KGNU - How On Earth Measles: To Vaccinate or Not?
Mar 17, 2025
In this discussion, Brianne Barker, an Associate Professor of Biology and Director of Undergraduate Research at Drew University, shares her expertise on the measles virus. She explains how measles invades cells and wreaks havoc on the immune system, causing long-term health issues. The conversation emphasizes vaccine importance in preventing immune amnesia, where the virus erases memory of past infections. Barker also unpacks the virus's complex life cycle and its ability to outsmart immune defenses, highlighting urgent public health implications.
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Measles' Clever Entry Strategy
- Measles virus infects immune surveillance cells in lungs to breach defenses.
- It then spreads via lymph nodes, enabling widespread infection and symptom development.
Why Measles Is Highly Infectious
- Measles virus sheds large amounts from epithelial cells in lungs for transmission.
- High viral load in respiratory droplets makes measles extremely infectious.
Measles Virus Hijacks Cells
- Measles virus hijacks cell protein synthesis to replicate itself.
- Infected cells become 'virus factories' ceasing normal functions.
On this week’s show, Beth talks with