Search for Articles:
Title / Keyword
Author / Affiliation / Email
Journal
Article Type
 
 
Advanced Search
 
Section
Special Issue
Volume
Issue
Number
Page
 
7.3
3.8
Journals
Viruses
Special Issues
Immune Modulation by Human Cytomegalovirus
share announcement

Immune Modulation by Human Cytomegalovirus

A special issue of Viruses (ISSN 1999-4915). This special issue belongs to the section "Human Virology and Viral Diseases".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 30 June 2025 | Viewed by 7766

Special Issue Editor

Dr. Davide Abate

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Department of Molecular Medicine, University of Padova, 35121 Padua, Italy
Interests: human cytomegalovirus (CMV); herpesviruses; virus-specific T-cell response; transplant infectious diseases

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Human cytomegalovirus (CMV) has a large DNA genome (>235Kb) with an incredible capacity for generating viral proteins and regulatory RNAs. In comparison, other DNA viruses, such as human papillomavirus (HPV) or adenovirus (ADV), have genome ranges ranging from 8Kb (HPV) to 30–45Kb (ADV). Differently from many other DNA or RNA viral species, CMV has evolved an incredibly large number of viral products dedicated to controlling the host cell in order to allow viral replication and remain permanently latent within the infected host. In particular, CMV has developed a considerable collection of decoy and deception mechanisms to prevent apoptosis by eluding immune recognition and counteracting intrinsic cellular defences. Some of these mechanisms have been clarified; however, many more piracy mechanisms remain to be elucidated.

This Special Issue will focus on novel and cutting-edge molecular and cellular mechanisms employed by CMV to subvert cell-intrinsic, innate, and adaptive immunity.

Dr. Davide Abate
Guest Editor

Manuscript Submission Information

Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 100 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for announcement on this website.

Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Viruses is an international peer-reviewed open access monthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 2600 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

Keywords

  • human cytomegalovirus (CMV)
  • molecular and cellular mechanisms
  • cell-intrinsic immunity
  • adaptive immunity
  • innate immunity

Benefits of Publishing in a Special Issue

  • Ease of navigation: Grouping papers by topic helps scholars navigate broad scope journals more efficiently.
  • Greater discoverability: Special Issues support the reach and impact of scientific research. Articles in Special Issues are more discoverable and cited more frequently.
  • Expansion of research network: Special Issues facilitate connections among authors, fostering scientific collaborations.
  • External promotion: Articles in Special Issues are often promoted through the journal's social media, increasing their visibility.
  • e-Book format: Special Issues with more than 10 articles can be published as dedicated e-books, ensuring wide and rapid dissemination.

Further information on MDPI's Special Issue policies can be found here.

Published Papers (6 papers)

Download All Papers
Order results
Result details
Show export options expand_more Show export options expand_less
Select all
Export citation of selected articles as:

Research

Jump to: Review, Other

11 pages, 1320 KiB  
Article
Immune Modulation Related to High-Dose Valacyclovir Administration for Primary Cytomegalovirus Infection in Pregnancy: An Insight into Virus Behavior and Maternal Serology
by Marco De Santis, Silvio Tartaglia, Chiara Cerra, Daniela Visconti, Piero Valentini, Antonio Lanzone, Lucia Masini and Rosaria Santangelo
Viruses 2025, 17(2), 157; https://doi.org/10.3390/v17020157 - 24 Jan 2025
Viewed by 724
Abstract
Cytomegalovirus (CMV) infection during pregnancy poses significant maternal and fetal health risks. Valacyclovir, an antiviral drug, has been explored as a therapeutic option for managing primary CMV infections in pregnant women. This study investigates the effects of valacyclovir therapy on immune response maturation [...] Read more.
Cytomegalovirus (CMV) infection during pregnancy poses significant maternal and fetal health risks. Valacyclovir, an antiviral drug, has been explored as a therapeutic option for managing primary CMV infections in pregnant women. This study investigates the effects of valacyclovir therapy on immune response maturation against CMV, maternal antibody levels, and viral replication during treatment. We conducted a retrospective observational study involving pregnant women diagnosed with primary CMV infection and presenting in utero infection who received high-dose valacyclovir therapy (8 g/day). A group started the therapy at diagnosis, while another group started only after positive amniocentesis. Maternal antibody levels (IgM, IgG, and IgG avidity) and PCR for CMV testing (in blood, urine, and saliva) were measured longitudinally during the second and third trimesters. Our findings indicate that early valacyclovir therapy is related to lower avidity levels over time and a delay in reaching a high IgG avidity level (18.22 ± 1.21 weeks) compared to the patients who started Valacyclovir during the second trimester after positive amniocentesis (14.52 ± 1.64 weeks; p = 0.066). The therapy does not condition the overall concentration of maternal CMV-specific IgM and IgG. While high-dose VCV does not directly target the mechanism of IgG avidity maturation, it can interfere with this process by reducing the viral load and antigen presentation, influencing IgG avidity maturation. Further research is needed to elucidate the long-term implications of potential immunological modulation induced by Valacyclovir and to optimize early diagnosis and the right treatment protocol during pregnancy. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Immune Modulation by Human Cytomegalovirus)
►▼ Show Figures

