Rubeola Virus

Virology

Rubeola is synonymous with Measles. Rubeola virus is a spherical, nonsegmented, single-stranded, negative-sense, enveloped ribonucleic acid (RNA) virus with 100-900 nm in size. Rubeola virus belongs to the Morbillivirus genus and the family of Paramyxoviruses. The 16 kb long genome comprises six genes that encode eight viral proteins. The viral genome is encapsidated by nucleoprotein (N), phosphoprotein (P) and large protein (L) forming the ribonucleoprotein complex (RNP), which is surrounded by matrix (M) protein. Two of the proteins are non-structural proteins V and C, expressed from an alternative RNA transcript of the P gene. Their role is primarily implicated in the prevention of type 1 interferon (IFN)-induced immune responses. The envelope glycoproteins hemagglutinin (H) and fusion (F) proteins mediate virus attachment and fusion, respectively. To date, 8 clades and 24 distinct genotypes of the rubeola virus have been reported. Despite a number of genotypes has only one serotype which is marked by high genetic constraints on H, F, N and M protein.

Fig.1 Schematic representation of rubeola virus. (Aref, 2016)

Receptors of Rubeola Virus

Infection of cells by rubeola virus is initiated by binding of the H glycoprotein to cellular receptors. Three main receptors, CD150, CD46 and nectin-4, are utilized by the rubeola virus for target cell entry. CD150 or signaling lymphocyte activation molecule (SLAM) is the main receptor for wild-type rubeola virus strains.

Fig.2 Receptors of rubeola virus. (Noyce, 2012)

Pathogenesis

Initial viral replication typically occurs in epithelial cells at the portal of entry in the upper respiratory tract, and the virus then spreads to local lymphatic tissue. Replication in local lymph nodes is followed by viremia (the presence of virus in the blood) and the dissemination of measles virus to many organs, including lymph nodes, skin, kidney, gastrointestinal tract and liver, where the virus replicates in epithelial and endothelial cells as well as monocytes, macrophages and lymphocytes. Infected persons are usually contagious from 2-3 days before and up to four days after the onset of the rash.

Epidemiology

Rubeola virus is one of the most infectious directly transmitted pathogens known and occurs naturally only in humans. The highly contagious measles occur in areas with low vaccination coverage or pockets of susceptible groups. All people who have not been immunized with the vaccine or who have not acquired immunity through having experienced the disease can become infected, especially young children. The highly contagious rubeola virus is spread by airborne droplets (circulating as a result of coughing and sneezing), close personal contact or direct contact with nasal or throat secretions of infected persons as well as through aerosols.

Symptoms

Rubeola virus is highly infectious to humans, causing a self-limiting febrile illness characterized by a maculopapular rash. Initial symptoms include a cold, cough, fever, inflammation of the nasopharynx or conjunctiva. Clinically, the diagnosis of measles is supported by the appearance of irregular red lesions with bluish-white centers in the buccal mucosa (Koplik spots) that appear 1-2 days before the onset of rash. Then classical maculopapular rashes appear after three to seven days.

Prevention and Treatment

Currently, there is no specific anti-viral treatment available for measles. An effective therapeutic approach along with broader vaccination coverage could help to promote measles eradication. Rubeola virus has only one serotype and can, therefore, be prevented with a single monovalent vaccine.

Anti-Rubeola Virus Products and Services

Creative Biolabs has devoted itself to providing the most diverse ViroAntibody products as well as convenient and extensive services to customers all over the world. We provide a series of anti-Rubeola virus antibodies for hot targets including hemagglutinin, nucleoprotein, phosphoprotein, etc. It is noted that our anti-Rubeola virus antibody products are only for various research, not for clinical applications. For further information and to discuss your project needs, please feel free to contact us.

References

1. Aref, S.; et al. A. Measles to the rescue: a review of oncolytic measles virus. Viruses. 2016, 8(10): 294.
2. Noyce R.S.; Richardson C.D. Nectin 4 is the epithelial cell receptor for measles virus. Trends Microbiol. 2012, 20(9): 429-439.
3. Laksono B.M.; et al. Measles virus host invasion and pathogenesis. Viruses. 2016, 8(8): 210.

All products and services are intended for Research Use Only, and NOT to be used in diagnostic or therapeutic procedures.