Related Experiment Video

Updated: Aug 20, 2026

Paramyxoviruses for Tumor-targeted Immunomodulation: Design and Evaluation Ex Vivo
12:42

Paramyxoviruses for Tumor-targeted Immunomodulation: Design and Evaluation Ex Vivo

Published on: January 7, 2019

Measles virus infection and vaccination: potential role in chronic illness and associated adverse events

Ronald C Kennedy1, Vera S Byers, John J Marchalonis

  • 1Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, Lubbock, TX 79430, USA.

Critical Reviews in Immunology
|December 8, 2004
PubMed

Insights

The measles virus (MV) vaccine and measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine are crucial for preventing childhood diseases. This report reviews MV infection, immunization, and adverse events, addressing concerns about autism.

Area of Science:

  • Virology
  • Immunology
  • Public Health

Background:

  • Measles virus (MV) vaccines, including the measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) combination, have significantly reduced childhood infectious diseases.
  • Public trust in vaccines has been impacted by safety concerns, particularly among parents.
  • Understanding MV's complex replication and pathogenesis is key to effective immunization.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To provide a comprehensive overview of measles virus (MV) infection, replication, and pathogenesis.
  • To review the historical context and efficacy of the measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine.
  • To address public concerns and discuss adverse events, including the historical link to autism.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review of published studies on MV infection and immunization.
  • Analysis of data concerning MV replication and pathogenesis.
  • Examination of reported adverse events associated with the MMR vaccine.

Main Results:

  • MV vaccines have been highly successful in preventing measles, mumps, and rubella.
  • MV exhibits complex mechanisms affecting its replication and the immune response.
  • A review of literature indicates no causal link between the MMR vaccine and autism.

Conclusions:

  • The measles virus (MV) vaccine and MMR vaccine remain vital public health tools.
  • Continued research into MV infection and immunization is essential.
  • Addressing public concerns with accurate, evidence-based information is crucial for maintaining vaccine trust.

More Related Videos

Evaluation of Host-Pathogen Responses and Vaccine Efficacy in Mice08:52

Evaluation of Host-Pathogen Responses and Vaccine Efficacy in Mice

Published on: February 22, 2019

An In vitro Model to Study Immune Responses of Human Peripheral Blood Mononuclear Cells to Human Respiratory Syncytial Virus Infection09:01

An In vitro Model to Study Immune Responses of Human Peripheral Blood Mononuclear Cells to Human Respiratory Syncytial Virus Infection

Published on: December 10, 2013

Related Concept Videos

Vaccinations01:51

Vaccinations

Overview
Chickenpox01:20

Chickenpox

Chickenpox is an acute, highly contagious disease caused by the varicella-zoster virus (VZV), a double-stranded DNA virus belonging to the Herpesviridae family. Its transmission occurs primarily through the inhalation of respiratory droplets or direct contact with vesicular fluid from skin lesions. The incubation period typically ranges from 10 to 21 days, during which the virus replicates and disseminates through sequential phases within the host. Although generally self-limiting in children,...
Respiratory Syncytial Virus Disease01:29

Respiratory Syncytial Virus Disease

Human respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is a widespread pathogen that primarily targets infants and young children but also poses a serious health risk to elderly and immunocompromised individuals. Belonging to the Pneumoviridae family, RSV is a negative-sense, single-stranded RNA virus within the Pneumovirus genus. Its global health burden is significant, with millions of cases annually resulting in hospitalizations and mortality, particularly in resource-limited settings. Although most...
Poliomyelitis01:17

Poliomyelitis

Poliomyelitis is caused by poliovirus, a small, non-enveloped, positive-sense RNA virus of the Picornaviridae family and Enterovirus genus. Transmission occurs primarily via the fecal-oral route, often through ingestion of contaminated water or food. The virus initially replicates in the oropharynx and intestinal mucosa, particularly in lymphoid tissues such as the tonsils, Peyer’s patches, and regional lymph nodes. Primary viremia follows, allowing dissemination throughout the body.In most...
Vaccines01:21

Vaccines

Vaccines are among the most effective tools in preventive medicine, designed to prepare the immune system to recognize and combat infectious agents. By introducing antigens—substances that the immune system identifies as foreign—vaccines stimulate an adaptive immune response that leads to immunological memory. This immunological memory enables the body to mount a faster and more effective response upon future exposures to the actual pathogen.Vaccines can be categorized based on the type of...
Microorganisms in Medicine and Therapeutics01:29

Microorganisms in Medicine and Therapeutics

Microorganisms play a fundamental role in vaccine development, gene therapy, and therapeutic production. Their biological properties are harnessed to advance medicine and public health. Beyond immunization, microorganisms contribute to gut health, antibiotic synthesis, and genetic disease treatment.Live Attenuated and Inactivated VaccinesLive attenuated vaccines, such as the measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine, utilize weakened forms of pathogens to closely resemble natural infections.