Figure 1

13 pages, 813 KiB  
Article
Genomic Markers Associated with Cytomegalovirus DNAemia in Kidney Transplant Recipients
by Guy Shapira, Hadas Volkov, Itai Fabian, David W. Mohr, Maria Bettinotti, Noam Shomron, Robin K. Avery and Ravit Arav-Boger
Viruses 2023, 15(11), 2227; https://doi.org/10.3390/v15112227 - 8 Nov 2023
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 2004
Abstract
Human cytomegalovirus (CMV) is a major pathogen after solid organ transplantation, leading to high morbidity and mortality. Transplantation from a CMV-seropositive donor to a CMV-seronegative recipient (D+/R−) is associated with high risk of CMV disease. However, that risk is not uniform, suggesting a [...] Read more.
Human cytomegalovirus (CMV) is a major pathogen after solid organ transplantation, leading to high morbidity and mortality. Transplantation from a CMV-seropositive donor to a CMV-seronegative recipient (D+/R−) is associated with high risk of CMV disease. However, that risk is not uniform, suggesting a role for host factors in immune control of CMV. To identify host genetic factors that control CMV DNAemia post transplantation, we performed a whole-exome association study in two cohorts of D+/R− kidney transplant recipients. Quantitative CMV DNA was measured for at least one year following transplantation. Several CMV-protective single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) were identified in the first cohort (72 patients) but were not reproducible in the second cohort (126 patients). A meta-analysis of both cohorts revealed several SNPs that were significantly associated with protection from CMV DNAemia. The copy number variation of several genes was significantly different between recipients with and without CMV DNAemia. Amongst patients with CMV DNAemia in the second cohort, several variants of interest (p < 5 × 10−5), the most common of which was NLRC5, were associated with peak viral load. We provide new predictive genetic markers for protection of CMV DNAemia. These markers should be validated in larger cohorts. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Immune Modulation by Human Cytomegalovirus)
►▼ Show Figures

Figure 1

Review

Jump to: Research, Other

20 pages, 428 KiB  
Review
Cytomegalovirus Biology Viewed Through a Cell Death Suppression Lens
by Edward S. Mocarski
Viruses 2024, 16(12), 1820; https://doi.org/10.3390/v16121820 - 23 Nov 2024
Viewed by 1276
Abstract
Cytomegaloviruses, species-specific members of the betaherpesviruses, encode an impressive array of immune evasion strategies committed to the manipulation of the host immune system enabling these viruses to remain for life in a stand-off with host innate and adaptive immune mechanisms. Even though they [...] Read more.
Cytomegaloviruses, species-specific members of the betaherpesviruses, encode an impressive array of immune evasion strategies committed to the manipulation of the host immune system enabling these viruses to remain for life in a stand-off with host innate and adaptive immune mechanisms. Even though they are species-restricted, cytomegaloviruses are distributed across a wide range of different mammalian species in which they cause systemic infection involving many different cell types. Regulated, or programmed cell death has a recognized potential to eliminate infected cells prior to completion of viral replication and release of progeny. Cell death also naturally terminates replication during the final stages of replication. Over the past two decades, the host defense potential of known programmed cell death pathways (apoptosis, necroptosis, and pyroptosis), as well as a novel mitochondrial serine protease pathway have been defined through studies of cytomegalovirus-encoded cell death suppressors. Such virus-encoded inhibitors prevent virus-induced, cytokine-induced, and stress-induced death of infected cells while also moderating inflammation. By evading cell death and consequent inflammation as well as innate and adaptive immune clearance, cytomegaloviruses represent successful pathogens that become a critical disease threat when the host immune system is compromised. This review will discuss cell death programs acquired for mammalian host defense against cytomegaloviruses and enumerate the range of modulatory strategies this type of virus employs to balance host defense in favor of lifelong persistence. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Immune Modulation by Human Cytomegalovirus)
17 pages, 2131 KiB  
Review
Modulation of Monocyte Effector Functions and Gene Expression by Human Cytomegalovirus Infection
by Matthew S. Planchon, Jay A. Fishman and Joseph El Khoury
Viruses 2024, 16(12), 1809; https://doi.org/10.3390/v16121809 - 21 Nov 2024
Viewed by 1108
Abstract
Monocytes are crucial players in innate immunity. The human cytomegalovirus (CMV) infection has significant impacts on monocyte effector functions and gene expression. CMV, a β-herpesvirus, disrupts key monocyte roles, including phagocytosis, antigen presentation, cytokine production, and migration, impairing their ability to combat pathogens [...] Read more.
Monocytes are crucial players in innate immunity. The human cytomegalovirus (CMV) infection has significant impacts on monocyte effector functions and gene expression. CMV, a β-herpesvirus, disrupts key monocyte roles, including phagocytosis, antigen presentation, cytokine production, and migration, impairing their ability to combat pathogens and activate adaptive immune responses. CMV modulates monocyte gene expression, decreasing their capacity for antigen presentation and phagocytosis while increasing pro-inflammatory cytokine production, which can contribute to tissue damage and chronic inflammation. CMV also alters monocyte migration to sites of infection while promoting trans-endothelial migration, thus aiding viral dissemination. Additionally, the virus affects reactive oxygen species (ROS) production, thereby contributing to end-organ disease associated with CMV infection. Overall, these changes enhance viral persistence during acute infection and facilitate immune evasion during latency. We highlight the clinical significance of these disruptions, particularly in immunocompromised patients such as transplant recipients, where the modulation of monocyte function by CMV exacerbates risks for infection, inflammation, and graft rejection. An understanding of these mechanisms will inform therapeutic strategies to mitigate CMV-related complications in vulnerable populations. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Immune Modulation by Human Cytomegalovirus)
►▼ Show Figures

