Atia Rasheed

United Arab Emirates

Impact of Vitamin D on Acute EBV Infection in a Novel Rabbit Model

Atia Rasheed1, Meera Al Ameri1, Pretty Philip1, Rabat Qadri1, Aalaa Albasha1, Latifa Al-Khyeli2, Gulfaraz Khan1

1. Department of Medical Microbiology and Immunology, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, AlAin, UAE University, UAE
2. Dept. of Pathology, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, AlAin, UAE University, UAE

Abstract

Background

INTRODUCTION: Multiple sclerosis (MS) is the most common neurological disorder in young adults. It is a devastating, autoimmune disease of the central nervous system (CNS) with unknown aetiology. However, genetics and several environmental factors have been implicated. Of the environmental factors, Epstein-Barr Virus (EBV) and low vitamin D levels are the leading risk factors in MS pathology. Although numerous studies suggest that vitamin D supplements could help control EBV infection and diminish disease activity in MS patients, the interaction of these two factors remains poorly understood. One major obstacle in addressing EBV-associated questions has been the lack of a suitable animal model of EBV infection. Recently, our lab established a rabbit model that mimics EBV infection in humans.

Methods

METHODOLOGY: In this study, we investigated the impact of hypovitaminosis D and vitamin D supplementation on EBV infection. Specifically, we explored the effect of vitamin D levels on viral dissemination and gene expression in the blood and peripheral organs. A sample of 39 New Zealand white rabbits was randomly divided into two groups. Both groups received the same quantity of cell culture-derived EBV through intravenous injection. One group was fed with vitamin D-deficient diet for two weeks, while the other group was supplemented with vitamin D.

Results

RESULT: Gross examination and histological analysis revealed substantial differences between the two groups. Furthermore, using qPCR, EBER-in-situ hybridization, and immunohistochemistry, we show, for the first time in a controlled manner, that EBV infection is indeed impacted by vitamin D levels.

Conclusions

CONCLUSION: These findings could potentially lead to the development of new strategies to control EBV infection and shed light on how vitamin D impacts EBV infections in the pathogenesis of MS.