 2025: ByHeart Expands Nationwide Recall After 15 Babies HospitalizedEpstein-Barr Virus and the Lupus LinkScientists have long suspected a connection between EBV and lupus, but the exact link remained unclear. Dr. William Robinson, co-author of the study and chief of immunology and rheumatology at Stanford University, said the new findings solve a key piece of the puzzle.“From our perspective, it’s the missing mechanistic link,” Robinson said. “We believe it could apply to all lupus cases,” he added. Hundreds of thousands in the U.S. live with the disease.However, Hoang Nguyen, assistant vice president of research at the Lupus Research Alliance, cautioned that it’s too early to say whether this mechanism explains every case, as per NBC News.“While the evidence is promising, more research is needed to confirm if EBV is the trigger for all lupus,” Nguyen said. The alliance, a private funder of lupus research, provided grant support for the study.Epstein-Barr Virus TransmissionNot everyone infected with EBV shows symptoms, especially children, although the virus is the most common cause of mononucleosis. It spreads mainly through saliva, by kissing or sharing drinks, food, utensils, or toothbrushes. Once in the body, EBV usually stays dormant, though sometimes it reactivates.This isn’t the first time EBV has been tied to autoimmune disorders. Earlier research has linked it to multiple sclerosis, though it is likely one factor among many in the disease’s development.Robinson noted that the pathway his team identified might also contribute to other autoimmune diseases, including rheumatoid arthritis and Crohn’s disease, though more work is needed to explore that.Most people infected with EBV never develop lupus, MS, or other autoimmune conditions. Robinson said certain strains of EBV may be more likely to trigger autoimmune reactions.Epstein-Barr Virus: What Diseases Are Associated With Epstein Barr Virus?To explore the link with lupus, Robinson and colleagues focused on B cells, white blood cells that fight infections. Even in healthy people, EBV lies dormant in a small portion of B cells. But in lupus patients, these infected B cells are far more common — up to 25 times higher than in healthy individuals, according to the study.The research also highlights antinuclear antibodies, proteins that attach to cell nuclei and are a hallmark of lupus. Epstein-Barr infects B cells and reprograms them to produce these antibodies, which then attack healthy tissue.Robinson said the findings align with other theories of lupus, including genetic and hormonal factors that may make someone more vulnerable to the disease. A 2024 *Nature* study also found lupus patients have too many of a certain T cell type associated with cell damage, and too few T cells that aid repair. The pathway Robinson describes could trigger these immune responses.Epstein-Barr Virus: Is Treatment Possible?The study points to new possibilities for lupus therapy. Currently, treatments mainly reduce inflammation, such as corticosteroids. Robinson said future drugs could target B cells infected with EBV specifically.Meanwhile, vaccines in clinical trials could prevent EBV infection entirely. “Vaccination to stop EBV infection would be the ultimate way to prevent these autoimmune diseases,” Robinson said, as per NBC News.
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