Potential role of the Epstein-Barr virus in systemic lupus erythematosus autoimmunity.

Abstract

We suggest the possibility that EBV may establish a persistent infection at least in a certain number of SLE patients. The antibodies elicited by the viral antigen EBNA-2 may cross-react with SmD1, thus indicating a role of EBV-specific immune responses in the outcome of SmD1 autoantibodies in SLE patients.