DEFECTIVE MEASLES-VIRUS IN HUMAN SUBACUTE SCLEROSING PANENCEPHALITIS BRAIN

Evidence is presented showing that the brain cells of patients with su bacute sclerosing panencephalitis (SSPE) contain mutant measles (MV) g enomes having the characteristics of 5' copy-back defective interferin g (DI) RNAs. Using a polymerase chain reaction-based amplification spe cific for copy-back DIs, abundant, discrete cDNAs representing differe nt-sized MV defective RNA species were generated from each SSPE brain. The defective genomes were cloned in two portions. The most common of these defective species were sequenced, confirming their MV genome or igin and 5' copy-back nature. We deduced that the minimum DI stem leng th in these species was 95 nucleotides, further delimiting the prerequ isite 5' regulatory region sequences specifying MV genomic replication /encapsidation functions. This calculation assumes a precise copy-back mechanism and complete complementarity of the panhandle structure. Si nce the SSPE-derived viral genome encodes dysfunctional viral envelope proteins, we hypothesize that SSPE brains may lack the high degree of selective pressure encountered in tissue culture MV infections. This allows for the coexistence of numerous replication-competent defective particles in each SSPE brain. A role for viral defective particles as modulators of this persistent measles virus infection of humans is pr oposed. (C) 1994 Academic Press, Inc.