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Nonhuman primate models of measles
F Kobune1, H Takahashi, K Terao
1Department of Viral Disease and Vaccine Control, National Institute of Health, Tokyo, Japan.
Laboratory Animal Science
|June 1, 1996
Summary
Researchers successfully induced measles symptoms, including rashes and leukopenia, in monkeys using cell-culture-grown wild measles virus. These nonhuman primate models offer valuable insights into measles pathogenesis and clinical manifestations.
Area of Science:
- Virology
- Immunology
- Primate Models
Background:
- Measles virus causes significant global health issues.
- Studying measles pathogenesis requires appropriate animal models.
- Previous models had limitations in replicating full clinical presentation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To establish a nonhuman primate model for acute measles virus infection.
- To investigate the induction of clinical signs and immunological changes in monkeys.
- To evaluate the utility of cell-culture-grown measles virus in animal models.
Main Methods:
- Inoculation of cynomolgus and squirrel monkeys with wild measles virus (B95a cell line).
- Monitoring for clinical signs such as rashes and Koplik's spots.
- Assessing hematological parameters, including CD4(+)-to-CD8+ T-cell ratios.
- Histopathological examination of lymphoid tissues.
Main Results:
- Successful induction of measles-like rashes and Koplik's spots.
- Significant leukopenia and transient decrease in CD4(+)/CD8+ T-cell ratio observed.
- Measles virus replication and characteristic lesions (necrosis, giant cells) in lymphoid tissues.
Conclusions:
- Cell-culture-grown measles virus can induce acute clinical measles in nonhuman primates.
- These primate models effectively replicate key features of human measles, including clinical signs and immune alterations.
- The established models are suitable for studying measles pathogenesis, including leukopenia and lymphocyte subset changes.