The SARS-CoV-2 trigger highlights host interleukin 1 genetics in Epstein-Barr virus reactivation
Studies in large cohorts exposed to the same triggers associated with Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) reactivation and the follow-up of post-acute outcomes may uncover the pathomechanisms of autoimmune conditions and EBV-related cancer. We investigated a large cohort of individuals infected with SARS-CoV-2 infection reporting long COVID (LC) symptoms for positive serological markers of recent EBV reactivation (viral capsid antigen [VCA] immunoglobulin [Ig]M, VCA IgA, and early antigen D IgG), host interleukin (IL)1 and IL10 genetics, and immune response. Recent EBV reactivation occurs more frequently in individuals with a genetic risk of EBV reactivation in the IL1RN, IL1A, and IL1B genes associated with an elevated ratio of IL-1 receptor antagonist (IL-1Ra)/IL-1β and a higher latent EBV load in blood. High levels of anti-VCA IgA serve as a strong marker of recent EBV reactivation, which is associated with objective long-term pulmonary dysfunction in LC. Our data highlight the association between host IL1 genetics and EBV reactivation.
Authors
- Petr Jakubec (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-6184-5731)
- Samuel Genzor (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-6730-5832)
- Alena Boriková (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0003-0871-4350)
- Eva Kriegová (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-8969-4197)
- Jan Mizera (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-8952-4243)
- Gayane Manukyan (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0001-7541-5743)
- Milan Sova (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-8542-7841)
- Miloš Kudělka (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-7219-1008)
- Petr Gajdoš (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0003-1831-3489)
- Ladislav Štěpánek (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-7261-1412)
- Jakub Savara (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0003-3067-7867)
- Milan Raška (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-8572-7246)
- Petr Kosztyu
- Zuzana Mikulková (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-5509-7562)
- Petra Schneiderová (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0009-0009-7014-7597)
- Jiří Kufa
- Arootin Gharibian (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0001-7819-0842)
- Bishu Shrestha
Institutions
- VSB - Technical University of Ostrava (CZ)
- University Hospital Olomouc (CZ)
- Institute of Molecular and Translational Medicine (CZ)
- Palacký University Olomouc (CZ)
Publication Details
- Journal
- Cell Reports
- Published
- 2025-06-19
- DOI
- https://doi.org/10.1016/j.celrep.2025.115859
- Citations
- 1
- Primary Topic
- Kawasaki Disease and Coronary Complications
- Type
- article
- Field-Weighted Citation Impact
- 2.01
Funders
- Ministerstvo Zdravotnictví Ceské Republiky
- State Committee of Science
- Univerzita Palackého v Olomouci