Costenbader, KarenKarlson, Elizabeth2012-12-102006Costenbader, Karen H., and Elizabeth W. Karlson. 2006. Epstein–Barr virus and rheumatoid arthritis: Is there a link? Arthritis Research & Therapy 8(1): 204.1478-6354http://nrs.harvard.edu/urn-3:HUL.InstRepos:10021571Rheumatoid arthritis is a systemic autoimmune disease characterized by chronic, destructive, debilitating arthritis. Its etiology is unknown; it is presumed that environmental factors trigger development in the genetically predisposed. Epstein–Barr virus, a nearly ubiquitous virus in the human population, has generated great interest as a potential trigger. This virus stimulates polyclonal lymphocyte expansion and persists within B lymphocytes for the host's life, inhibited from reactivating by the immune response. In latent and replicating forms, it has immunomodulating actions that could play a role in the development of this autoimmune disease. The evidence linking Epstein–Barr virus and rheumatoid arthritis is reviewed.en-USsystemic lupus erythematosuscyclic citrullinated peptidepolymerase chain reactiont-cell responsesnasopharyngeal carcinomacigarette smokingnuclear antigen-1b-cellsperipheral bloodparovirus B19Commentary or Review2012-12-1010.1186/ar1893