| abstract |
Aberrant infection of B cells by (Epstein-Barr virus) EBV leads to autoimmune disease, especially multiple sclerosis, myasthenia gravis and Hashimoto's thyroiditis, and can be treated or immunised against. Treatment may involve an anti-EBV substance such as acyclovir, valacyclovir, interferon, antibodies or SIRNA. Treatment may also involve a B-cell cidal substance such as Rituximab and/or a T-cell inhibitory/cidal substance. Also disclosed is a vaccine for preventing autoimmune disease comrising an EBV epitope. |