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Antibodies against measles virus polypeptides in different disease conditions
Abstract:
The occurrence of antibodies to the nucleoprotein and matrix (M) antigens of measles virus was determined in early and late measles convalescent sera and in sera from patients with multiple sclerosis, subacute sclerosing panencephalitis, chronic active hepatitis, and atypical measles. Antibodies to the two components were identified separately in serially diluted samples both by radioimmune precipitation assays and by complement fixation tests employing purified nucleoprotein and M components as antigens. The antibody response to M antigen in connection with acute infections was weak, and with time titers of antibodies to M antigen were reduced below detectable levels in most cases. A different situation was seen in patients with atypical measles. A pronounced antibody response to M antigen was shown to be a part of the generally accentuated immune response in these patients. Confirming results of others, it was shown that in spite of the increased antibody titers against most measles components in sera from patients with subacute sclerosing panencephalitis, no or only low titers of antibodies to M antigen were present. However, a similar representation of antibodies to measles virus components was also seen in sera from patients with active chronic hepatitis. The significance of this finding for the interpretation of a weak antibody response to M antigen in the presence of a pronounced antibody response to other components is discussed.
Insights
Antibody responses to measles virus matrix (M) antigen differ in various conditions. A weak M antibody response is typical post-infection, but atypical measles shows a strong response, while subacute sclerosing panencephalitis and chronic active hepatitis exhibit low M antibody levels.
Area of Science:
- Virology
- Immunology
- Neurology
Background:
- Measles virus infection elicits antibodies to various viral components.
- The matrix (M) protein is a key structural component of the measles virus.
- Understanding antibody profiles is crucial for diagnosing and understanding measles-related conditions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the presence and levels of antibodies against measles virus nucleoprotein and matrix (M) antigens.
- To compare antibody responses in acute measles convalescence, atypical measles, subacute sclerosing panencephalitis (SSPE), and chronic active hepatitis (CAH).
Main Methods:
- Radioimmune precipitation assays and complement fixation tests were used.
- Purified nucleoprotein and M components served as antigens.
- Serially diluted serum samples from different patient groups were analyzed.
Main Results:
- Antibody response to M antigen was weak in acute measles and decreased over time.
- Atypical measles patients exhibited a pronounced antibody response to M antigen.
- Subacute sclerosing panencephalitis and chronic active hepatitis patients showed low or absent M antigen antibodies despite high titers to other measles components.
Conclusions:
- The antibody response profile to measles virus components, particularly the M antigen, can differentiate between various measles-related conditions.
- Low M antigen antibody titers in SSPE and CAH, alongside high titers to other components, warrant further investigation into their clinical significance.