The immunogenetics of subacute sclerosing panencephalitis: A comprehensive review

Abstract

Background: Subacute sclerosing panencephalitis (SSPE) is a rare devastating complication of measles virus (MV) involving the central nervous system (CNS). SSPE occurs 4–11/100,000 cases of the measles. Main Body: A poor cellular immune response seems to predispose individuals to the development of SSPE. The presence of mutations that may lead to MV persistence has also been demonstrated in samples obtained from SSPE patients. However, no study to date has definitively revealed the pathogenesis of SSPE caused by persistent infection in the CNS of MV. Conclusion: In this review, we provide a brief overview of SSPE from both an immunological and genetic perspective. We will try to focus on the mechanisms underlying the pathogenesis of SSPE that results in MV persistence. Clarifying the pathogenesis of SSPE will enable both the expansion of therapeutic options and the prediction of disease prognosis.