Demystifying Multiple Sclerosis Etiology: Molecular Mimicry and The Role of Epstein-Barr Virus

Lawrence Steinman, MD, provides an overview of the role viruses play in the activation of the immune system, highlighting their role in triggering neuroinflammatory conditions.

Scott Newsome, DO, and Lawrence Steinman, MD, discuss the pathophysiology of the interactions between viruses and the immune system and explore how this can lead to autoimmune diseases.

Amit Bar-Or, MD, FRCPC, and Bridget A. Bagert, MD, share their opinions on the role the Epstein-Barr virus plays in the development of multiple sclerosis, highlighting recent publications examining this link.

Ahmed Obeidat, MD, PhD, comments on other viruses that have been linked to the development of multiple sclerosis and discusses how they can be both protective and detrimental.

Lawrence Steinman, MD, discusses his recent publication, which demonstrated the causal link between Epstein-Barr virus and multiple sclerosis, highlighting key findings and conclusions.

Bridget A. Bagert, MD, and Ahmed Obeidat, MD, PhD, examine the clinical implications of a causal link between Epstein-Barr virus and multiple sclerosis and provide insight on how to discuss this link with patients.

Experts in neurology discuss screening and diagnostic considerations for a patient newly diagnosed with multiple sclerosis.

Amit Bar-Or, MD, FRCPC, discusses the potential impact vaccination against Epstein-Barr virus could play on multiple sclerosis rates, highlighting recent investigations.

Bridget A. Bagert, MD, leads a discussion on the ideal patient populations for using a potential vaccine for multiple sclerosis, and the panel comments on other factors to consider when administering vaccines.

Experts in neurology comment on clinical trial design considerations and discuss novel imaging techniques and biomarkers that they consider most important to investigate for multiple sclerosis.

Doctors in neurology comment on the hidden symptoms of multiple sclerosis and debate whether they should be treatment targets.

Amit Bar-Or, MD, FRCPC, and Bridget A. Bagert, MD, share their opinions on how to move investigative treatments for multiple sclerosis off the laboratory bench and into clinical practice.

Experts in neurology share their hopes for the future of multiple sclerosis treatment and discuss unmet needs and novel targets.