EBV-Specific T Cell Therapy for Progressive MS

Research Summary: Epstein-Barr virus-specific T cell therapy for progressive multiple sclerosis

Last week, during our Facebook Live Q&A, we discussed the potential role of Epstein-Barr Virus or EBV in multiple sclerosis.  In particular, I summarised a previous study performed by Prof. Michael Pender from The University of Queensland.  In this study, he had seen positive results from treating a person with multiple sclerosis by effectively clearing them of EBV (as this infection is often chronic and is never fully removed from the body).  Just last week, Professor Pender has published an updated account of this research, which he has expanded to a Phase I trial.  The results of this are summarised below.

What?

A phase I clinical trial testing the effects of EBV specific T cell therapy in people living with progressive multiple
sclerosis.

Who?  

The research involved a large team of people, but was led by Prof. Michael Pender and Prof. Rajiv Khanna.

Where?  

The research was conducted by researchers mostly associated with The University of Queensland, the Royal Brisbane and Women’s Hospital and the QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute.

When?

The article was published ahead of print in JCI Insight on November 15.

FACT #1:  Many studies have suggested that EBV might have a role to play in the development or progression of multiple sclerosis.  

FACT #2:  People living with multiple sclerosis are more likely to have been infected with EBV than the general population.  However, as the rate of infection is still really high in the general population, it has been difficult to understand if this difference is meaningful.

FINDING #1:  There was an association between the strength of the T cell response against the virus and the response observed.  That is, the people that received “stronger” T cells had a better outcome than those that received the “weaker” T cell treatment.  Of those that received the stronger therapy, 50% had an improvement in EDSS score and a significant improvement in their reported quality of life.

FINDING #2:  A decrease in fatigue was commonly reported by participants and the average fatigue score was lower at the end of the study than the beginning, though not to statistical significance.

FINDING #3:  The treatment was safe and well-handled by all participants with only one negative side-effect observed during the trial period.

THOUGHT:  These results add further evidence to the potential role that EBV infection may play in multiple sclerosis and how targeting it may be a novel treatment approach.  This backs up the original study in a single individual, where benefits were also observed.

THOUGHT:  This is still very preliminary information and many larger studies will need to be conducted to make sure the results are accurate.  At the moment, the study is still in a small number of people and doesn’t have a placebo-control group.  However, it is very interesting and we will continue to update you as this research progresses.

For more information on this research and an interview with Professor Pender, please visit the JCI Insight website by clicking here.