Researchers are studying how genetics and the Epstein-Barr virus might interact to predict multiple sclerosis (MS) risk before symptoms appear.
The study will investigate why some people exposed to Epstein-Barr – a virus that affects up to 90 per cent of the population – develop MS, while others do not, using genetic profiles to identify early biological markers.
MS is a chronic autoimmune condition in which the immune system attacks the protective coating around nerves, disrupting communication between the brain, spinal cord and body. It affects more than 33,000 people in Australia.
Scientists at the University of South Australia will use a research design called “recall by genotype”, which groups participants based on their DNA and compares biological traits in those with high or low genetic risk for MS.
Lead researcher Dr David Stacey said the aim was to understand how Epstein-Barr may contribute to MS in certain individuals.
Dr Stacey said: “For many years we’ve known that the Epstein-Barr virus is a likely precursor for MS.
“But because the virus affects up to 90 per cent of the population, it’s difficult to pin down why some people go on to develop MS while others don’t.
“We believe the way a person’s immune system responds to the Epstein-Barr virus may be a key factor, and genetics can help us uncover that.”
Epstein-Barr is a common virus best known for causing glandular fever – an infection that causes fever, sore throat and swollen lymph nodes – and is increasingly believed to trigger MS in some people.
The study will calculate MS genetic risk scores for more than 1,000 South Australian participants without an MS diagnosis, then compare biological traits in those with either high or low genetic risk.
Dr Stacey said: “By grouping people based on their genetic profile, we expect to find those with a high genetic risk for MS will also show biological differences – even if they don’t have the disease.
“That could reveal how the Epstein-Barr virus and MS are connected and identify early warning signs or biomarkers for MS.”
The recall by genotype method uses naturally occurring genetic variants strongly linked to a disease to group participants.
Those selected are then recalled for further testing based on their DNA, allowing researchers to explore differences more precisely.
This marks the first study in Australia to use this approach for MS, as the infrastructure to support it has only recently become available.
The research will also address important ethical questions about communicating genetic risk to participants.
Stacey said: “If we identify people who are at risk of developing MS, we need to consider how – and whether – to share that information, particularly as this information may not yet be clinically actionable.
“This study will explore those ethical, legal and social questions to guide how future studies approach personal genetic risk.”
