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Use of In vivo Imaging to Monitor the Progression of Experimental Mouse Cytomegalovirus Infection in Neonates
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Use of In vivo Imaging to Monitor the Progression of Experimental Mouse Cytomegalovirus Infection in Neonates

Published on: July 6, 2013

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Immunity to cytomegalovirus in early life

Ariane Huygens1, Nicolas Dauby1, David Vermijlen2

  • 1Institute for Medical Immunology, Université Libre de Bruxelles , Charleroi , Belgium.

Frontiers in Immunology
|November 18, 2014
PubMed

Insights

Cytomegalovirus (CMV) causes the most common congenital infection and neurological defects. This review explores fetal and infant immune responses to CMV, suggesting vaccination potential for early life protection.

Area of Science:

  • Immunology
  • Virology
  • Neonatal Health

Background:

  • Cytomegalovirus (CMV) is a significant cause of congenital infections and non-genetic neurological impairments.
  • Early-life CMV infection is linked to prolonged viral shedding, suggesting inadequate immune control.
  • Congenital CMV infection presents a critical challenge in neonatal healthcare.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review innate and adaptive immune responses to CMV in fetuses and infants.
  • To assess the potential for early-life vaccination against CMV based on fetal immune capabilities.
  • To highlight gaps in understanding symptomatic congenital CMV.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review of studies on fetal and infant immune responses to CMV.
  • Analysis of viral replication and excretion patterns in early life.
  • Examination of mechanisms underlying symptomatic congenital CMV.

Main Results:

  • The human fetus can mount innate and adaptive anti-viral immune responses to CMV.
  • These findings support the principle that anti-viral responses are inducible in early life.
  • Mechanisms of symptomatic congenital CMV remain poorly understood.

Conclusions:

  • Fetal immune responses to CMV demonstrate the potential for early-life vaccination strategies.
  • Further research is needed to elucidate mechanisms of symptomatic congenital CMV.
  • Understanding immune responses is key to preventing CMV-related infant complications.
Keywords:
B lymphocytesNK cellscytomegalovirusdendritic cellsfetusinfantαβ T lymphocytesγδ T lymphocytes

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