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Measles virus matrix protein synthesized in a subacute sclerosing panencephalitis cell line

R D Sheppard, C S Raine, M B Bornstein

    Science (New York, N.Y.)
    |June 7, 1985
    PubMed

    Insights

    Persistent measles virus infection can cause a fatal neurological disease called subacute sclerosing panencephalitis (SSPE). This study investigates why the measles virus matrix protein is restricted in SSPE, finding it is synthesized but not accumulated.

    Area of Science:

    • Virology
    • Neuroscience
    • Molecular Biology

    Background:

    • Measles virus typically causes acute illness.
    • Rarely, persistent measles virus infection leads to subacute sclerosing panencephalitis (SSPE), a fatal chronic neurological disease.
    • The restriction of measles virus matrix protein expression is a hallmark of SSPE, but its mechanism remains unclear.

    Purpose of the Study:

    • To investigate the mechanism of measles virus matrix protein restriction in SSPE.
    • To determine if matrix protein synthesis or accumulation is affected in SSPE.
    • To reconcile differing observations of matrix protein restriction in SSPE.

    Main Methods:

    • Utilized an SSPE tissue culture cell line (IP-3-Ca).
    • Analyzed the synthesis and accumulation of measles virus matrix protein.
    • Compared findings with previously reported SSPE cell lines.

    Main Results:

    • In the IP-3-Ca SSPE cell line, the measles virus matrix protein is synthesized.
    • Despite synthesis, the matrix protein fails to accumulate in these cells.
    • This suggests a post-synthesis defect in matrix protein accumulation.

    Conclusions:

    • The restriction of measles virus matrix protein in SSPE can occur at the level of protein accumulation, not just synthesis or translation.
    • A general model is proposed to explain matrix protein restriction at different molecular levels in SSPE.
    • Understanding this restriction is crucial for elucidating the pathogenesis of SSPE.

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