Defective measles virus in human subacute sclerosing panencephalitis brain.

Abstract

Evidence is presented showing that the brain cells of patients with subacute sclerosing panencephalitis (SSPE) contain mutant measles (MV) genomes having the characteristics of 5' copy-back defective interfering (DI) RNAs. Using a polymerase chain reaction-based amplification specific for copy-back DIs, abundant, discrete cDNAs representing different-sized MV defective RNA species were generated from each SSPE brain. The defective genomes were cloned in two portions. The most common of these defective species were sequenced, confirming their MV genome origin and 5' copy-back nature. We deduced that the minimum DI stem length of these species was 95 nucleotides, further delimiting the prerequisite 5' regulatory region sequences specifying MV genomic replication/encapsidation functions. This calculation assumes a precise copy-back mechanism and complete complementarity of the panhandle structure. Since the SSPE-derived viral genome encodes dysfunctional viral envelope proteins, we hypothesize that SSPE brains may lack the high degree of selective pressure encountered in tissue culture MV infections. This allows for the coexistence of numerous replication-competent defective particles in each SSPE brain. A role for viral defective particles as modulators of this persistent measles virus infection of humans is proposed.

• Authors: M S Sidhu, J Crowley, A Lowenthal, D Karcher, J Menonna, S Cook, S Udem, P Dowling
• Journal: Virology (Virology) Vol. 202 Issue 2 Pg. 631-41 (Aug 01 1994) ISSN: 0042-6822 [Print] United States
• PMID: 8030228 (Publication Type: Journal Article, Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't, Research Support, U.S. Gov't, Non-P.H.S., Research Support, U.S. Gov't, P.H.S.)

Chemical References

• DNA Primers
• Measles Vaccine
• RNA, Messenger
• RNA, Viral

Topics

• Base Sequence
• Brain (microbiology)
• Cloning, Molecular
• DNA Primers (chemistry)
• Defective Viruses (genetics)
• Humans
• In Situ Hybridization
• Measles Vaccine (genetics)
• Measles virus (genetics, pathogenicity)
• Molecular Sequence Data
• RNA, Messenger (genetics)
• RNA, Viral (genetics)
• Subacute Sclerosing Panencephalitis (microbiology)