Virus affecting 95% of adults linked to lupus in Stanford study.

EBV virus, present in 95% of adults, linked to lupus in Stanford study.

Why it matters

  • Lupus affects over 200,000 Americans; no cure exists.
  • EBV, found in 95% of adults, is linked to lupus development.

By the numbers

  • 95% of adults have EBV.
  • Over 200,000 Americans affected by lupus.
  • Lupus patients have 1 in 400 B cells infected with EBV vs. 1 in 10,000 in others.

The big picture

  • Study explains EBV's role in lupus, opening doors for new treatments.
  • Researchers launched EBVio Inc. to develop targeted therapies.

What they're saying

  • Experts cite study's potential for new lupus treatments.
  • Comments highlight excitement for EBV vaccine and treatments for related diseases.

Caveats

  • Study authors founded EBVio Inc., potential conflict of interest.
  • Mechanism shown, but EBV not sole cause of lupus.

What’s next

  • Researchers developing treatments targeting EBV-infected B cells.
  • Potential for new therapies like CAR-T cell therapy.