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Published on: October 14, 2021
Gene expression profiles in peripheral blood mononuclear cells from patients with subacute sclerosing panencephalitis
Megumi Takemoto1, Ryutaro Kira, Koichi Kusuhara
1Department of Pediatrics, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kyushu University, Fukuoka, Japan. take-m@pediatr.med.kyushu-u.ac.jp
Abstract:
To investigate the molecular basis for measles virus persistence in patients with subacute sclerosing panencephalitis (SSPE), the authors used a high-density oligonucleotide microarray, and found that the expression of granulysin in peripheral blood mononuclear cells was significantly lower in the patients than in the controls. By a quantitative reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction, the mRNA levels of granulysin were decreased in 30 SSPE patients, and were increased in 7 measles patients, as compared to the 23 controls. These results imply that granulysin might play a role in the host defense against measles virus and possibly be involved in the pathogenesis or pathophysiology of SSPE.
Insights
Granulysin levels are lower in patients with subacute sclerosing panencephalitis (SSPE), suggesting a role for this protein in measles virus defense and SSPE development. Further research is needed to confirm these findings.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Virology
- Molecular Biology
Background:
- Measles virus can persist in the body, leading to serious neurological complications like subacute sclerosing panencephalitis (SSPE).
- The molecular mechanisms underlying measles virus persistence and SSPE pathogenesis are not fully understood.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the molecular basis of measles virus persistence in SSPE patients.
- To explore the potential role of granulysin in the host immune response to measles virus and in SSPE.
Main Methods:
- High-density oligonucleotide microarray analysis to assess gene expression.
- Quantitative reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) to measure mRNA levels of granulysin.
Main Results:
- Granulysin expression was significantly lower in peripheral blood mononuclear cells of SSPE patients compared to controls.
- Granulysin mRNA levels were decreased in SSPE patients and increased in acute measles patients relative to controls.
Conclusions:
- Granulysin may play a role in host defense against measles virus infection.
- Reduced granulysin levels might be implicated in the pathogenesis or pathophysiology of SSPE.