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Mouse cytomegalovirus encoded immunoevasins and evolution of Ly49 receptors - Sidekicks or enemies?

Jelena Zeleznjak1, Branka Popovic1, Astrid Krmpotic1

  • 1Department for Histology and Embryology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Rijeka, Croatia.

Immunology Letters
|April 18, 2017
PubMed

Insights

Mouse cytomegalovirus (MCMV) employs sophisticated immune evasion tactics, particularly against natural killer (NK) cells. This review explores MCMV

Area of Science:

  • Immunology
  • Virology
  • Cellular Biology

Background:

  • Cytomegaloviruses (CMVs) extensively utilize their genomes for immune evasion strategies.
  • NK cells are a primary target for CMV immune evasion mechanisms.
  • Host immune systems have evolved counter-mechanisms to combat viral threats, leading to an ongoing evolutionary arms race.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review NK cell evasion mechanisms employed by mouse cytomegalovirus (MCMV).
  • To elucidate the role of host Ly49 receptors in controlling MCMV infection.
  • To discuss the development of adaptive features in NK cells following MCMV infection.

Main Methods:

  • Review of existing literature on MCMV and NK cell interactions.
  • Analysis of molecular mechanisms of NK cell evasion by MCMV.
  • Examination of the function of inhibitory and activating Ly49 receptors.

Main Results:

  • MCMV employs diverse strategies to inhibit NK cell function.
  • Host Ly49 receptors play a critical role in recognizing and controlling MCMV.
  • MCMV infection induces adaptive changes in NK cell populations.

Conclusions:

  • Understanding MCMV immune evasion is crucial for developing antiviral therapies.
  • Ly49 receptor interactions are key determinants of MCMV control.
  • NK cell adaptation during MCMV infection highlights their dynamic role in host defense.
Keywords:
CytomegalovirusImmunoevasionLy49 receptorsMHC IMissing-selfNK cells

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