MeV

The measles virus (MeV) is a single-stranded, negative-sense and enveloped (non-segmented) RNA virus, classified as the genus Morbillivirus in the family Paramyxoviridae. The measles virus is the cause of measles, an infection of the respiratory system. Symptoms include a fever, cough, a runny nose, red eyes, and a generalized maculopapular and erythematous rash. The virus is highly contagious, spread by coughing and sneezing via close personal contact or direct contact with secretions. The measles virus has two envelope glycoproteins on its surface: hemagglutinin (H) and membrane fusion protein (F). These proteins are responsible for host cell binding and invasion. Three receptors for the H protein have been identified to date: the complement regulatory molecule CD46, the signaling lymphocyte activation molecule (SLAM) and the cell adhesion molecule Nectin-4. The measles virus evolved from the formerly widespread rinderpest virus, which infects cattle. Despite the variety of measles genotypes, there is only one measles serotype. Antibodies to measles bind to the haemagluttinin protein. As a result, antibodies against one genotype (such as the vaccine strain) are protective against all other genotypes.