title: Function of CMV-encoded MHC class I homologues.
abstract: Homologues of MHC class I proteins have been identified in the genomes of human, murine and rat cytomegaloviruses (CMVs). Given the pivotal role of the MHC class I protein in cellular immunity, it has been postulated that the viral homologues subvert the normal antiviral immune response of the host, thus promoting virus replication and dissemination in an otherwise hostile environment. This review focuses on recent studies of the CMV MHC class I homologues at the molecular, cellular and whole animal level and presents current hypotheses for their roles in the CMV life cycle.
authors.affiliation: Animal Health Trust, Virology Section, Kentford, Newmarket, Suffolk CB8 7UU, UK.
authors.forename: H E
authors.initials: HE
authors.lastname: Farrell
authors.forename: N J
authors.initials: NJ
authors.lastname: Davis-Poynter
authors.forename: D M
authors.initials: DM
authors.lastname: Andrews
authors.forename: M A
authors.initials: MA
authors.lastname: Degli-Esposti
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D029742:Caenorhabditis elegans Proteins; D002352:Carrier Proteins / Q000378:metabolism; D003587:Cytomegalovirus / Q000276:immunology*; D003586:Cytomegalovirus Infections / Q000276:immunology*; D015536:Down-Regulation; D015395:Histocompatibility Antigens Class I / Q000276:immunology*; D006801:Humans; D007111:Immunity, Cellular; D007694:Killer Cells, Natural / Q000276:immunology; D009687:Nuclear Proteins; D011991:Receptors, Virus / Q000378:metabolism; D013602:T-Lymphocytes, Cytotoxic / Q000276:immunology; D014157:Transcription Factors; D014779:Virus Replication
chemical_list: D029742:Caenorhabditis elegans Proteins; D002352:Carrier Proteins; D015395:Histocompatibility Antigens Class I; C119886:LIR-1 protein, C elegans; D009687:Nuclear Proteins; D011991:Receptors, Virus; D014157:Transcription Factors