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Measles virus infections of the central nervous system
1Institut für Virologie, Universität Leipzig, Deutschland. liebert@server3.medizin.uni-leipzig.de
Abstract:
Acute measles is a classic infectious disease of childhood with worldwide distribution. Its causative agent, measles virus (MV), is an efficient pathogen, persisting in nature in populations large enough to support it, even though it is able to cause an acute infection in any individual only once in his lifetime. The characteristic clinical hallmarks of measles, fever and rash, coincide with antiviral immune response. MV-specific T lymphocyte and antibody responses contribute to virus clearance and protection from reinfection, respectively. Concomitant with immune activation immunologic abnormalities arise during MV infection. The ensuing suppression of cellular immune responses is presumably responsible for increased susceptibility to other infections. Additionally, central nervous system (CNS) complications of MV infection with different pathogenesis occur. Autoimmune disease may appear in the form of acute measles encephalomyelitis. Furthermore, MV may persist in the CNS in rare cases without periodic shedding of infectious virus. Measles inclusion body encephalitis can develop on the basis of inadequate virus-specific cell-mediated immune responses and subacute sclerosing panencephalitis occurs many years after primary measles as a slow virus infection. Host cell factors operating in cells of the CNS together with mutations particularly in genes coding for viral envelope proteins initiate and maintain the persistent state of infection with a viral replication cycle that is attenuated at the transcriptional and translational level.
Insights
Measles virus (MV) causes acute illness with fever and rash, triggering immune responses. MV infection can lead to immune suppression and serious central nervous system complications.
Area of Science:
- Virology
- Immunology
- Neurology
Background:
- Measles is a common childhood infectious disease caused by the measles virus (MV).
- MV infection typically results in fever and rash, coinciding with the body's antiviral immune response.
- While conferring lifelong immunity, MV infection can paradoxically cause immune suppression and neurological complications.
Purpose of the Study:
- To summarize the pathogenesis of measles virus infection.
- To describe the immune response to measles virus.
- To outline the central nervous system complications associated with measles virus.
Main Methods:
- Review of existing literature on measles virus pathogenesis and clinical manifestations.
- Analysis of immune responses, including T lymphocyte and antibody production.
- Examination of the mechanisms underlying measles virus-induced neurological diseases.
Main Results:
- Measles virus infection elicits specific T lymphocyte and antibody responses for viral clearance and immunity.
- Concurrent immune abnormalities include suppression of cellular immunity, increasing susceptibility to secondary infections.
- Central nervous system complications include acute measles encephalomyelitis, persistent CNS infection, measles inclusion body encephalitis, and subacute sclerosing panencephalitis.
Conclusions:
- Measles virus infection involves complex immune interactions, leading to both protective immunity and immune suppression.
- Neurological sequelae of measles virus infection arise from diverse mechanisms, including autoimmune processes and persistent, attenuated viral replication in the CNS.
- Understanding these mechanisms is crucial for managing measles complications and developing targeted therapies.