Population-scale sequencing resolves determinants of persistent EBV DNA

Abstract Epstein–Barr virus (EBV) is an endemic herpesvirus implicated in autoimmunity, cancer and neurological disorders. Although primary infection is often subclinical, persistent EBV infection can drive immune dysregulation and long-term complications. Despite the ubiquity of infection, the determinants of EBV persistence following primary exposure remain poorly understood, although human genetic variation partially contributes to this phenotypic spectrum 1–3 . Here we demonstrate that existing whole genome sequencing (WGS) data of human populations can be used to quantify persistent EBV DNA. Using WGS and health record data from the UK Biobank ( n = 490,560) and All of Us ( n = 245,394), we uncover…

• NS
  National Science Foundation
• TC
  Texas Children's Hospital
• NI
  National Institutes of Health

  Awards: DP5 OD036131, P30CA008748, R00HG012203