Intersection of Genetics and EBV in MS

Start Term
End Term
Funding Amount
$50,000
Affiliation(s)
University of Alberta
Geographic Region(s) / Province(s)
Alberta
Researcher(s)
Dr. Anastassia Voronova
Research Priorities
Cause of MS
Impact Goal(s)
Prevent MS
Understand and Halt Disease Progression

Summary:

  • A combination of genetic and environmental factors are believed to trigger multiple sclerosis (MS). 
  • In this study, Dr. Anastassia Voronova and team will examine how MS-associated genetic variants (CX3CR1) and Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) infection, a leading environmental risk factor of MS, work together to contribute to MS disease onset or progression. 
  • This research will help us better understand how environmental and genetic risk factors interact and contribute to MS onset and progression.

Project Description: 
MS is believed to be caused by a combination of genetic and environmental/lifestyle factors that influence the risk of MS. Several genetic variants have been associated with an increased risk of developing MS, and recent studies point to Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) infection as a leading environmental risk factor of MS. However, how EBV and MS genetic variants interact and contribute to MS onset or progression is unknown.

In this study, Dr. Anastassia Voronova and team will use mice with an MS-associated mutation in the CX3CR1 gene. In animal models, Dr. Voronova has shown that a genetic mutation in CX3CR1 interrupts fractalkine signaling and remyelination resulting in more severe MS-like disease course. This study will examine whether the combination of a CX3CR1 mutation and infection with an EBV-like virus will exacerbate the MS-like disease course.

Potential Impact: The findings of this study will fill a critical knowledge gap in MS disease mechanisms and shed light on how environmental and genetic factors interact to contribute to MS. It will also help us to answer a critical question in the MS field – how MS arises and progresses.

Project Status: In Progress