Abstract
Measles virus (MV) is among the most infectious viruses that affect humans and is transmitted via the respiratory route. In macaques, MV primarily infects lymphocytes and dendritic cells (DCs). Little is known about the initial target cell for MV infection. Since DCs bridge the peripheral mucosal tissues with lymphoid tissues, we hypothesize that DCs are the initial target cells that capture MV in the respiratory tract and transport the virus to the lymphoid tissues where MV is transmitted to lymphocytes. Recently, we have demonstrated that the C-type lectin DC-SIGN interacts with MV and enhances infection of DCs in cis. Using immunofluorescence microscopy, we demonstrate that DC-SIGN+ DCs are abundantly present just below the epithelia of the respiratory tract. DC-SIGN+ DCs efficiently present MV-derived antigens to CD4+ T-lymphocytes after antigen uptake via either CD150 or DC-SIGN in vitro. However, DC-SIGN+ DCs also mediate transmission of MV to CD4+ and CD8+ T-lymphocytes. We distinguished two different transmission routes that were either dependent or independent on direct DC infection. DC-SIGN and CD150 are both involved in direct DC infection and subsequent transmission of de novo synthesized virus. However, DC-SIGN, but not CD150, mediates trans-infection of MV to T-lymphocytes independent of DC infection. Together these data suggest a prominent role for DCs during the initiation, dissemination, and clearance of MV infection.
Highlights
Measles is a systemic disease, caused by measles virus (MV) infection of respiratory and lymphoid tissues
We demonstrate an alternative route of MV transmission: dendritic cells that are abundantly present in the subepithelial tissues of the respiratory tract may capture MV through binding to either CD150 or dendritic cell-specific ICAM-3 grabbing non-integrin (DC-SIGN)
DC-SIGN+ dendritic cells are present in the respiratory tract and closely interact with CD150+ cells in lymphoid tissues
Summary
Measles is a systemic disease, caused by measles virus (MV) infection of respiratory and lymphoid tissues. MV is a member of the Paramyxoviridae family, genus Morbillivirus. The virus is highly contagious and is spread via the respiratory route [1]. The course and symptoms of measles are well characterized, little is known about the cellular events underlying the disease. The target cells for MV at the site of transmission and during the systemic phase of the disease are still under debate [1,2,3,4]. The interaction of MV with the immune system, paradoxically resulting in induction of strong MV-specific immunity, and immunosuppression, has not been fully clarified
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
