The EBV ‐autoimmunity axis: mechanistic insights in SLE , MS and PSC

Key Points

• This research aims to elucidate the mechanistic role of EBV in autoimmunity associated with SLE, MS, and PSC.
• Investigated the role of EBV in reprogramming memory B cells into antigen-presenting cells.
• Analyzed the epigenetic effects of EBNA2 on B-cell identity.
• Evaluated changes in the transcriptomic function and MHC class II presentation in memory B cells.
• EBNA2 disrupts normal B-cell identity, enhancing their function as antigen-presenting cells.
• Upregulation of TBX21 (T-bet) and ZEB2 is observed, indicating a shift in immunophenotype.
• Memory B cells convert into hyper-efficient antigen-presenting cells after EBV reprogramming.

Abstract