Multiple Sclerosis

Posted on Multiple Sclerosis

Pioneering a Vaccine to Prevent Multiple Sclerosis and Other EBV-Related Diseases

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In a groundbreaking step toward combating serious illnesses linked to the Epstein-Barr virus (EBV), a spin-off from Helmholtz Munich called EBViously officially launched on 11 November 2024. The company is on a mission to develop a vaccine that could prevent a wide range of diseases, including infectious mononucleosis, certain cancers, chronic fatigue syndrome (ME/CFS), and, most notably, multiple sclerosis (MS)—a devastating autoimmune disease of the nervous system.

Why Target EBV?

Epstein-Barr virus, part of the herpes virus family, is one of the most common viruses in the world, with an estimated 90% of the global population infected. While infections during early childhood are usually mild, later infections can lead to mononucleosis (“mono”) and set the stage for long-term complications like ME/CFS and MS.

Recent research has identified EBV as the leading risk factor for MS. In this condition, the immune system mistakenly attacks the nervous system, causing symptoms like fatigue, vision problems, and mobility issues. By preventing EBV infections, EBViously’s vaccine has the potential to dramatically reduce the risk of developing MS.

An Innovative Vaccine

EBViously’s vaccine candidate, EBV-001, is built on cutting-edge technology using virus-like particles (VLPs). These particles mimic the Epstein-Barr virus’s structure but contain no viral genetic material, making them non-infectious. This design “tricks” the immune system into launching a defense against EBV without exposing the body to the actual virus.

Preclinical studies in animal models have shown highly promising results, with the vaccine successfully triggering targeted immune responses. According to Prof. Wolfgang Hammerschmidt of Helmholtz Munich, “Our approach pulls the virus’s teeth while preserving its protein combinations, ensuring the immune system is well-prepared to combat EBV.”

Hope for MS and Beyond

The vaccine’s benefits could go far beyond protecting against mono. By stopping EBV infections in their tracks, the vaccine could also help prevent secondary diseases like ME/CFS, reduce the risk of EBV-associated cancers (including lymphomas), and even protect transplant patients from post-transplant lymphoproliferative disease. Most significantly, it could lower the risk of developing multiple sclerosis, offering hope to millions who live with or are at risk of this chronic condition.

Fast-Tracking Clinical Trials

With approximately 12 million euros in funding so far, including support from the Helmholtz Validation Fund and DZIF, EBViously is pushing to bring its vaccine to clinical trials as quickly as possible. The vaccine is being developed and manufactured under stringent Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP) standards in collaboration with prestigious partners like Ludwig Maximilians University of Munich and TUM University Hospital.

Dr. Sebastian Goy, CEO of EBViously, emphasizes the urgency of the mission: “The founding of EBViously is a major step toward accelerating the clinical development of EBV-001. We are optimistic that this vaccine will protect millions worldwide from serious diseases caused by EBV, including multiple sclerosis.”

A Vision for the Future

With plans to secure additional investors, EBViously is racing toward the goal of making EBV-001 a reality. If successful, this vaccine could not only transform the way we think about MS prevention but also mark a new era in the fight against EBV-related diseases.

For those at risk of MS and other debilitating conditions, EBViously represents more than a vaccine—it’s a symbol of hope for a healthier, brighter future.

Posted on Multiple Sclerosis

Cutting early life exposure to parental smoking may lower Multiple Sclerosis risk in genetically prone

Interplay of genes + environment alter key aspects of brain structure at young age, boosting susceptibility
The interplay of genes + environment alters key aspects of brain structure at a young age, boosting susceptibility.

Reducing early exposure to parental smoking may decrease the risk of developing multiple sclerosis (MS) in individuals who are genetically predisposed to the disease, according to research published in the Journal of Neurology, Neurosurgery & Psychiatry.

Research indicates that the interaction between genetic factors and environmental influences, such as smoking, changes essential aspects of brain structure during early childhood. This alteration may contribute to the development of the disease, suggesting there might be a critical window of opportunity to prevent it.

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is an autoimmune disease typically diagnosed between the ages of 20 and 40. Researchers explain that it is unclear whether it results from early inflammatory brain damage or a latent neurodegenerative process accompanied by inflammation.

While the exact onset of the disease process remains unclear, evidence of brain volume loss and diminished cognitive performance before the appearance of clinical signs and symptoms indicates that these changes may occur before a formal diagnosis.

Studies on migration show that early life environmental factors have a key role, but they add that exactly how these interact isn’t yet known.

The researchers used data from the population-based Dutch Generation R study to shed more light on how and when the interplay of environmental and genetic risk factors might affect brain volume and, thus, facilitate future MS development.

Participants in this study had good-quality data on genotype and/or the known environmental risk factors of Epstein Barr virus infection, vitamin D levels, weight (BMI), parental tobacco exposure, and outdoor activity at the age of 5, plus high-quality brain scan images at the ages of 9 and 13.

In all, the researchers drew on imaging data showing brain volume for 5350 participants and brain microstructure for 5649 participants, none of whom had been diagnosed with MS. 

Polygenic risk scores derived from DNA samples were used to assess the genetic risk of developing MS, with the genetic variant rs10191329 used as a marker of future MS severity.

In all, 642 children tested positive for Epstein-Barr virus infection, and 405 had been exposed to household parental smoking.

The final analysis was based on genetic data from 2817 participants and brain volume and microstructure imaging data from 2970 participants.

This showed an interplay between genetic and environmental risk factors for MS associated with certain aspects of brain structure during childhood and early teens.

Specifically, higher genetic risk for MS was associated with a strong immune response to Epstein-Barr virus infection, and it was also associated with increased susceptibility to the negative effects of household parental smoking on brain development.

Higher MS genetic risk and household parental smoking interacted and were associated with lower total brain volume and grey matter volume, including thalamic volume. 

No associations were observed for carriers of the rs10191229 genetic valiant.

This is an observational study, so no firm conclusions about cause and effect can be drawn.

The researchers explain the findings by pointing out that higher Epstein-Barr virus antibodies may be caused by defective immune system control of this virus due to genetic risk for MS, possibly facilitating the development of the disease later in life.

And the prevailing theory is that tobacco smoke produces chronic inflammation of the respiratory tract, thereby increasing the inflammatory activity of the immune system, they add.

“Our results importantly add another potential mechanism of tobacco smoke exposure in individuals with higher polygenic MS risk. The increased brain vulnerability to the effects of parental smoking may increase the exposure of [central nervous system] antigens to the developing immune system, increasing the risk of a brain-specific autoimmune disease,” they suggest.

“How this increased vulnerability influences other MS risk factors may open a window for prevention of MS by limiting childhood exposure to household smoking or other toxic exposures associated with MS (i.e., household chemicals), and should be a focus for further studies” they conclude.

Posted on Exercise, Multiple Sclerosis

Exercise modifications help manage multiple sclerosis

Regular aerobic exercise has been shown to alleviate symptoms of multiple sclerosis (MS), a disease that affects the central nervous system. Dr Eoin Flanagan, a neurologist at Mayo Clinic, explains how individuals with MS can adjust their exercise routines to avoid worsening symptoms such as poor balance and heat intolerance.

Posted on Multiple Sclerosis

Tools I Use to Live Well with Multiple Sclerosis – 2024 Gift Guide

Living with multiple sclerosis (MS) and chronic illness can be challenging, but there are tools available that can make life easier. Some of these tools can enhance our health and well-being or streamline daily tasks. As we approach the gift-giving season, I’d like to share some items that I enjoy and that help me save energy, simplify tasks, or improve my quality of life while living with MS. These could also serve as thoughtful gifts for others.