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Immunopathogenetic Features of Measles in Adults: Association of Vaccination Status with Measles-Specific IgM Levels and Cytokine Profile (IL-1β, IL-10)

Year: 2026

Type: article

Abstract: Background: The influence of prior measles vaccination on humoral and cytokine immune responses during acute measles in adults remains insufficiently characterized. This study evaluated measles-specific IgM antibody levels, the early dynamics of interleukin (IL)-1β and IL-10, and their associations with hematological parameters according to documented vaccination status. Methods: This single-center observational study included 80 adults with clinically compatible measles and positive measles-specific IgM results who were hospitalized 3-5 days after disease onset with moderate or severe illness. Patients were classified as having documented prior measles vaccination (n = 40) or no documented evidence of prior measles vaccination (n = 40). Measles-specific IgM antibodies were measured by ELISA on day 7 after rash onset. Serum IL-1β, IL-10, total leukocyte count, and relative lymphocyte percentage were assessed at admission and on day 3 of hospitalization. Non-parametric statistical methods were applied for group comparisons and correlation analyses. An additional regression analysis was performed to assess between-group differences in IL-10 after adjustment for disease severity. Results: Patients with documented vaccination had significantly higher measles-specific IgM levels. IL-1β decreased and IL-10 increased significantly from admission to day 3 in both groups, with no between-group differences in IL-1β. In unadjusted analyses, IL-10 was higher in patients without documented vaccination at both time points. After adjustment for disease severity, the IL-10 difference at admission was no longer significant, whereas the difference on day 3 remained significant. Strong positive correlations between IL-1β and IL-10 were observed in both groups, while IgM correlated positively with relative lymphocyte percentage in patients without documented vaccination. Conclusion: Documented prior measles vaccination was associated with higher measles-specific IgM levels, while the between-group difference in IL-10 on day 3 persisted after adjustment for disease severity. IL-1β dynamics were similar between the groups. These findings demonstrate differences in immune-response patterns between adults with documented prior measles vaccination and those without documented evidence of vaccination, while supporting cautious interpretation of these associations.

Source: Infection and Drug Resistance

DOI: 10.2147/idr.s641213