Measles Virus

Measles virus (MV), one of the most contagious viruses known, was recognized clinically by the rash and other signs from early historical times. Measles still causes more than 300 000 deaths each year, mostly due to secondary infections facilitated by MV-induced immunosuppression. Therefore the World Health Organization has targeted it for eradication, an endeavor facilitated by the availability of a live attenuated vaccine with an outstanding efficacy and safety record. MV is an enveloped negative-strand RNA virus, and the study of its biology has given detailed insights about how it utilizes host cell components to promote its replication and particle assembly. Moreover, the MV interactions with the cellular receptors and the mechanisms used to invade and inactivate the host immune system are now better understood. The knowledge gained from basic research is currently used to develop multivalent MV-based vaccines, and vectors for targeting and eliminating cancer cells.