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Experimental measles. I. Pathogenesis in the normal and the immunized host
M B McChesney1, C J Miller, P A Rota
1California Regional Primate Research Center, University of California, Davis 95616, USA. mbmcchesney@ucdavis.edu
Virology
|June 23, 1997
Summary
Researchers developed a rhesus monkey model for measles pathogenesis. This model helps study how measles virus infects the body and how effective measles vaccines are in preventing disease.
Area of Science:
- Virology
- Immunology
- Primate Models
Background:
- Measles pathogenesis and protective immunity require robust animal models.
- Previous models have limitations in fully recapitulating human measles disease.
Purpose of the Study:
- To establish a rhesus monkey model for studying measles pathogenesis.
- To investigate the correlates of protective immunity against measles virus.
Main Methods:
- A pathogenic measles virus stock was generated from a clinical isolate in rhesus monkeys.
- Sequence analysis confirmed homology to the Chicago 89 measles strain.
- Juvenile rhesus monkeys were inoculated via conjunctival/intranasal routes.
Main Results:
- Inoculated monkeys developed characteristic measles symptoms including rash and pneumonia.
- Systemic infection disseminated to mucosal sites and lymphoid tissues, with B lymphocytes being highly infected.
- Vaccinated monkeys showed reduced pathology but evidence of viral replication upon challenge, indicating limited but not complete protection.
Conclusions:
- The rhesus monkey model effectively replicates measles pathogenesis.
- Measles vaccines limit infection but may not completely prevent wild-type virus infection.
- This model is valuable for studying measles immunity and vaccine efficacy.