Cytomegalovirus (CMV) is a ubiquitous member of the herpesvirus family. CMV has evolved complex mechanisms to exploit host immune cells by inducing a reversal of their differentiation status. In recent years, extensive studies have revealed the interesting ability of CMV to reverse macrophage differentiation.

CMV-induced reversal of macrophage differentiation has become a fascinating research topic, integrating virology, immunology, and cell biology. Creative Biolabs is an expert in the field of macrophage research, and we explore the multifaceted mechanisms by which CMV disrupts macrophage differentiation.

Cytomegalovirus and Macrophages

• CMVs have evolved an impressive array of immune evasion strategies that enable them to establish lifelong latent infections. These strategies encompass both viral and host factors that shape the outcome of infection through dynamic interactions.
• During pathogen invasion, macrophages are the first immune cells to respond, engulfing pathogenic bacteria and promoting the recruitment of neutrophils, monocytes, and other immune cells.

Deciphering Cytomegalovirus Reverses Macrophage Differentiation

It has been shown that CMV infection induces a transformed immune phenotype and cellular function in fully differentiated macrophages in different tissues, and virus-infected bone marrow-derived macrophages exhibit stemness at both the transcriptional level and the protein level, with enhanced migratory capacity and infectability.

• CMV-infected macrophages are phenotypically distinct from other macrophages.
• CMV infection alters macrophage phenotype and function. Following CMV infection, the delicate balance of macrophage polarization is disturbed, leading to a reversal of the differentiation state. This transformation involves the conversion of pro-inflammatory M1 macrophages into immunosuppressive M2-like macrophages, which differs from the conventional model.
• CMV induces stem cell-like features in macrophages. CMV infection causes a shift from class-specific to stemness in macrophages at both the transcriptional and translational levels.
• CMV-infected macrophages lose antigen-presenting capacity and instead make their cell cycle machinery available for viral replication.
• Infected macrophages may undergo reprogramming.

CMV Infection for Macrophage Studies

CMV infection has become a valuable model for macrophage studies.

• CMV infection can affect macrophage polarization, cytokine production, and antigen presentation.
• CMV infection modulates phagocytic activity of macrophages.
• CMV infection modulates macrophage secretion of immunomodulatory molecules, including cytokines and chemokines.
• Studying CMV infection in macrophages provides valuable insights into the broader impact of viral infection on immune responses and virus-host cell interactions.

Creative Biolabs provides a variety of experimental approaches to study the effects of cytomegalovirus infection on macrophage biology, function, and immune response. To learn more about related services, please contact us.

Reference

1. Baasch S, et al. Cytomegalovirus subverts macrophage identity. Cell, 2021, 184(14): 3774-3793. e25.