A bidirectional two-sample Mendelian randomization study of immune responses against Epstein-Barr virus nuclear antigen 1 and multiple sclerosis in individuals of European ancestry.

Key Points

• The aim is to investigate the causal relationship between immune responses to EBV and multiple sclerosis risk.
• Conducted a bidirectional two-sample Mendelian randomization analysis.
• Analyzed genetic variants related to anti-EBNA1 IgG levels and MS risk.
• Focused on individuals of European ancestry.
• Found a unidirectional causal effect of elevated anti-EBNA1 IgG on MS risk.
• Reinforced the involvement of EBV-related immune responses in MS pathogenesis.