A groundbreaking study from Stanford Medicine may have brought us one step closer to understanding why lupus develops — and how we might one day prevent it.
Researchers have discovered that the Epstein-Barr virus (EBV), a virus carried by nearly every adult in the world, may play a direct and powerful role in triggering the immune system dysfunction seen in lupus. While scientists have suspected a link between EBV and lupus for decades, this new work provides some of the clearest evidence yet of how the virus could set autoimmune disease in motion.
Published in Science Translational Medicine, the study gives hope to millions of people living with lupus and signals a potential new direction for prevention and treatment.
What Did the Study Find?
EBV Infects B Cells — And Reprograms Them
EBV is best known for causing mononucleosis (“mono”), but after the initial infection, it becomes dormant and stays in the body for life. It hides inside B cells, the immune cells that help produce antibodies.
The Stanford researchers found that in people with lupus:
-
About 1 in every 400 B cells is infected with EBV
-
In healthy individuals, only about 1 in 10,000 B cells is infected
This means EBV is far more active in the immune systems of people with lupus.
But the breakthrough finding is how EBV behaves inside those cells.
The virus produces a protein called EBNA2. Instead of acting like a typical viral protein, EBNA2 works like a transcription factor — a molecule that turns genes “on.” In lupus patients, EBNA2 flips on genes involved in inflammation and autoimmunity.
In other words, EBV appears to reprogram B cells, pushing them to behave in ways that can spark an autoimmune attack.
How This Leads to Lupus Symptoms
The EBV-infected B cells begin acting like hyperactivated “directors” of the immune system. They recruit other immune cells, amplify inflammation, and help drive the body’s immune system to mistakenly attack its own tissues — the hallmark of lupus.
The senior author of the study noted that the mechanism may explain nearly 100% of lupus cases, a bold statement that underscores how significant this discovery may be.
Researchers also suspect this EBV-driven mechanism may play a role in other autoimmune diseases, including:
-
Multiple sclerosis
-
Rheumatoid arthritis
-
Crohn’s disease
This opens the door to new research across the autoimmune spectrum.
Why This Matters for the Lupus Community
For decades, lupus patients have lived with more questions than answers about what causes the disease. This study brings several important shifts:
1. A Clearer Path to Prevention
If EBV plays a central role in triggering lupus, then preventing EBV infection — or blocking EBNA2’s effects — could dramatically reduce the risk of developing lupus later in life.
EBV vaccines are already in development, but would need to be given before someone contracts EBV, since the virus becomes lifelong.
2. New Hope for Targeted Treatments
Current lupus treatments manage symptoms and inflammation, but do not target the root cause. If EBNA2 or EBV-infected B cells prove to be key drivers, they could become promising treatment targets.
3. Better Understanding Reduces Stigma
Lupus patients often face misconceptions that the disease is “mysterious,” “random,” or “in their heads.” This research reinforces what patients have long known: lupus is a complex, biologically driven condition that warrants serious scientific attention.
What This Means for Families in Ohio
At the Lupus Foundation of America, Greater Ohio Chapter, we see firsthand how a lupus diagnosis affects individuals, families, and communities. Breakthrough research like this gives us renewed commitment to our mission:
-
Supporting patients throughout their journey
-
Educating families and providers
-
Funding and advocating for life-changing research
-
Building a strong, supportive lupus community across Ohio
While this research does not offer an immediate cure, it offers something equally valuable: a clear scientific direction. And that is something our community has been waiting for.
Moving Forward Together
We will continue to follow this research closely and keep the lupus community updated as new findings emerge. Every breakthrough brings us closer to better treatments and, one day, the possibility of preventing lupus altogether.
For patients and loved ones, please remember:
If you would like help understanding this research, connecting with our staff, or joining our support and education programs, please reach out to us anytime.