The Epstein-Barr virus, the most common viral infection in humans, is commemorated on 28 March. Initially, the virus was linked to a rare cancer type found in Africa but is now known to be related to 1% of cancers and autoimmune conditions like multiple sclerosis. Professor Lawrence Young, a specialist in molecular oncology at Warwick Medical School, explains how understanding the virus could aid in cancer prevention and treatment as well as managing other diseases.

Lawrence Young shares with Ian Sample the history of the Epstein-Barr virus, which was discovered during research into a unique African cancer variant. However, its significance has since expanded to include various types of cancer and autoimmune disorders affecting individuals worldwide. By gaining insights into how the virus operates, researchers hope to develop strategies for preventing and treating these illnesses.

The discovery of the Epstein-Barr virus marked a significant milestone in virology and medical research. It was initially identified in correlation with a rare cancer indigenous to Africa but has since been linked to a diverse range of health conditions affecting individuals globally. Lawrence Young sheds light on how our understanding of this virus has evolved over time, highlighting its potential to lead to breakthroughs in cancer prevention and treatment as well as managing other chronic diseases.