T cell activation and T cell receptor variable region gene usage in measles

T cell activation and T cell receptor variable (V) regions were studied with monoclonal antibodies in peripheral blood lymphocytes from 22 patients with measles. Increased (greater than 5%) activated T cells (HLA-DR+ CD3+ cells) were noted in 14 of the 22 patients. Elevations of V beta 5+ and V beta 8+ T cells were observed in two and four patients, respectively, and appeared to be associated with T cell activation. The duration of fever was significantly prolonged in those with increased (greater than 10%) activated T cells (p less than 0.01). These results suggest that T cell activation and the preferential expansion of V beta 8+ and V beta 5+ T cells are associated with the pathogenic process of measles.