" Human Cytomegalovirus Infection and Latency in Primitive Hematopoietic Cells"
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Abstract:Human Cytomegalovirus (HCMV) is a beta-herpesvirus infecting the majority of the population worldwide. HCMV establishes a life-long latent infection in healthy individuals following an asymptomatic primary infection. HCMV latency is established in hematopoietic cells of the bone marrow. Reactivation from latency is a significant cause of morbidity and mortality in immunocompromised individuals including leukemia and lymphoma patients following stem cell transplantation, solid organ transplant patients and HIV-infected individuals. HCMV is also the leading cause of infectious disease-related birth defects. Understanding latency is critical in controlling HCMV disease and pathogenesis. We have developed an experimental system in which to study HCMV latency. Using this system we have identified specific subpopulations of hematopoietic cells that can support a latent infection in vitro. Recent studies, have identified sequences coded by the virus that promote a latent infection. This is the first functional demonstration that HCMV encodes a determinant required for latency. The long-term goal of my work is to elucidate the molecular mechanisms that control HCMV latency and reactivation from latency.