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Published on: November 22, 2017
Measles virus infection diminishes preexisting antibodies that offer protection from other pathogens
Michael J Mina1,2,3, Tomasz Kula4,2, Yumei Leng4
1Division of Genetics, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Boston, MA 02115, USA. selledge@genetics.med.harvard.edu mmina@hsph.harvard.edu.
Abstract:
Measles virus is directly responsible for more than 100,000 deaths yearly. Epidemiological studies have associated measles with increased morbidity and mortality for years after infection, but the reasons why are poorly understood. Measles virus infects immune cells, causing acute immune suppression. To identify and quantify long-term effects of measles on the immune system, we used VirScan, an assay that tracks antibodies to thousands of pathogen epitopes in blood. We studied 77 unvaccinated children before and 2 months after natural measles virus infection. Measles caused elimination of 11 to 73% of the antibody repertoire across individuals. Recovery of antibodies was detected after natural reexposure to pathogens. Notably, these immune system effects were not observed in infants vaccinated against MMR (measles, mumps, and rubella), but were confirmed in measles-infected macaques. The reduction in humoral immune memory after measles infection generates potential vulnerability to future infections, underscoring the need for widespread vaccination.
Insights
Measles infection severely weakens the immune system by depleting antibody memory. Vaccination (MMR) prevents these long-term immune deficits, highlighting the importance of measles immunization.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Virology
- Epidemiology
Background:
- Measles virus causes over 100,000 deaths annually.
- Measles infection leads to immune suppression, but long-term effects are unclear.
Purpose of the Study:
- To quantify the long-term impact of measles on the human immune system.
- To investigate the role of measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccination in mitigating these effects.
Main Methods:
- VirScan assay used to track antibody repertoires in 77 unvaccinated children before and after measles infection.
- Comparison with infants vaccinated against MMR and measles-infected macaques.
Main Results:
- Measles infection eliminated 11-73% of individuals' antibody repertoires.
- Antibody recovery observed after reexposure to other pathogens.
- Immune deficits were not seen in MMR-vaccinated infants.
Conclusions:
- Measles infection causes significant, long-lasting reduction in humoral immune memory.
- This immune vulnerability underscores the critical need for widespread measles vaccination.
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