Support given by the Fund Jean and Marie Henkens-Lecloux, managed by the King Baudouin Foundation.

Recently, a clear link was demonstrated between the development of Multiple Sclerosis and the virus that causes infectious mononucleosis (Epstein-Barr Virus, EBV). However, it is not yet clear whether the virus also plays a role during the course of the disease. To investigate this further, we will use our well-characterized and longitudinal MS patient cohort to correlate EBV (cross-)reactivity in blood and cerebrospinal fluid with long-term disease outcome such as disability progression. We anticipate this study will help translating experimental results from previous molecular and animal research towards clinical findings that can impact the management and treatment of people with MS.