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Detection of measles virus antigen(s) in peripheral lymphocytes from patients with subacute sclerosing
Abstract:
Peripheral blood lymphocytes from 5 patients with subacute sclerosing panencephalitis (SSPE) were stimulated with phytohemagglutinin (PHA) and analyzed for the presence of the measles virus antigen(s) by immunofluorescence (IF). For detection of viral antigen fluorescein-conjugated globulins from SSPE patients or from measles convalescents both with high anti-measles titer were used. Peripheral blood lymphocytes from 5 children with measles were used as a positive control. Measles virus antigen(s) were localized in PHA-transformed lymphocytes in all SSPE patients. The present results indicate that in SSPE measles-like virus infection may be found not only in the central nervous system, but also in the circulating lymphoid cells.
Insights
Subacute sclerosing panencephalitis (SSPE) involves measles virus infection in circulating lymphoid cells, not just the central nervous system. This finding expands understanding of SSPE pathogenesis and measles virus persistence.
Area of Science:
- Virology
- Immunology
- Neurology
Background:
- Subacute sclerosing panencephalitis (SSPE) is a rare, progressive neurological disorder.
- It is a late complication of measles virus infection.
- The precise location and extent of measles virus persistence in SSPE remain areas of investigation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the presence of measles virus antigens in peripheral blood lymphocytes of SSPE patients.
- To determine if measles virus infection is confined to the central nervous system or also involves circulating immune cells.
Main Methods:
- Peripheral blood lymphocytes from 5 SSPE patients were isolated.
- Lymphocytes were stimulated with phytohemagglutinin (PHA).
- Immunofluorescence (IF) was used to detect measles virus antigens using specific conjugates.
Main Results:
- Measles virus antigens were detected in PHA-transformed lymphocytes from all 5 SSPE patients.
- Positive control lymphocytes from children with measles also showed viral antigen.
- This indicates the presence of measles-like virus in circulating lymphoid cells.
Conclusions:
- Measles virus infection in SSPE is not limited to the central nervous system.
- Circulating lymphoid cells can harbor measles virus in SSPE patients.
- These findings suggest a systemic involvement of measles virus in SSPE pathogenesis.