Unravelling the Measles Paradox in Children

NCT06923631 | Not Yet Recruiting

• 1 other identifier: NL-009458
• Study Type: observational
• Target: 100
• Locations: 1 country
• Sites: 1

Brief Summary

Measles is caused by measles virus (MeV). The disease is associated with lymphopenia and immune suppression, which is an important cause of measles-associated morbidity and mortality. Measles-induced immune suppression can last several years, whereas measles lymphopenia is usually resolved within two weeks. At the same time, measles induces lifelong immunity. This apparent contradiction, known as the 'measles paradox', was partially solved when investigators demonstrated that MeV infects and depletes pre-existing memory cells, thereby causing 'immune amnesia'. This model is supported by observations in animal models and clinical studies, but several questions remain to be addressed, like the duration of measles-induced amnesia and changes in the immune repertoire after measles. to address the immunological questions regarding MeV infection.

Conditions

MEASLES DISEASE

Keywords

measles; immune response

Outcome Measures

Primary Outcomes (2)

• Compare measles-induced loss of pathogen-specific antibodies

  The investigators will measure changes in the immune repertoire using longitudinal samples obtained from children who are infected with MeV. To this end, they will measure pathogen-specific antibody responses (titers) pre- and post-measles and compare these to determine whether measles led to a loss of pathogen-specific antibodies.

  36 months

• Compare measles-induced loss of pathogen-specific T-cells

  The investigators will measure changes in the immune repertoire using longitudinal samples obtained from children who are infected with MeV. To this end, they will measure pathogen-specific T-cell responses (frequencies) pre- and post-measles and compare these to determine whether measles led to a loss of pathogen-specific T-cells.

  36 months

Study Arms (2)

Group A (max 50 inclusions)

Unprotected children with at least one sibling diagnosed with measles

Group B (max 50 inclusions)

Age matched children with detectable immunity to MeV

Eligibility Criteria

• Age: 4 Years - 17 Years
• Sex: all
• Healthy Volunteers: Yes
• Age Groups: Child (0-17)
• Sampling Method: Non-Probability Sample

Study Population

Children in group A will be from 4 up to and including 17 years of age and include children who are not protected against measles. Families willing to participate will self-identify them to the researchers, with the help of schools, Municipal Health Services and regional general practitioners. Children in group B will be from 4 up to and including 17 years of age and have received one or two MMR vaccinations, depending on their age. The children will be recruited from the same geographical regions with low vaccine coverage as the children in group A, for example classmates.

You may qualify if:

• Group A
• Aged 4 - 17 years old
• Susceptible to measles
• No pre-existing immunity against measles (vaccination or earlier infection)
• Group B
• Aged 4 - 17 years old
• Protected against measles due to vaccination or earlier infection

You may not qualify if:

• A potential subject who meets any of the following criteria will be excluded from participation in this study:
• Diagnosed chronic disease that lasted over 3 months
• Immune suppression (due to medication or underlying disease)
• Group A; Detectable MeV-antibodies in the T1 blood sample

Sponsors & Collaborators

• Erasmus Medical Center: lead

Study Sites (1)

ErasmusMC

Rotterdam, South Holland, 3015GD, Netherlands

Location

Related Publications (25)

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Related Links

• WHO measles factsheet
• A 30-fold rise of measles cases in 2023 in the WHO European Region warrants urgent action
• Threat assessment brief: Measles on the rise in the EU/EEA - Considerations for public health response

Biospecimen

Retention: SAMPLES WITHOUT DNA

10mL of whole blood, 1 throat swab and 1 nasal fluid lining collector (nasosorption) per study visit.

MeSH Terms

Conditions

Measles

Condition Hierarchy (Ancestors)

Morbillivirus Infections; Paramyxoviridae Infections; Mononegavirales Infections; RNA Virus Infections; Virus Diseases; Infections

Central Study Contacts

Dr C.H. Geurts van Kessel

CONTACT

+31643271384; c.geurtsvankessel@erasmusmc.nl

Study Design

• Study Type: observational
• Observational Model: CASE CONTROL
• Time Perspective: PROSPECTIVE
• Sponsor Type: OTHER
• Responsible Party: PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR
• PI Title: Medical microbiologist

Study Record Dates

• First Submitted: March 27, 2025
• First Posted: April 11, 2025
• Study Start: January 3, 2026
• Primary Completion (Estimated): April 1, 2029
• Study Completion (Estimated): April 1, 2029
• Last Updated: November 26, 2025

Record last verified: 2025-11

Locations

NL (1)