[Receptors for cytomegaloviruses on the surface of human lymphocytes]

The relationships between cytomegalovirus (CMV) and lymphocytes have already been noted because of: (a) the immunological abnormalities induced by this virus, and (b) activation of latent CMV in the course of lymphocyte reactions associated with anti-histocompatibility antigen immune response. The present work shows that the lymphocyte surface may have specific receptors for CMV. Cultured fibroblasts infected with DMV were incubated with lymphocytes isolated from the blood of human immune subjects. Rosettes defined by the adherence of three or more lymphocytes around a fibroblast were formed in infected preparation while no rosettes were seen with normal control fibroblasts. Approximately 1.2 per cent of lymphocytes were involved in the formation of these rosettes. Rosette formation is inhibited when infected fibroblasts have been incubated with anti-CMV antibodies prior to the addition of lymphocytes.