PREVENT MS FEASIBILITY STUDY
Helping Plan Future MS Prevention Research
PREVENT MS is a research program at the UCSF Multiple Sclerosis Center. The current feasibility study is helping researchers learn whether enough adults who may have a higher chance of developing multiple sclerosis (MS) may be interested in future MS prevention research.
Why Study MS Prevention?
MS is a disease that can affect the brain, spinal cord, and nerves. Research suggests that infection with Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) may be an important part of how MS develops.
People who have a parent or sibling with MS may have a higher chance of developing MS. PREVENT MS is helping researchers plan future studies for people who may have a higher chance of developing MS.
WHO MAY PARTICIPATE?
Adults Ages 18–29 With a Parent or Sibling With MS
The current feasibility study is for adults ages 18–29 who have a biological parent or sibling diagnosed with MS and who may be interested in future MS prevention research.
AT A GLANCE
What Is Participation Like?
01
Study Questionnaire
You will answer questions about yourself, your health, and your medical history.
02
Blood Draw at Home
A trained healthcare professional will come to your home or another agreed location to draw your blood.
03
Genetic and EBV Antibody Testing
Your blood will be used for genetic testing for HLA-DRB1*15, a genetic marker linked to MS risk, and antibody testing to help show whether you have been exposed to Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) in the past.
DESIGNED FOR CONVENIENCE
Participation Is Fully Remote
The study includes one remote visit that takes about 1–2 hours. You can complete the questionnaire by phone or securely online.
Your blood draw will be arranged through ExamOne. A trained healthcare professional will come to your home or another agreed location to draw your blood.
What Will the Blood Test Look For?
Genetic Testing
The study team will test your DNA, the genetic material you inherit from your biological parents.
The test will look for HLA-DRB1*15, a genetic marker linked to MS risk. HLA-DRB1*15 does not diagnose MS and does not tell with certainty whether you will develop MS.
EBV Antibody Testing
The study team will test your blood for antibodies to Epstein-Barr virus (EBV). Antibodies are proteins made by your immune system in response to an infection.
This testing helps show whether you have been exposed to EBV in the past.
Can I Receive My Test Results?
Yes. You can choose whether you want to receive your HLA-DRB1*15 and EBV test results.
If you choose to receive results, only results that meet UCSF requirements for sharing individual research results will be given to you.
LOOKING AHEAD
What Could Happen Next?
The study team will look at your HLA and EBV test results together. Your results may help determine whether you could qualify for future PREVENT MS research, such as the EBV vaccine study.
If you agree to future contact, the study team may contact you about research that may be a good fit for you. You can decide then whether you want to take part.
IMPORTANT TO KNOW
No Vaccine Is Given in This Study
The current PREVENT MS feasibility study does not give you an EBV vaccine. A possible future PREVENT MS vaccine study would be a separate research study with its own eligibility requirements and consent process.
Taking Part Is Your Choice
Taking part in PREVENT MS is voluntary. You can choose whether to participate.
Future Contact Is Your Choice
You can choose whether the study team may contact you about the future PREVENT MS study or other research opportunities.
Interested in Learning More?
Learn more about who may be able to participate in the PREVENT MS Feasibility Study and what taking part involves.