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Gene expression patterns in dendritic cells infected with measles virus compared with other pathogens
Michael J Zilliox1, Giovanni Parmigiani, Diane E Griffin
1The W. Harry Feinstone Department of Molecular Microbiology and Immunology, The Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA.
Summary
Measles virus (MV) infection alters gene expression in dendritic cells (DCs), up-regulating immune response genes while down-regulating protein synthesis. This study reveals unique MV responses, suggesting immune modulation mechanisms.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Virology
- Molecular Biology
Background:
- Measles virus (MV) is a human pathogen causing transient immunosuppression and long-term immunity.
- Dendritic cells (DCs) are key antigen-presenting cells involved in initiating immune responses and potentially MV-induced immunosuppression.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate gene expression changes in DCs upon MV infection within the first 24 hours.
- To compare MV-induced DC gene expression profiles with those caused by other pathogens.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of gene expression patterns in MV-infected DCs.
- Comparison of gene expression data with responses to viral, bacterial, and fungal infections.
Main Results:
- Over 1,553 genes were significantly regulated, with ~60% down-regulated.
- MV infection up-regulated genes for DC maturation, migration, and immune signaling (e.g., IFNs, ILs, chemokines, antiviral proteins).
- Unique MV responses included broad induction of IFN-alphas and failure to up-regulate dsRNA-dependent protein kinase.
Conclusions:
- MV infection elicits common and unique responses in DCs.
- Gene expression changes suggest mechanisms by which MV may modulate the host immune response.
