Release of the virions produced

The virions are formed and released by budding through the cell membrane. They are only completely released once the H glycoprotein has intervened. Its neuraminidase enzyme activity breaks the bond between the viral spicules and the sialic acid of the cell membrane. PPRV is the only morbillivirus equipped with this capacity.

After their release, the virions spread and contaminate other cells.

They also can pursue a cell-to-cell infection process. The expression of the two viral H and F proteins on the surface of the infected cell allows these proteins to interact and fuse with healthy neighbouring cells without passing through the extracellular environment. They form syncytiums (multinucleate giant cells) which allows their progression without interference from neutralizing antibodies.