Contribution of measles virus fusion protein in protective immunity: anti-F monoclonal antibodies neutralize virus infectivity and protect mice against challenge.

To study the contribution of the measles virus fusion (F) protein in the immune response, anti-F monoclonal antibodies were prepared by using a vaccinia-measles virus F recombinant. In contrast to previously described anti-F monoclonal antibodies, these antibodies not only neutralized virus infectivity and inhibited fusion but also passively protected mice. Since these monoclonal antibodies recognize a configurational epitope, presentation of the antigen during infection may play an important role in the immune response. These factors are discussed in relation to vaccination.