Abstract
Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a chronic inflammatory demyelinating disorder of the central nervous system (CNS). The underlying cause of MS is still unknown. Multiple risk factors have been suggested that involve a combination of genetic, environmental, and infectious factors that contribute along with a weakened immune system. There is growing evidence supporting the potential role of viral infections in the development of the disease. Viruses like human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), John Cunningham virus (JCV), Varicella-Zoster virus (VZV), human herpesvirus 6 (HHV-6), Epstein-Barr virus (EBV), and human endogenous retroviruses (HERVs) have been proposed in the pathogenesis of MS. Their pathogenetic mechanisms are not well known, but several possibilities have been discussed. The present study highlights the proposed potential molecular and genetic mechanisms underlying this viral interaction and its implications for the development of MS.