Book chapter
Regulation of Human Cytomegalovirus Gene Expression
Advances in Virus Research, pp.61-128
Elsevier Science & Technology
1999
Handle:
https://hdl.handle.net/2376/103289
PMID: 10547675
Abstract
This chapter focuses on the regulation of viral gene expression at the level of transcription. Human cytomegalovirus gene expression (HCMV) is a common pathogen in humans, capable of causing disease that affects all age groups. It is efficiently transmitted to the fetus during pregnancy, with 0.5–2.5% of all newborns showing evidence of congenital infection. HCMV infection does not operate within a vacuum; viral replication proceeds only through a set of intricate interactions of the virus with the host cellular machinery. The cell cycle phase at the time of infection is critical for the initiation of immediate early (IE) gene expression. Whether this restriction is due to effects on viral DNA localization or expression of IE genes at the transcriptional or translational level is yet to be determined. This blockade to initiation may also play a role in the restricted replication of the virus within undifferentiated cells. The information derived from the analysis of viral gene expression in the permissive cell has provided a strong foundation for formulating hypotheses to be tested in the context of the restricted viral infection in cells that are clinically relevant but far more difficult to study. The functioning of the virus in both fully permissive and semipermissive cells will help to develop strategies to combat the debilitating effects of the HCMV infection in neonates and immunocompromised individuals.
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Details
- Title
- Regulation of Human Cytomegalovirus Gene Expression
- Creators
- Elizabeth A FortunatoDeborah H Spector
- Publication Details
- Advances in Virus Research, pp.61-128
- Academic Unit
- UNKNOWN
- Publisher
- Elsevier Science & Technology
- Identifiers
- 99900546512401842
- Language
- English
- Resource Type
- Book chapter