Human Herpesvirus 6 and Multiple Sclerosis: Potential Mechanisms for Virus-induced Disease
Authors: Fotheringham, Julie1; Jacobson, Steven1
Source: Herpes, Volume 12, Number 1, 2005 , pp. 4-9(6)
Publisher: Cambridge Medical Publications
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Abstract:
Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a debilitating neurological disease of unknown cause that affects people between 20 and 40 years of age. While several viruses have been associated with MS, none has proven causative. Human herpesvirus 6 (HHV-6) is one agent that may play a role in MS. Some studies have demonstrated an association between HHV-6 and MS based on immunological and molecular data, suggesting that a subset of MS patients may have reactivation of this widespread herpesvirus. New studies investigating the biology of HHV-6 have given insights towards understanding how HHV-6 may play a role in MS pathology. By inducing molecular mimicry or excessive complement activation, HHV-6 reactivation may have the potential to trigger autoimmunity and tissue damage associated with MS lesion development.Keywords: HUMAN HERPESVIRUS 6; MULTIPLE SCLEROSIS; MOLECULAR MIMICRY; COMPLEMENT ACTIVATION
Document Type: Research article
Affiliations: 1: Viral Immunology Section, National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
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