Genetic Screens to Identify New Targets for MS

Start Term
End Term
Funding Amount
$299,730
Affiliation(s)
University of Toronto
Geographic Region(s) / Province(s)
Ontario
Research Priorities
Cause of MS
Impact Goal(s)
Prevent MS
Understand and Halt Disease Progression

Researcher(s):  Dr. Jack Greenblatt

Summary:  

  • Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) is a key risk factor of MS and can remain inactive in immune cells (B cells) throughout a person’s life.  

  • Dr. Jack Greenblatt and team are testing a new approach to identify specific genes and proteins that are important for supporting the growth and survival of EBV-infected B cells. They will then determine if existing drugs can be used to target these genes and proteins to eliminate EBV-infected cells.  

  • Findings from this research could lead to the discovery of new EBV-directed drug targets for treatment and prevention of MS.  

Project Description:  

Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) infects over 90% of people worldwide and can present as infectious mononucleosis (‘mono’) in adolescence. After the initial infection, EBV can remain present in B cells throughout a person’s life without causing noticeable symptoms or active disease (a process called latent infection). These EBV-infected B cells have been found in the brains of people with MS, and recent studies suggest EBV is a leading trigger of MS. 

In this study, Dr. Jack Greenblatt and team are testing a new approach to target and eliminate B cells with latent EBV infection. They will perform genetic screens called CRISPR to identify human genes and proteins that are essential for the growth and survival of EBV-infected B cells. They will then test existing drugs to see if they can effectively target the proteins identified from the screen and eliminate or halt the growth of EBV-infected cells. 

Potential Impact: This research has the potential to uncover new therapeutic targets and strategies for treating or even preventing MS by directly targeting EBV.

Project Status: In Progress