Work

Cytomegalovirus: Shape-Shifting the Immune System

Year: 2018

Type: article

Abstract: Systems-based based approaches have begun to shed light on extrinsic factors that contribute to immune system variation. Among these, CMV (HHV-5, a β-herpesvirus) imposes a surprisingly profound impact. Most of the world’s population is CMV+, and the virus goes through three distinct infection phases en route to establishing lifelong détente with its host. Immune control of CMV in each phase recruits unique arms of host defense, and in turn the virus employs multiple immune-modulatory strategies that help facilitate the establishment of lifelong persistence. In this review, we explain how CMV shapes immunity and discuss the impact it may have on overall health.

Source: The Journal of Immunology

DOI: 10.4049/jimmunol.1800171

Authors: Gaëlle Picarda, Chris A Benedict

Institution: La Jolla Institute for Immunology

Language: English

Topic: Cytomegalovirus and herpesvirus research

Subfield: Epidemiology

Field: Medicine

Domain: Health Sciences

SDG: Good health and well-being

Open Access status: green

Funder: National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases