T Cell Activation and T Cell Receptor Variable Region Gene Usage in Measles

Abstract

T cell activation and T cell receptor variable (V) regions were studied with monoclonal antibodies in peripheral blood lymphocytes from 22 patients with measles. Increased (> 5%) activated T cells (HLA‐DR+ CD3+ cells) were noted in 14 of the 22 patients. Elevations of Vβ5+ and Vβ8 + T cells were observed in two and four patients, respectively, and appeared to be associated with T cell activation. The duration of fever was significantly prolonged in those with increased (> 10%) activated T cells (p < 0.01). These results suggest that T cell activation and the preferential expansion of Vβ8+ and Vβ5+ T cells are associated with the pathogenic process of measles.

Serum antibodies to HIV-1 are produced post-measles virus infection: evidence for cross-reactivity with HLA

“…In addition, upon binding to HLA class II molecules, various viral and ‘self’ antigens have also been shown to act as ‘superantigens’, selectively inducing the activation of certain Vβ T cell receptor (TCR)‐expressing T cell populations, as well as leading to the clonal deletion of these same T cell populations within the thymus and periphery [12–16]. Superantigenic activity has also been suggested for both HIV‐1 and measles virus infections [12, 17]. Given these various associations, viral infections typically produce both in vivo and in vitro abnormalities of T cell function.…”