Measles Virus
Measles Virus Research Products | Protein and Antibody | eEnzyme
|
Measles virus (MeV) is an enveloped, non-segmented, negative-sense single-stranded RNA virus in the genus Morbillivirus, subfamily Orthoparamyxovirinae, and family Paramyxoviridae. It is the causative agent of measles, a highly contagious human disease transmitted primarily through respiratory particles and aerosols. Humans are the only natural reservoir, and a safe and effective vaccine makes global eradication biologically feasible.
The pleomorphic virion is surrounded by a host-derived lipid envelope containing the hemagglutinin (H) attachment protein and fusion (F) glycoprotein. H binds cellular receptors, including SLAMF1/CD150 on immune cells and nectin-4 on epithelial cells, and then activates F to drive membrane fusion. The matrix (M) protein lines the inner surface of the envelope and coordinates particle assembly and budding.
Inside the virion, the genomic RNA is tightly encapsidated by nucleoprotein (N) to form a helical ribonucleoprotein complex associated with phosphoprotein (P) and the large RNA-dependent RNA polymerase (L). This complex is the functional template for viral transcription and genome replication.
|
Measles virus virion structure and genome organization.
|
Genome Organization & Encoded Proteins
The measles virus genome is approximately 15.9 kb and contains six genes arranged in the order 3′-N-P-M-F-H-L-5′. The P gene locus produces phosphoprotein P, the V protein through RNA editing, and the C protein from an alternative open reading frame. The genome therefore encodes six structural proteins and two nonstructural accessory proteins.
3′ — N — P / V / C — M — F — H — L — 5′
| Protein |
Principal Function |
| N — Nucleoprotein |
Encapsidates genomic RNA and forms the helical nucleocapsid that serves as the template for transcription and replication. |
| P — Phosphoprotein |
Polymerase cofactor that links L to the N-RNA template and supports viral RNA synthesis. |
| V — Accessory protein |
Antagonizes innate immune signaling, including interferon responses, and supports viral replication in host cells. |
| C — Accessory protein |
Regulates viral RNA synthesis and contributes to immune evasion, replication efficiency, and pathogenesis. |
| M — Matrix protein |
Organizes virion assembly beneath the plasma membrane and promotes budding and particle formation. |
| F — Fusion protein |
Mediates fusion of viral and cellular membranes and promotes cell-to-cell spread and syncytium formation. |
| H — Hemagglutinin |
Attachment glycoprotein that binds host receptors and activates F-mediated membrane fusion; a major target of neutralizing antibodies. |
| L — Large polymerase |
RNA-dependent RNA polymerase responsible for viral mRNA transcription, RNA processing, and genome replication. |
Scientific Resources & Further Reading
The following trusted organizations and databases provide current information on measles virus taxonomy, genome sequences, disease surveillance, vaccination, and viral protein structures.
|
|
|