Epstein-Barr virus induces erosive arthritis in humanized mice.

Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) has been implicated in the pathogenesis of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) on the basis of indirect evidence, such as its presence in affected joint tissues, antigenic cross reactions between EBV and human proteins, and elevated humoral and cellular anti-EBV immune responses in patients. Here we report development of erosive arthritis closely resembling RA in humanized mice inoculated with EBV. Human immune system components were reconstituted in mice of the NOD/Shi-scid/IL-2Rγ(null) (NOG) strain by transplantation with CD34(+) hematopoietic stem cells isolated from cord blood.

[The possible curative therapy for rheumatoid arthritis--EBV infection control gene SAP and its application].

Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) belong to herpes virus group. This virus is transmitted by human contact and cause primary infection and may exist even for years in a latent state in healthy individuals. This virus may be reactivated by the dysregulation of the host immune system or possibly by virus mutation.