The Measles Virus Expression Correlates with Classical Hodgkin Lymphoma and Other Malignancies. A Short Commentary

We have suggested, several years ago, an association between the measles virus and classical Hodgkin lymphoma. However, this relationship was not accepted by the isolated research groups which dealt with the issue. In this short commentary, we recall the traits of the virus which were suggestive of a familiarity with Hodgkin lymphoma. We mention, in addition, older articles which highlight these similarities. As the impact of apoptosis in Hodgkin lymphoma is controversial, a chapter is saved for it. Atypical measles syndrome has long been forgotten. It is mentioned in the present context. The consensus agrees that immunity waning is not a significant factor regarding the measles virus. Is it indeed? immune deficiency, irrespective of the life-long specific protective immunity. A striking histopathologic feature in measles is the presence of polykaryons in the infected tissues. Last, following the routine use of the MV vaccination, since 1963, measles occurs more frequently after age 5 [7]. These features of the MV looked sufficient for the performance of further investigations. We first carried out immunohistochemical studies, using several experimental and commercial anti-MV antibodies. These studies showed the presence of MV proteins in about half of our cHL cases. In 2004, we published a study on the probable association of the MV with cHL. This was established on immunohistochemistry, on RTPCR and ISH. Archival supporting articles Our findings regarding the relationship between MV expression and cHL, as well as with several solid tumors, are sustained by numerous previous publications. Thus, the findings were consistent with random cHL regression following MV vaccination or measles infection [10-13]. Moreover, reports of central nervous system tumors and cHL, followed exposure to MV around birth [8,9]. Last, childhood viral infections, including measles, may protect from the development of cHL [14]. A marked rise in the occurrence of HL in young adults in Israel may be associated with the waning of the immunity, following the universal two-steps anti-MV vaccination [16]. However, a significant waning has not been proven. Another aspect of this issue is enhanced by the description of the inhibition of ubiquitination and stabilization of the human ubiquitin E3 ligase, PIRH2 by the MV phosphoprotein [17]. Citation: Benharroch D (2016) The Measles Virus Expression Correlates with Classical Hodgkin Lymphoma and Other Malignancies. A Short Commentary. J Genet Syndr Gene Ther 7: 301. doi: 10.4172/2157-7412.1000301