Molecular Mechanisms Underlying the Involvement of Cytomegalovirus in the Progression of Multiple Sclerosis
A special issue of International Journal of Molecular Sciences (ISSN 1422-0067). This special issue belongs to the section "Molecular Pathology, Diagnostics, and Therapeutics".
Deadline for manuscript submissions: 31 December 2025 | Viewed by 18
Special Issue Editor
2. CEINGE Biotecnologie Avanzate, 80145 Naples, Italy
Interests: epigenetics; HDAC; HDAC inhibitors; human mesenchymal stem cells (hMSC); amniocytes and bone regeneration
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals
Special Issue Information
Dear Colleagues,
Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a multifactorial neurodegenerative disease of the central nervous system (CNS) characterized by demyelination or the loss of the myelin sheath that insulates and protects nerve fibers. The molecular basis of MS is complex and involves an interaction between genetic and environmental factors, with an important autoimmune component characterized by an abnormal reaction of the immune defenses that attack some components of the CNS mistaking them for foreign agents (autoimmune diseases). Genetic and environmental factors such as viral infections are strongly correlated with the susceptibility and progression of MS. Viruses can cause damage both directly by infecting the CNS, and indirectly through changes in the immune response.
Herpesviruses are a family of enveloped DNA viruses that are known for their ability to cause persistent and latent infections in humans and animals.
CMV is a ubiquitous beta herpesvirus that infects 40-80% of adults in industrialized countries and the entire population in developing countries, and its role in the pathogenesis of MS has been contested. Some studies have reported that CMV is associated with a decreased susceptibility to MS, while others have suggested that CMV may contribute to the exacerbation of MS.
Considering the profound impact that CMV exerts on the immune system, it is conceivable that it may influence the immunopathology of MS.
Therefore, we invite researchers to contribute their discoveries to the scientific advancement of this controversial question.
Dr. Marco Miceli
Guest Editor
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Keywords
- multiple sclerosis
- central nervous system
- autoimmune
- genetic and environmental factors
- herpesviruses
- CMV
- immunopathology
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