Stanford researchers link Epstein-Barr virus to lupus
Stanford researchers discover how Epstein-Barr virus triggers lupus, offering hope for new treatments.
Why it matters
- Lupus affects over 200,000 Americans and has no cure.
- Discovery links EBV to lupus, paving way for targeted treatments.
By the numbers
- 200,000: Americans affected by lupus.
- 1 in 400: B cells infected with EBV in lupus patients vs. 1 in 10,000 in healthy individuals.
The big picture
- New treatments could target EBV-infected B cells.
- Therapies may induce remission in lupus patients.
What they're saying
- Lead researcher Dr. William Robinson: Study solves longstanding mystery.
- UCSF's Dr. Monica Gandhi: Findings suggest potential therapeutics.
- Public comments express hope for new treatments.
Caveats
- Observational study; causal mechanisms need confirmation.
- Timeline for new treatments unclear.
What’s next
- Development of therapies targeting EBV-infected B cells.
- Exploration of CAR-T cell therapy for remission.