Unravelling the Measles Paradox
Unravelling the Measles Paradox: a Disease Associated With Both Immune Suppression and Immune Activation
This project will test whether natural measles causes lasting 'immune amnesia' by changing circulating immune memory cells in adults who are vaccinated, recently infected, or had measles in the past.
Quick facts
| Study type | Observational |
|---|---|
| Enrollment | 300 (estimated) |
| Ages | 18 Years and up |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | Erasmus Medical Center Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Rotterdam, South Holland) |
| Trial ID | NCT07267585 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This is an observational, multi-cohort study comparing adults across five groups (planning MMR vaccination, recently infected, seronegative, infected in 2013, and vaccinated ~10 years ago). Participants will provide serial blood samples to measure changes in circulating memory B and T cell populations and the expansion of measles-specific immune cells. The protocol specifically aims to quantify how much pre-existing immunity is reduced, how long functional immune suppression persists, and the degree of measles-specific cell expansion. The work builds on data from the 2013 Dutch outbreak and is timed in the context of recent increases in measles cases in Europe.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates are adults (18+) who fit one of the study cohorts: planning to receive MMR, recently contracted measles, seronegative, had measles in 2013, or received a second measles vaccine dose about ten years ago.
Not a fit: People with chronic diseases, immunosuppression, or (for the vaccination cohort) pregnant women are excluded and therefore would not participate or benefit from this protocol.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could explain why measles raises the risk of other infections and help shape vaccination and follow-up strategies to protect people after measles.
How similar studies have performed: Earlier analyses from the 2013 outbreak and other observational studies reported signals consistent with measles-associated immune amnesia, so this study extends and quantifies those prior findings.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: Cohort A * 18 years or older * No known history of measles or vaccination * Decided to take MMR vaccination before the upcoming measles outbreak Cohort B * 18 years or older * No known history of measles or vaccination (seronegative confirmed) * Contracted measles during the upcoming outbreak Cohort C * 18 years or older * No known history of measles or vaccination (seronegative confirmed) Cohort D * 18 years or older * Experienced measles during the 2013 outbreak Cohort E * 18 years or older * Received second dose of measles vaccines ±10 years ago Exclusion Criteria: A potential participant who meets any of the following criteria will be excluded from the study: * Diagnosed chronic disease * Immune suppression (due to medication or underlying disease) * Additionally for subjects recruited to Cohort A: * pregnant women or women planning to get pregnant in less than one month after the start of the study. This is a precaution; the MMR vaccine is not recommended for pregnant women. * People who have had a severe allergic reaction (e.g., anaphylaxis) after a previous vaccination.
Where this trial is running
Rotterdam, South Holland
- Erasmus MC — Rotterdam, South Holland, Netherlands (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Study coordinator: Dr C.H. Geurts van Kessel
- Email: c.geurtsvankessel@erasmusmc.nl
- Phone: +31643271384
How to participate
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
- Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.