Measles virus antigens (MeV antigens)

Measles virus antigens, specifically the Hemagglutinin (H) and Fusion (F) glycoproteins, are the primary viral components targeted by the host immune system following vaccination or natural infection (UniProt P08362, P03372). The H protein is responsible for binding to host cell receptors, including Signaling Lymphocytic Activation Molecule (SLAM/CD150) and Nectin-4, while the F protein mediates the fusion of the viral envelope with the host cell plasma membrane (PubMed: 22156371). In vaccine development, these proteins are expressed as immunogens to elicit a robust adaptive immune response, characterized by the production of neutralizing antibodies that block viral entry (CDC: Measles Vaccination). Unlike typical pharmacologic targets that are inhibited or activated by small molecules or therapeutic antibodies to treat existing conditions, these antigens are used prophylactically to train the immune system (WHO: Measles). They are the cornerstone of live-attenuated measles vaccines, which provide long-lasting protection against the measles virus, a highly contagious respiratory pathogen (StatPearls: Measles).

Other names

Measles virus proteinsMeV Hemagglutinin and Fusion proteinsMeasles immunogensRubeola virus antigens

Induction of active immunity through the production of neutralizing antibodies (primarily against the Hemagglutinin protein) and the activation of virus-specific T-cells to prevent viral attachment and fusion.