[Immune reaction to human cytomegalovirus]

Abstract

Cytomegalovirus(CMV) infection is an important infection in immunocompromised host. Cell mediated immunity is important in recovery from CMV infection. CMV-specific cytotoxic T lymphocytes(CTL), natural killer (NK) cells can lyse CMV-infected cells. Expression of HLA class I antigen is decreased in CMV-infected cells. CMV-infected cells that has lost cell-surface expression of MHC class I to avoid CTL attack may be susceptible to NK cell-mediated cytotoxicity. Lymphocytes activation in response to CMV antigen is observed in CD45RO memory T cells and adhesion molecules are responsible for adherence of lymphocytes to CMV-infected cells. Cytokines has an important role in recovery from CMV infection.