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Viruses
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Measles
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Measles

A special issue of Viruses (ISSN 1999-4915). This special issue belongs to the section "Animal Viruses".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (31 December 2022) | Viewed by 23802

Special Issue Editor

Dr. Cyrille Mathieu

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Team NITROVIRE "NeuroInvasion, TROpism and VIRal Encephalitis", Centre International de Recherche en Infectiologie (CIRI), Université de Lyon, INSERM, U1111, CNRS, UMR 5308, Université Claude Bernard Lyon 1, Ecole Normale Supérieure de Lyon, 69007 Lyon, France
Interests: viral neuroinvasion and encephalitis

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

While we benefit from one of the safest and most effective immunization technologies, the first global initiative to eradicate measles by 2010 has finally failed mainly due to ever-growing fear of vaccines. The past decade has seen a resurgence of measles virus fatal cases which have steadily increased each year to reach over 200,000 deaths in 2019. The COVID-19 pandemic has created an additional gap in the measles vaccination, which has either already stopped since 2020 or is about to stop in more than 40 countries, which in turn can lead to a new pandemic situation that is totally out of control. However, knowledge and understanding of measles virus and pathogenesis related to its infection keep growing with the aim to control measles one day and achieve its eradication.

In this new Special Issue of Viruses on measles virus, we want to examine the current situation in different regions of the world and explore the progress made on the understanding of viral pathogenesis, the interaction of the virus with the immune system, the key factors potentially influencing the infection of the central nervous system and the intestine, but also on the lack of effective therapeutic candidates against this infection.

Specific knowledge gaps include:

  1. Can the gap in vaccination be the origin of the emergence of variants able to escape vaccines’ immunization?
  2. Are the currently circulating strains more contagious or pathogenic than in the past? Where do they emerge?
  3. Can the measles paradox be the cause of the re-emergence of other viruses?
  4. To which extent do we understand measles virus infection outside the lungs and immune system?
  5. Which new antivirals may be of highest interest to enter future therapies against measles virus infection?

Practical aspects:

  1. How can we explore the early stages of infection in different tissues?
  2. What is the progress made in molecularly exploring the roles and interaction with viral proteins?
  3. What are the new models to explore pathogenesis and test new generations of drugs?
  4. What is the progress made in the clinical protocols?

Dr. Cyrille Mathieu
Guest Editor

Manuscript Submission Information

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Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Viruses is an international peer-reviewed open access monthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 2600 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

Keywords

  • measles virus
  • virus entry
  • immune system
  • pathogenesis
  • brain
  • intestine
  • viral–protein interactions
  • antivirals

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Published Papers (7 papers)

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Research

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14 pages, 1284 KiB  
Article
Oncolytic Measles Virus Encoding MicroRNA for Targeted RNA Interference
by Sophie C. Anker, Marie G. Szczeponik, Jan Dessila, Katia Dittus, Christine E. Engeland, Dirk Jäger, Guy Ungerechts and Mathias F. Leber
Viruses 2023, 15(2), 308; https://doi.org/10.3390/v15020308 - 22 Jan 2023
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 2013
Abstract
Virotherapy is a promising, novel form of cancer immunotherapy currently being investigated in pre-clinical and clinical settings. While generally well-tolerated, the anti-tumor potency of oncolytic virus-based monotherapies needs to be improved further. One of the major factors limiting the replication efficiency of oncolytic [...] Read more.
Virotherapy is a promising, novel form of cancer immunotherapy currently being investigated in pre-clinical and clinical settings. While generally well-tolerated, the anti-tumor potency of oncolytic virus-based monotherapies needs to be improved further. One of the major factors limiting the replication efficiency of oncolytic viruses are the antiviral defense pathways activated by tumor cells. In this study, we have designed and validated a universal expression cassette for artificial microRNAs that can now be adapted to suppress genes of interest, including potential resistance factors. Transcripts are encoded as a primary microRNA for processing via the predominantly nuclear RNase III Drosha. We have engineered an oncolytic measles virus encoding this universal expression cassette for artificial microRNAs. Virally encoded microRNA was expressed in the range of endogenous microRNA transcripts and successfully mediated target protein suppression. However, absolute expression levels of mature microRNAs were limited when delivered by an oncolytic measles virus. We demonstrate that measles virus, in contrast to other cytosolic viruses, does not induce translocation of Drosha from the nucleus into the cytoplasm, potentially resulting in a limited processing efficiency of virus-derived, cytosolically delivered artificial microRNAs. To our knowledge, this is the first report demonstrating functional expression of microRNA from oncolytic measles viruses potentially enabling future targeted knockdown, for instance of antiviral factors specifically in tumor cells. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Measles)
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16 pages, 8210 KiB  
Article
Early Permissiveness of Central Nervous System Cells to Measles Virus Infection Is Determined by Hyperfusogenicity and Interferon Pressure
by Marion Ferren, Alexandre Lalande, Mathieu Iampietro, Lola Canus, Didier Decimo, Denis Gerlier, Matteo Porotto and Cyrille Mathieu
Viruses 2023, 15(1), 229; https://doi.org/10.3390/v15010229 - 13 Jan 2023
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1915
Abstract
The cessation of measles virus (MeV) vaccination in more than 40 countries as a consequence of the COVID-19 pandemic is expected to significantly increase deaths due to measles. MeV can infect the central nervous system (CNS) and lead to lethal encephalitis. Substantial part [...] Read more.
The cessation of measles virus (MeV) vaccination in more than 40 countries as a consequence of the COVID-19 pandemic is expected to significantly increase deaths due to measles. MeV can infect the central nervous system (CNS) and lead to lethal encephalitis. Substantial part of virus sequences recovered from patients’ brain were mutated in the matrix and/or the fusion protein (F). Mutations of the heptad repeat domain located in the C terminal (HRC) part of the F protein were often observed and were associated to hyperfusogenicity. These mutations promote brain invasion as a hallmark of neuroadaptation. Wild-type F allows entry into the brain, followed by limited spreading compared with the massive invasion observed for hyperfusogenic MeV. Taking advantage of our ex vivo models of hamster organotypic brain cultures, we investigated how the hyperfusogenic mutations in the F HRC domain modulate virus distribution in CNS cells. In this study, we also identified the dependence of neural cells susceptibility on both their activation state and destabilization of the virus F protein. Type I interferon (IFN-I) impaired mainly astrocytes and microglial cells permissiveness contrarily to neurons, opening a new way of consideration on the development of treatments against viral encephalitis. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Measles)
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14 pages, 1886 KiB  
Article
Measles and Rubella Incidence and Molecular Epidemiology in Senegal: Temporal and Regional Trends during Twelve Years of National Surveillance, 2010–2021
by Mamadou Malado Jallow, Bacary Djilocalisse Sadio, Marie Pedapa Mendy, Sara Sy, Amary Fall, Davy Kiori, Ndiendé Koba Ndiaye, Yague Diaw, Déborah Goudiaby, Boly Diop, Mbayame Ndiaye Niang, Elizabeth J. A. Fitchett and Ndongo Dia
Viruses 2022, 14(10), 2273; https://doi.org/10.3390/v14102273 - 17 Oct 2022
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 2279
Abstract
We investigated the epidemiology of measles and rubella infections in Senegal based on data from twelve consecutive years of laboratory-based surveillance (2010–2021) and conducted phylogenetic analyses of circulating measles viruses. Sera from measles-suspected cases were collected and tested for measles and rubella-specific IgM [...] Read more.
We investigated the epidemiology of measles and rubella infections in Senegal based on data from twelve consecutive years of laboratory-based surveillance (2010–2021) and conducted phylogenetic analyses of circulating measles viruses. Sera from measles-suspected cases were collected and tested for measles and rubella-specific IgM antibodies using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays (ELISA). Throat swabs were collected from patients with clinically diagnosed measles for confirmation by reverse-transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) and viral genotyping. Among 8082 laboratory-tested specimens from measles-suspected cases, serological evidence of measles and rubella infection was confirmed in 1303/8082 (16.1%) and 465/6714 (6.9%), respectively. The incidence of rubella is now low—0.8 (95% CI 0.4–1.3) cases per million people in 2021—whereas progress towards measles pre-elimination targets (<1.0 case per million people per year) appears to have stalled; there were 10.8 (95% CI 9.3–12.5) cases per million people in 2021. Phylogenetic analyses revealed that all Senegalese measles strains belonged to genotype B3. The rubella virus sequence obtained in this study was consistent with genotype 1C. Our national surveillance data suggest that despite their low incidence both measles and rubella remain endemic in Senegal with a concerning stagnation in the decline of measles infections that represents a significant challenge to the goal of regional elimination. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Measles)
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20 pages, 2194 KiB  
Article
Repurposing an In Vitro Measles Virus Dissemination Assay for Screening of Antiviral Compounds
by Katharina S. Schmitz, Mona V. Lange, Lennert Gommers, Kim Handrejk, Danielle P. Porter, Christopher A. Alabi, Anne Moscona, Matteo Porotto, Rory D. de Vries and Rik L. de Swart
Viruses 2022, 14(6), 1186; https://doi.org/10.3390/v14061186 - 29 May 2022
Cited by 4 | Viewed by 3235
Abstract
Measles virus (MV) is a highly contagious respiratory virus responsible for outbreaks associated with significant morbidity and mortality among children and young adults. Although safe and effective measles vaccines are available, the COVID-19 pandemic has resulted in vaccination coverage gaps that may lead [...] Read more.
Measles virus (MV) is a highly contagious respiratory virus responsible for outbreaks associated with significant morbidity and mortality among children and young adults. Although safe and effective measles vaccines are available, the COVID-19 pandemic has resulted in vaccination coverage gaps that may lead to the resurgence of measles when restrictions are lifted. This puts individuals who cannot be vaccinated, such as young infants and immunocompromised individuals, at risk. Therapeutic interventions are complicated by the long incubation time of measles, resulting in a narrow treatment window. At present, the only available WHO-advised option is treatment with intravenous immunoglobulins, although this is not approved as standard of care. Antivirals against measles may contribute to intervention strategies to limit the impact of future outbreaks. Here, we review previously described antivirals and antiviral assays, evaluate the antiviral efficacy of a number of compounds to inhibit MV dissemination in vitro, and discuss potential application in specific target populations. We conclude that broadly reactive antivirals could strengthen existing intervention strategies to limit the impact of measles outbreaks. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Measles)
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12 pages, 1895 KiB  
Article
Characterization of Vaccine Breakthrough Cases during Measles Outbreaks in Milan and Surrounding Areas, Italy, 2017–2021
by Silvia Bianchi, Maria Gori, Clara Fappani, Giulia Ciceri, Marta Canuti, Daniela Colzani, Marco Dura, Mara Terraneo, Anna Lamberti, Melissa Baggieri, Sabrina Senatore, Marino Faccini, Fabio Magurano, Elisabetta Tanzi and Antonella Amendola
Viruses 2022, 14(5), 1068; https://doi.org/10.3390/v14051068 - 17 May 2022
Cited by 11 | Viewed by 3510
Abstract
Despite the existence of an effective live-attenuated vaccine, measles can appear in vaccinated individuals. We investigated breakthrough measles cases identified during our surveillance activities within the measles/rubella surveillance network (MoRoNet) in Milan and surrounding areas (Northern Italy). Between 2017 and 2021, we confirmed [...] Read more.
Despite the existence of an effective live-attenuated vaccine, measles can appear in vaccinated individuals. We investigated breakthrough measles cases identified during our surveillance activities within the measles/rubella surveillance network (MoRoNet) in Milan and surrounding areas (Northern Italy). Between 2017 and 2021, we confirmed measles virus (genotypes B3 or D8) infections in 653 patients and 51 of these (7.8%) were vaccinees. Among vaccinated individuals whose serum was available, a secondary failure was evidenced in 69.4% (25/36) of cases while 11 patients (30.6%) were non-responders. Non-responders were more frequently hospitalized and had significantly lower Ct values in both respiratory and urine samples. Median age and time since the last immunization were similar in the two groups. Importantly, we identified onward transmissions from vaccine failure cases. Vaccinees were involved in 20 outbreaks, in 10 of them they were able to transmit the virus, and in 8 of them, they were the index case. Comparing viral hemagglutinin sequences from vaccinated and non-vaccinated subjects did not show a specific mutation pattern. These results suggest that vaccination failure was likely due to the poor immune response of single individuals and highlights the importance of identifying breakthrough cases and characterizing their clinical and virologic profiles. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Measles)
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Review

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18 pages, 3247 KiB  
Review
Measles Virus-Induced Host Immunity and Mechanisms of Viral Evasion
by Lucia Amurri, Olivier Reynard, Denis Gerlier, Branka Horvat and Mathieu Iampietro
Viruses 2022, 14(12), 2641; https://doi.org/10.3390/v14122641 - 26 Nov 2022
Cited by 4 | Viewed by 5488
Abstract
The immune system deploys a complex network of cells and signaling pathways to protect host integrity against exogenous threats, including measles virus (MeV). However, throughout its evolutionary path, MeV developed various mechanisms to disrupt and evade immune responses. Despite an available vaccine, MeV [...] Read more.
The immune system deploys a complex network of cells and signaling pathways to protect host integrity against exogenous threats, including measles virus (MeV). However, throughout its evolutionary path, MeV developed various mechanisms to disrupt and evade immune responses. Despite an available vaccine, MeV remains an important re-emerging pathogen with a continuous increase in prevalence worldwide during the last decade. Considerable knowledge has been accumulated regarding MeV interactions with the innate immune system through two antagonistic aspects: recognition of the virus by cellular sensors and viral ability to inhibit the induction of the interferon cascade. Indeed, while the host could use several innate adaptors to sense MeV infection, the virus is adapted to unsettle defenses by obstructing host cell signaling pathways. Recent works have highlighted a novel aspect of innate immune response directed against MeV unexpectedly involving DNA-related sensing through activation of the cGAS/STING axis, even in the absence of any viral DNA intermediate. In addition, while MeV infection most often causes a mild disease and triggers a lifelong immunity, its tropism for invariant T-cells and memory T and B-cells provokes the elimination of one primary shield and the pre-existing immunity against previously encountered pathogens, known as “immune amnesia”. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Measles)
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Other

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20 pages, 4557 KiB  
Case Report
Subacute Sclerosing Panencephalitis in Children: The Archetype of Non-Vaccination
by Laura Papetti, Maria Elisa Amodeo, Letizia Sabatini, Melissa Baggieri, Alessandro Capuano, Federica Graziola, Antonella Marchi, Paola Bucci, Emilio D’Ugo, Maedeh Kojouri, Silvia Gioacchini, Carlo Efisio Marras, Carlotta Ginevra Nucci, Fabiana Ursitti, Giorgia Sforza, Michela Ada Noris Ferilli, Gabriele Monte, Romina Moavero, Federico Vigevano, Massimiliano Valeriani and Fabio Maguranoadd Show full author list remove Hide full author list
Viruses 2022, 14(4), 733; https://doi.org/10.3390/v14040733 - 31 Mar 2022
Cited by 8 | Viewed by 3916
Abstract
Subacute sclerosing panencephalitis (SSPE) is a late complication of measles virus infection that occurs in previously healthy children. This disease has no specific cure and is associated with a high degree of disability and mortality. In recent years, there has been an increase [...] Read more.
Subacute sclerosing panencephalitis (SSPE) is a late complication of measles virus infection that occurs in previously healthy children. This disease has no specific cure and is associated with a high degree of disability and mortality. In recent years, there has been an increase in its incidence in relation to a reduction in vaccination adherence, accentuated by the COVID-19 pandemic. In this article, we take stock of the current evidence on SSPE and report our personal clinical experience. We emphasise that, to date, the only effective protection strategy against this disease is vaccination against the measles virus. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Measles)
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