Since γHV-68 infects B cells and B cells infiltrating the CNS were not detected (results confirmed by both FACS analysis of CNS infiltrates and immunohistochemistry at day 15 and 28 post EAE using anti-CD19 antibodies), the hypothesis that the viral infection could precipitate EAE by increasing the production of anti-MOG autoantibodies was investigated. Here, CD19 is linked to viral infectious disease.