Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jun 10, 2026

Dissecting Innate Immune Signaling in Viral Evasion of Cytokine Production
08:32

Dissecting Innate Immune Signaling in Viral Evasion of Cytokine Production

Published on: March 2, 2014

Measles virus-induced suppression of immune responses

Diane E Griffin1

  • 1W. Harry Feinstone Department of Molecular Microbiology and Immunology, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA. dgriffin@jhsph.edu

Immunological Reviews
|July 20, 2010
PubMed

Insights

Measles virus (MV) infection causes temporary immune suppression and increased susceptibility to secondary infections, despite eventually establishing lifelong immunity. This immune modulation involves shifts in T-cell responses and dendritic cell dysfunction.

Area of Science:

  • Immunology
  • Virology
  • Pediatrics

Background:

  • Measles virus (MV) is a significant cause of childhood mortality.
  • MV infection presents a complex interaction with the immune system, leading to both clearance and immune suppression.
  • Understanding MV's immunomodulatory effects is crucial for public health.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To elucidate the mechanisms behind measles-induced immune suppression.
  • To investigate the role of T-cell responses and dendritic cells in MV pathogenesis.
  • To explain the paradoxical outcomes of MV infection, including durable immunity and temporary immune deficits.

Main Methods:

  • Analysis of T-cell responses (CD8+, T-helper 1, T-helper 2) during MV infection.
  • Investigation of lymphocyte proliferation assays following MV exposure.
  • Assessment of dendritic cell (DC) function and interaction with lymphocytes after MV infection.

Main Results:

  • MV infection leads to a shift from T-helper 1 to T-helper 2 CD4+ T-cell responses.
  • Suppression of lymphocyte proliferation occurs with MV infection or exposure to viral glycoproteins.
  • Infected DCs impair mixed lymphocyte reactions and induce lymphocyte unresponsiveness.

Conclusions:

  • Measles-induced immune suppression results from complex interactions involving T-cell shifts and dysfunctional DCs.
  • Viral glycoproteins expressed by infected DCs contribute to immune suppression.
  • These mechanisms explain both the temporary immune deficits and the establishment of long-term immunity post-measles.

More Related Videos

Paramyxoviruses for Tumor-targeted Immunomodulation: Design and Evaluation Ex Vivo12:42

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

Published on: January 7, 2019

Phenotypic and Functional Analysis of Activated Regulatory T Cells Isolated from Chronic Lymphocytic Choriomeningitis Virus-infected Mice07:17

Phenotypic and Functional Analysis of Activated Regulatory T Cells Isolated from Chronic Lymphocytic Choriomeningitis Virus-infected Mice

Published on: June 22, 2016

Related Concept Videos

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...
Vaccinations01:51

Vaccinations

Overview
Immune Response Against Viral Pathogens01:29

Immune Response Against Viral Pathogens

The immune system's response to viral infections is a complex and coordinated process involving natural killer (NK) cells, T cell-mediated responses, and antibody-mediated responses.
NK Cells
NK cells are a crucial part of our innate immune system, acting as the first line of defense against viral infections. These cells can recognize and kill infected cells without prior exposure to the virus, effectively slowing down the spread of infection. Additionally, NK cells produce proinflammatory...
Immunodeficiency Diseases01:25

Immunodeficiency Diseases

Immunodeficiency disorders are conditions in which the immune system's ability to fight infectious disease and cancer is compromised or entirely absent. The immune system comprises a complex network of cells, tissues, and organs that work together to protect the body from potentially harmful invaders. When this system is deficient or not functioning properly, it leaves the body susceptible to infections, diseases, or other complications.
There are three main causes of immunodeficiency disorders...
Cytomegalovirus Disease01:27

Cytomegalovirus Disease

Cytomegalovirus (CMV) disease is caused by human cytomegalovirus, a double-stranded DNA virus of the Herpesviridae family. While primary CMV infection is often asymptomatic in immunocompetent individuals, the virus can cause severe disease in neonates and immunocompromised patients. CMV is the most common cause of congenital viral infection in the United States, and a major pathogen in solid organ and hematopoietic stem cell transplant recipients.CMV is transmitted via bodily fluids, sexual...
Immunological Memory01:23

Immunological Memory

Immunological memory, a pivotal pillar of the adaptive immune system, is responsible for the body's ability to remember and respond more swiftly and effectively to previously encountered pathogens. This remarkable feature is what makes vaccines so effective in preventing diseases.
What is Immunological Memory?
Immunological memory is an integral function of the immune system that allows it to recognize and react more rapidly and effectively to pathogens previously encountered. This feature is...