Key Takeaways

One of the most common human viruses is linked to lupus

Epstein-Barr virus is most commonly associated with mononucleosis

But researchers found it can start an immune cascade that ends in lupus

FRIDAY, Nov. 14, 2025 (HealthDay News) — One of humanity’s most common viruses is behind the autoimmune disorder known as lupus , according to a new study.

Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) resides silently in the bodies of 19 out of 20 Americans, most commonly causing mononucleosis among teens and young adults, researchers said.

But the virus can cause a minuscule number of immune cells to go rogue, starting a cascade that leads to lupus’ widespread assault on a patient’s skin, joints and internal organs, researchers reported Nov. 12 in Science Translational Medicine .

“This is th

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