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EBV-MS MedTalk Videos
21.09.2026Targeting the Epstein-Barr virus to treat and prevent MS (EBV-MS) is a ground-breaking Horizon Europe-funded research project with leading universities and hospitals in Europe and the USA. We are aiming to unveil the role of the Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) in the onset and progression of the Multiple Sclerosis (MS) disease.
The aim of the project, led by the University of Bergen, is to understand why only a few EBV infected people develop MS, and define the underlying mechanism of this process. The project will also investigate whether targeting the EBV infection with antiviral treatments can improve the disease course or stop disease progression.
MedTalk is a series of videos featuring leading researchers and clinicians involved n the EBV-MS Project.
In this episode, experts discuss the scientific rationale behind focusing on EBV, a highly common virus that infects the vast majority of the global population, and its possible interaction with immune and genetic factors that may contribute to MS development. The discussion highlights why understanding these mechanisms is a key priority in current MS research.
The EBV-MS project brings together multidisciplinary expertise across neurology, virology, immunology, and data science to better understand disease pathways and identify potential avenues for future prevention and treatment strategies.
Beyond the scientific insights, the MedTalk series aims to increase transparency and accessibility in research by giving a voice directly to the scientists driving the work. This helps bridge the gap between ongoing clinical research and the wider MS community.
How genetics and viral infection may together contribute to the development of Multiple sclerosis (MS). MS has long been known as a complex disease influenced by both inherited risk factors and environmental triggers. One of the strongest and most consistent associations is with Epstein–Barr virus infection, a virus that infects roughly 95% of adults worldwide. Yet the paradox remains, if almost everyone is infected, why do only a small fraction develop MS?
A key focus of the discussion is explainable AI, moving beyond “black box” models to understand why AI makes certain predictions. By combining AI with systems biology and network analysis, researchers can generate results that are not only powerful but also biologically meaningful and clinically relevant.
You can find more information about the EBV-MS project here.
