Epstein-Barr virus

The impact of our research

Most people are infected with the Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) at some point in their lives, but develop no symptoms. However, for others, it can lead to multiple sclerosis and various cancers.

Our researchers have developed a vaccine candidate that induces the body’s killer T cells to fight against EBV. The vaccine candidate has achieved potent results in pre-clinical models – a breakthrough that could prevent the type of severe infection that can lead to secondary diseases.

We’re delivering novel T cell immunotherapies to treat EBV.

About Epstein-Barr virus

What is the Epstein-Barr virus?

Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) is a human herpes virus found worldwide, including in Australia. Childhood infections usually cause mild symptoms or no symptoms at all, making it hard to distinguish EBV from other mild illnesses.

In some people, EBV can lead to severe illness. Those who catch the virus as teens or young adults can develop infectious mononucleosis or glandular fever. This is a major risk factor for several diseases and cancers.

EBV is associated with specific cancers, particularly Hodgkin’s lymphoma, Burkitt lymphoma, nasopharyngeal carcinoma, and central nervous system lymphomas.

There’s also evidence that being infected with EBV can increase your risk of certain autoimmune diseases.

A recent landmark study established that EBV is the likely leading cause of multiple sclerosis. This incurable neurological disease causes the body’s immune system to mistakenly attack the protective coating around the nerves, causing debilitating symptoms.

Who’s most at risk of Epstein-Barr virus?

EBV is highly contagious and spreads through body fluids such as saliva. The virus can also spread through blood transfusions or organ transplants.

What are the symptoms of Epstein-Barr virus?

Most people become infected with EBV as children and don’t have any symptoms from infection. However, some people develop glandular fever, and have swollen glands and fatigue for several weeks or months.

After becoming infected with EBV, the virus becomes inactive (latent) and stays with the infected person for life.

How is Epstein-Barr virus treated?

There are no specific treatments for EBV. Current treatments aim to address symptoms associated with the infection.

Facts about epstein-barr virus

~90%

of the world’s population has been infected with EBV

EBV causes

glandular fever and is thought to be a leading cause of multiple sclerosis

EBV

is a master at evading the body’s immune response

Our Epstein-Barr virus research

Translational and Human Immunology

Led by Associate Professor Corey Smith, this group focuses on understanding the mechanisms that regulate human immune responses in health and disease. The group is also interested in understanding how the immune responses are regulated during persistent viral infections to develop strategies to manipulate this regulation to improve outcomes.

“We’re developing novel T cell immunotherapies to treat viral diseases like Epstein-Barr virus.”

Associate Professor Corey Smith

Tumour Immunology

This lab, led by Professor Rajiv Khanna AO, aims to better understand how our immune system responds to tumours and how this can be used to inhibit the growth of tumours. The team has been developing an EBV vaccine to prevent the development of secondary diseases like multiple sclerosis.

“EBV in its latent state hides inside B cells, turning them into tiny virus factories ready to divide and spread whenever our immune defences are down. It is our killer T cells that detect and control these infected B cells. Our vaccine formulation induces that killer T cell immune response as well as the neutralising antibody immune response.”