Scientists have developed a promising vaccine against the Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) in mice, a herpes virus responsible for glandular fever (infectious mononucleosis or "mono") and associated with various serious health conditions. Unlike other experimental EBV vaccines, this vaccine targets different aspects of the immune system beyond just antibodies.

EBV is widespread, infecting about 95% of the world's adult population. The virus spreads through saliva and can cause glandular fever, characterized by symptoms like high fever, severe sore throat, and extreme fatigue.[1] Recently, EBV has been linked to multiple sclerosis (MS) and various cancers, including nasopharyngeal cancer and certain lymphomas. In response to these health risks, researchers have been working on EBV vaccines, though none have been approved yet. The new vaccine's unique approach holds promise for addressing the challenges posed by EBV and its associated health conditions.

Figure 1. Epstein-Barr Virus Vaccine Breakthrough Holds Promise for Preventing MS

Figure 1 shows Researchers have developed a novel vaccine strategy against the Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) that targets both the humoral and cellular arms of the immune system. While existing research has shown that preexisting antibodies produced by B cells offer defence against acute viral infections, effective long-term control relies on the cellular immunity provided by killer T cells, which destroy virus-infected cells. This new vaccine aims to address both aspects.

Traditional vaccine approaches have primarily focused on generating neutralizing antibodies to prevent initial infection. However, EBV can hide in a latent state within B cells, using them as viral factories for future replication. During this phase, killer T cells play a critical role in identifying and controlling these infected B cells.

The researchers designed their vaccine to stimulate immune responses in both B cells and killer T cells. They administered the vaccine directly into the lymph nodes of mice, where immune responses are initiated. The results demonstrated that the vaccine induced robust humoral and cellular immunity, not only during the primary infection but also during the latent phase of EBV infection. This immune response was sustained for over seven months. Moreover, the vaccine's immune response was effective in either eliminating or significantly delaying the growth of EBV-positive lymphoma tumour cells in laboratory models.

This innovative vaccine approach holds promise as a way to confer immunity against EBV and the associated diseases it can trigger, such as various cancers. The research findings suggest that this vaccine could offer a comprehensive defence by targeting both aspects of the immune system's response to EBV.

The developed vaccine formulation triggers both a killer T cell immune response and a neutralizing antibody immune response, according to Rajiv Khanna, the corresponding author of the study. This dual immune response is crucial because it targets both the acute infection phase and the latent phase of the Epstein-Barr virus (EBV). The researchers believe that in susceptible individuals, EBV-infected B cells might migrate to the brain, leading to inflammation and damage. By preventing this early-stage infection, the vaccine could potentially halt the progression of secondary diseases like multiple sclerosis (MS).

Beyond its potential application in treating the underlying cause of MS, the vaccine might also have implications for preventing EBV-related cancers. Additionally, it could offer a solution for immunocompromised organ transplant recipients, for whom EBV infection can pose life-threatening risks.

The research team at QIMR Berghofer, which has dedicated years to investigating the role of EBV in diseases and cancers, expresses pride in their work coming to fruition with the development of this vaccine.[2] The vaccine's success in inducing a comprehensive immune response opens doors for its further development and eventual application in preventing and treating EBV-associated conditions.

References:

1. https://www.newscientist.com/article/2386557-vaccine-shows-promise-against-the-virus-linked-to-multiple-sclerosis/
2. https://newatlas.com/medical/groundbreaking-epstein-barr-virus-vaccine-may-prevent-ms/

Cite this article:

Janani R (2023) , Breaking the Chain: Epstein-Barr Virus Vaccine Breakthrough Holds Promise for Preventing MS,Anatechmaz, pp. 473