eHHV-6B linked to increased risks of SLE and PAP, study finds
Specific viruses within the human virome, particularly endogenous HHV-6B and anelloviruses, are strongly linked to autoimmune diseases like systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) and infectious diseases such as COVID-19, according to a study.
Researchers analyzed whole-genome sequencing data from 6,321 Japanese individuals, including those with autoimmune diseases, COVID-19, and healthy controls. Key findings include:
Endogenous HHV-6 (eHHV-6) and Disease Risk:
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- Individuals with eHHV-6B showed significantly higher risks of SLE and pulmonary alveolar proteinosis.
- The association with SLE was validated in the All of Us research program.
- eHHV-6B positivity strongly correlated with high SLE disease activity index (SLEDAI) scores.
Genetic and Immune Insights:
- HHV-6B integration was mapped to chromosome 22q through genome-wide association studies and long-read sequencing.
- Epitope mapping and single-cell RNA sequencing revealed distinct immune activation by eHHV-6B in SLE patients.
Anellovirus Load and Disease Correlations:
- Elevated anellovirus levels were strongly associated with SLE, rheumatoid arthritis, and COVID-19.
This study highlights the significant role of the human virome in the development of autoimmune and infectious diseases, offering new insights into disease mechanisms and potential therapeutic targets.
Reference
Sasa N, Kojima S, Koide R, et al. Blood DNA virome associates with autoimmune diseases and COVID-19. Nat Genet. 2025;57(1):65-79. doi: 10.1038/s41588-024-02022-z. Epub 2025 Jan 3. PMID: 39753770; PMCID: PMC11735405.