Researchers Uncover Genetic Drivers of Epstein–Barr Virus (EBV) DNA

HOUSTON, Texas (January 28, 2026) - Investigators at Texas Children’s Jan and Dan Duncan Neurological Research Institute (Duncan NRI) and Baylor College of Medicine along with others in a  major international research effort have uncovered genetic factors influencing persistent levels of Epstein–Barr virus (EBV) DNA in the blood, findings that could reshape how physicians understand and predict chronic disease risk. The study was published this week in Nature.

Persistent EBV infection affects the vast majority of adults worldwide, with approximately 90% infected, yet only some individuals experience long-term complications such as autoimmune disorders, cardiovascular disease, neurological conditions, and certain cancers. The new study analyzed whole-genome sequencing and health data from more than 735,000 individuals in the UK Biobank and NIH's All of Us research programs to determine why EBV persists at higher levels in some people compared to others.

A major breakthrough of the study was the identification of genetic determinants concentrated in immune-regulatory regions, including 148 protein-altering variants, that help explain why certain individuals experience prolonged EBV persistence. Single-cell analyses highlighted variable antigen processing as a primary mechanism driving these differences, implicating major histocompatibility complex (MHC) class II variation as a key modulator of viral control. 

Dr. Ryan Dhindsa, an expert in large-scale genetic analyses is a principal investigator at Texas Children's Duncan NRI and assistant professor of pathology & immunology at Baylor College of Medicine and contributed to the study’s genetic analysis and interpretation.

Because EBV infects the vast majority of adults worldwide, identifying individuals at highest risk for EBV-linked complications could offer profound clinical benefits. Researchers emphasize that these findings may inform future strategies for early detection, risk stratification, and potentially targeted interventions for EBV-related conditions and because this is so important, the study is receiving national recognition. 

• https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2026-01-28/scientists-inch-closer-to-solving-the-kissing-disease-mystery
• https://www.newscientist.com/article/2513522-this-virus-infects-most-of-us-but-why-do-only-some-get-very-ill/

About the Study
The work represents a collaboration among investigators at Texas Children’s Hospital, Baylor College of Medicine, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, AstraZeneca, and international partners. 

About Texas Children’s 
Texas Children's, a nonprofit health care organization, is committed to creating a healthier future for children and women throughout the global community by leading in patient care, education and research. Consistently ranked as the best children's hospital in Texas and among the top in the nation, Texas Children's has garnered widespread recognition for its expertise and breakthroughs in pediatric and women's health. The system includes the Texas Children's Duncan NRI; Texas Children's Research Institute; Texas Children's Pavilion for Women, a comprehensive obstetrics/gynecology facility focusing on high-risk births; Texas Children's Hospital West Campus, a community hospital in suburban West Houston; Texas Children's Hospital The Woodlands, the first hospital devoted to children's care for communities north of Houston and Texas Children's Hospital North Austin, the new state-of-the-art facility providing world-class pediatric and maternal care to Austin families. The organization also created Texas Children's Health Plan, the nation's first HMO focused on children; Texas Children's Pediatrics, the largest pediatric primary care network in the country; Texas Children's Urgent Care clinics that specialize in after-hours care tailored specifically for children; and a global health program that is channeling care to children and women all over the world. Texas Children's Hospital is affiliated with Baylor College of Medicine. 

For more information, visit www.texaschildrens.org.