In humans, certain components of the Epstein Barr virus lodge in immune cells, especially B lymphocytes, and probably remain there for life. Since EBV plays a role not only in multiple sclerosis but also in various blood cancers, unsuccessful attempts have been made for more than 50 years to prevent human infection by EBV through vaccination.
Apparently, the Atara company now aims to eliminate infected immune cells from the body by using white blood cells from donors (ATA188), since ATA188 can recognize surface features of EBV-infected cells. Further details are not given. If successful, this might mean significant mechanistic progress both for the relapsing form and for progressive MS: So far, one can only speculate regarding the immunological consequences of virus elimination.
However, one must be aware that according to current scientific understanding, no EBV-associated access to mechanisms in the chronic progression of multiple sclerosis has been described. It is generally accepted that a translocation, quasi nidation of immune cells such as microglia and B cells in the chronically inflamed brain, immunologically promotes the destruction of the myelin sheaths and nerve fibers.
From our point of view, too much hope for this postulated therapeutic approach is unfortunately not justified at the moment, so-called phase II studies with associated laboratory tests in a modern study design must urgently be awaited.
Editor: DMSG-Bundesverband eV -14.04.2022