Figure 1

16 pages, 676 KiB  
Review
Antiviral Agents for Preventing Cytomegalovirus Disease in Recipients of Hematopoietic Cell Transplantation
by Tang-Her Jaing, Yi-Lun Wang and Chia-Chi Chiu
Viruses 2024, 16(8), 1268; https://doi.org/10.3390/v16081268 - 8 Aug 2024
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1864
Abstract
This systematic review discusses the use of prophylaxis to prevent cytomegalovirus (CMV) infection in recipients who have undergone hematopoietic cell transplantation. It highlights the need for new approaches to control and prevent CMV infection. The approval of the anti-CMV drug letermovir has made [...] Read more.
This systematic review discusses the use of prophylaxis to prevent cytomegalovirus (CMV) infection in recipients who have undergone hematopoietic cell transplantation. It highlights the need for new approaches to control and prevent CMV infection. The approval of the anti-CMV drug letermovir has made antiviral prophylaxis more popular. CMV-specific T cell-mediated immunity tests are effective in identifying patients who have undergone immune reconstitution and predicting disease progression. Maribavir (MBV) has been approved for the treatment of post-transplant CMV infection/disease in adolescents. Adoptive T-cell therapy and the PepVax CMV vaccine show promise in tackling refractory and resistant CMV. However, the effectiveness of PepVax in reducing CMV viremia/disease was not demonstrated in a phase II trial. Cell-mediated immunity assays are valuable for personalized management plans, but more interventional studies are needed. MBV and adoptive T-cell therapy are promising treatments, and trials for CMV vaccines are ongoing. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Immune Modulation by Human Cytomegalovirus)
►▼ Show Figures

Figure 1

Other

Jump to: Research, Review

7 pages, 498 KiB  
Case Report
Interplay of Belatacept Immunosuppression and Maribavir Antiviral Activity in Recurrent CMV Viremia: Clinical Implications and Literature Review
by Imran Gani, Ahmad Mirza and Usman Baig
Viruses 2025, 17(5), 595; https://doi.org/10.3390/v17050595 - 23 Apr 2025
Viewed by 141
Abstract
Belatacept is a recombinant fusion protein used in renal transplant recipients, particularly when side effects from standard immunosuppressants occur. It offers a superior renal safety profile and is associated with better long-term renal graft outcomes. However, belatacept has been linked to atypical presentations [...] Read more.
Belatacept is a recombinant fusion protein used in renal transplant recipients, particularly when side effects from standard immunosuppressants occur. It offers a superior renal safety profile and is associated with better long-term renal graft outcomes. However, belatacept has been linked to atypical presentations of cytomegalovirus (CMV) infections, characterized by a prolonged and unpredictable course of viremia. We report a case involving a middle-aged African American female who developed acute kidney injury while on tacrolimus and was subsequently switched to belatacept. During treatment with belatacept, she experienced persistent and erratic CMV viremia lasting 58 weeks. The viremia showed an incomplete response to first-line antiviral therapy with valganciclovir, and the use of the novel antiviral agent maribavir also failed to achieve long-lasting viremic clearance. The resolution of the viremia was ultimately achieved only after discontinuing belatacept while continuing maribavir therapy. This case and literature review underscores the need for clinicians to remain vigilant for atypical CMV infections in renal transplant recipients treated with belatacept. If the complete clearance of viremia cannot be achieved despite the use of different antiviral agents, consideration should be given to modifying immunosuppressive therapy. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Immune Modulation by Human Cytomegalovirus)
►▼ Show Figures

Figure 1

Show export options expand_more Show export options expand_less
Select all
Export citation of selected articles as:
 
Displaying articles 1-6
Back to TopTop