Human cytomegalovirus paralyzes macrophage motility through down-regulation of chemokine receptors, reorganization of the cytoskeleton, and release of macrophage migration inhibitory factor.

ABSTRACT: Macrophages contribute to host defense and to the maintenance of immune homeostasis. Conversely, they are important targets of human cytomegalovirus (HCMV), a herpesvirus that has evolved many strategies to modulate the host immune response. Because an efficient macrophage trafficking is required for triggering an adequate immune response, we investigated the effects exerted by HCMV infection on macrophage migratory properties. By using endotheliotropic strains of HCMV, we obtained high rates of productively infected human monocyte-derived macrophages (MDM). Twenty-four hours after infection, MDM showed reduced polar morphology and became unable to migrate in response to inflammatory and lymphoid chemokines, bacterial products and growth factors, despite being viable and metabolically acti

SUBMITTER: Frascaroli G 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC3618717 | biostudies-literature | 2009 Jan

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature