Mechanism of Suppression of Cell-Mediated Immunity by Measles Virus

• DOI: 10.1126/science.273.5272.228
• Publication Date: 2006-10-27T18:30:41Z
• Authors: Christopher L. Karp; Maria Wysocka; Larry M. Wahl; Joseph M. Ahearn; Peter J. Cuomo; Barbara Sherry; Giorgio Trinchieri; Diane E. Griffin
• Keywords: Monocyte; Cellular immunity; Immunosuppression

The mechanisms underlying the profound suppression of cell-mediated immunity (CMI) accompanying measles are unclear. Interleukin-12 (IL-12), derived principally from monocytes and macrophages, is critical for generation CMI. Measles virus (MV) infection primary human specifically down-regulated IL-12 production. Cross-linking CD46, a complement regulatory protein that cellular receptor MV, with antibody or activation product C3b similarly inhibited monocyte production, providing plausible mechanism MV-induced immunosuppression. CD46 provides link between system immune responses.