Scientists have identified an anti-EBNA-1 IgG biomarker in human blood, the presence of which may indicate the likelihood of developing multiple sclerosis.
The discovery was made possible by studies that assessed the level of various antibodies to the Epstein-Barr virus. This virus is widespread in the human population, so antibodies to it are detected in many adult patients with multiple sclerosis.
It turned out, however, that the level of anti-EBNA-1 IgG to the virus https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Virus is directly related to the activity of the disease. According to the researchers, the new biomarker can be used not only to determine the likelihood of developing the disease after the onset of the first symptoms, but to predict the severity of the disease.
Scientists have yet to test this theory, but they already say that conducting this analysis can help identify people who are more likely to develop multiple sclerosis faster and determine more effective therapy for each individual patient. However, the researchers say it will still take time to confirm the correctness of their discovery.
