Measles virus infection diminishes preexisting antibodies that offer protection from other pathogens

Measles virus is directly responsible for more than 100,000 deaths yearly. Epidemiological studies have associated measles with increased morbidity and mortality for years after infection, but the reasons why are poorly understood. Measles virus infects immune cells, causing acute immune suppression. To identify and quantify long-term effects of measles on the immune system, we used VirScan, an assay that tracks antibodies to thousands of pathogen epitopes in blood. We studied 77 unvaccinated children before and 2 months after natural measles virus infection. Measles caused elimination of 11 to 73% of the antibody repertoire across individuals. Recovery of antibodies was detected after natural reexposure to…

• BA
  Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation
• MT
  Maze Therapeutics
• EC
  European Commission

  Awards: 602525, EU FP7, 202063
• NI
  National Institutes of Health

  Awards: DK032493, R21 AI095981, AI131228, R01 AI131228, R21AI095981, U24AI118633
• G
  Genentech
• NI
  National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases
• NI
  National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases

  Award: R01 DK032493