Understanding the Measles Virus at 70 Years: From Cellular Mechanisms to Immunisation, 1954-2024

Abstract

Measles virus (_Morbillivirus_ abbreviated as MV, but more recently MeV) is the causal agent of Measles disease, thought to have existed at least 4000 years ago, affecting predominantly infants, but also immunocompromised individuals and others remaining a public health issue today globally. In this review, we are discussing the historical background about MeV infection to modern–day research, then delving into Measles disease and discussing what is known about immunisation against the disease. We elucidate what is known about the viral structure and the function of the viral proteins. The genomic stability of the MeV particle is suggestive that the third pathogen with the potential to be eradicated (after the Variola and Rinderpest viruses) requires further biological and immunological clarification. Here therefore covers a bow from structure and mechanism to clinical aspects of MeV infection touching topics like cellular receptor–associated factors to the immunology of MeV infection. We highlight the actual knowledge about innate immune response during MeV infection, including chemokine and cytokine expression finalised by the current understanding of adaptive immune responses to MeV.