Virus that infects 95% of world population triggers devastating autoimmune conditions, groundbreaking study finds

A groundbreaking study has found that a common virus that affects more than 90 percent of the population can trigger a devastating autoimmune condition experienced by Selena Gomez and Lady Gaga.

Epstein-Barr virus (EBV), which most people are exposed to at some point in their lives, is known to cause the contagious viral infection ‘mono’ (often called ‘kissing disease’ because it is spread through saliva).

But scientists have long suspected that it might also play a role in autoimmune diseases, and researchers at Stanford University recently examined its connection to lupus.

More than 1.5 million Americans are affected by Lupus, including Gaga and Gomez. This condition causes the immune system to attack the body’s own healthy tissues, leading to inflammation, pain, and damage to organs such as the skin, joints, kidneys, heart, and lungs.

Lupus has long remained a mystery in the medical field; There is no single known cause and its symptoms are diverse and mimic other diseases. Additionally, there is no specific treatment or targeted therapy available.

In the Stanford University study, researchers investigated EBV as a possible trigger because it can change the behavior of certain immune cells called B cells that normally help the body fight infection.

Using advanced genetic analysis, they found this When EBV infects these cells, it changes their function, essentially ‘reprogramming’ them.

The infected cells began to act in ways that surprised the immune system, prompting it to attack the body’s own healthy tissues instead of harmful invaders.

Scientists traced this effect to a specific viral protein known as EBNA2, which plays a key role in initiating this harmful immune reaction.

Their experiments showed that these altered B cells could trigger other immune cells, creating a chain reaction that could contribute to the development of lupus.

Although more research is needed, the findings, published in the journal Science Translational Medicine, suggest that EBV infection may be one of the sparks that trigger lupus in people who are already genetically vulnerable, offering new clues about how to prevent or treat the disease in the future.

D., clinical director of the Columbia University Lupus Center, who was not involved in the new research. Anca Askanase said: he told NBC News believes the findings put more pressure on scientists to develop a vaccine to target EBV.

‘If we now understand better how this finicky virus is responsible for autoimmune diseases, I think it’s time to figure out how to prevent it,’ he said.

Patients usually begin experiencing symptoms of lupus in their teens or early 20s, but the condition can also develop in childhood or later adulthood.

Symptoms often change and progress over time.

While most patients first experience fatigue, joint pain, and skin rashes, others may later develop inflammation of internal organs such as the kidneys, heart, or lungs.

In severe cases, lupus can cause life-threatening complications.

Research shows that approximately one in seven patients may die from lupus-related causes within 15 years of diagnosis, but survival rates improve significantly with earlier diagnosis and better treatments.

Gomez was diagnosed with lupus in 2013 and has spoken openly about her struggle with the condition.

Patients usually begin experiencing symptoms of lupus in their teens or early 20s, but the condition can also develop in childhood or later adulthood.

He shared that he experienced symptoms such as fatigue, joint pain and rash. Due to complications of lupus, he also underwent a kidney transplant.

Although Gaga does not have lupus, she tested ‘borderline positive’ for lupus in 2010 after experiencing symptoms such as heart palpitations and breathing problems.

She said she had a family history of lupus because her aunt died of it, and she took precautions to protect her health.

Meanwhile, more than nine in 10 adults have contracted EBV at some point in their lives; It is a common infection spread through body fluids such as saliva or semen.

It causes symptoms such as fatigue, fever, and rash, and after the symptoms disappear, the virus remains dormant in the body and can reactivate when the immune system is low.

Once you encounter the virus, it remains in your body. If your immune system is weak, the virus can be reactivated.

EBV has been linked to autoimmune diseases such as lupus and multiple sclerosis, as well as various cancers, including Burkitt’s lymphoma, Hodgkin’s disease, and non-Hodgkin’s lymphomas.

In 2001, researchers at the University of Michigan identified a possible molecular link between aggressive breast cancer and EBV, further highlighting the virus’ complex role in human health.

Lady Gaga’s aunt died of lupus and said she had the condition too

Scientists remain unclear as to why EBV causes only mild disease in some people but contributes to malignancies in others.

Genetic factors are thought to influence how the virus interacts with the immune system and whether it will reactivate later in life.

Experts say maintaining a strong immune system can help shorten the duration of EBV-related illnesses.

A diet rich in fruits, vegetables and antioxidants, including vitamins C and E, and low in red meat and dairy products is recommended.

Getting adequate sleep, avoiding smoking, and using immune-supporting herbs such as Siberian ginseng and aloe vera can also support healing and overall health.