HHV-6 IgG4 isotype response following measles infection

Human herpesvirus 6 (HHV-6) is widespread in the human population by infecting most individuals in early childhood. After primary infection, HHV-6 establishes a latent infection by remaining in circulating mononuclear cells of healthy individuals. The HHV-6 antibody titer increases after primary infection with measles virus. The present study was undertaken to determine the specific antiviral IgG1, IgG2, IgG3, and IgG4 subclass response patterns to HHV-6 in HHV-6-seropositive individuals with natural measles virus infection, measles vaccination, and rubella virus infection. The purpose of this study was to examine HHV-6-specific IgG isotype response in patients with acute virus coinfection. Serum samples were obtained from individuals who were seropositive for HHV-6 after natural primary infection with measles virus during an outbreak, measles vaccination, or rubella virus infection, and from healthy individuals. Sera were examined by indirect immunofluorescence assays for detection of HHV-6-specific IgG1, IgG2, IgG3, and IgG4 antibodies. A high percentage (69%) of those infected with measles virus had an HHV-6 IgG1 and IgG4 response (P < 0.001, chi(2) test), whereas persons vaccinated against measles, those infected with rubella, and healthy individuals showed an HHV-6 IgG1 response. These results demonstrate that natural measles virus infection induces an HHV-6 IgG isotype response, which suggests a shift in immune activity from a Th1 to a Th2 response. J. Med. Virol. 82:396-399, 2010. (c) 2010 Wiley-Liss, Inc.