The viruses' proteins VP35 and VP24 will interfere with interferon pathways which will prevent the body from creating a strong antiviral response. By blocking interferon production and signaling, viral proteins will allow the virus to uncontrollably replicate. Dendritic cells will not be able to mature adequately due to VP24, further weakening the immune response and initiation of the adaptive immune response. Infected macrophages will still release large amounts of cytokines inducing swelling. These stratigies used to evade the immune system play a big role in how why the virus can progress quickly (Basler, 2015; Hume & Mühlberger, 2019; Singh et al., 2024).
As the infection progresses, the adaptive immune response will develop neutralizing antibodies and strong T-cell responses. These antibodies are crucial to help rid the body of the virus in those who survive. Luckily, Marburg Virus does not create chronic infections. The patient will either clear the virus completely or will progress onto severe disease (WHO, 2024; Singh et al., 2024; Kortepeter et al., 2011).