Cytomegalovirus-encoded homologs of G protein-coupled receptors and chemokines.
BACKGROUND
Cytomegaloviruses (CMVs) have developed various sophisticated strategies to manipulate and evade the defense mechanisms of their hosts. Among the CMV genes that are predicted to be involved in these strategies are genes that encode mimics of cellular proteins, such as G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) and chemokines (CKs). These genes may have been pirated from the host genome during the long co-evolution of virus and host.


OBJECTIVE
In this report, the putative functions of the CMV-encoded homologs of GPCRs and CKs in the pathogenesis of infection will be discussed.


METHODS
In order to present an overview of the current state of knowledge, the literature on the CMV-encoded homologs of GPCRs and CKs was reviewed.


RESULTS
The GPCR and CK homologs that are encoded by the CMVs represent immunomodulatory proteins with crucial roles in the pathogenesis of infection.


CONCLUSIONS
In light of their function as well as accessibility on the cell surface, the CMV-encoded GPCR homologs are attractive targets for the development of new anti-viral therapies.
van Cleef
Koen W R
KW
Department of Medical Microbiology, Cardiovascular Research Institute Maastricht (CARIM), University of Maastricht, P.O. Box 5800, 6202 AZ Maastricht, The Netherlands.
Smit
Martine J
MJ
Bruggeman
Cathrien A
CA
Vink
Cornelis
C
D018925:Chemokines / Q000235:genetics / Q000502:physiology*; D003587:Cytomegalovirus / Q000235:genetics / Q000472:pathogenicity*; D003586:Cytomegalovirus Infections / Q000821:virology*; D005814:Genes, Viral; D006801:Humans; D018716:Molecular Mimicry; D043562:Receptors, G-Protein-Coupled / Q000235:genetics / Q000502:physiology*; D017386:Sequence Homology, Amino Acid; D014764:Viral Proteins / Q000235:genetics / Q000502:physiology*
D018925:Chemokines; D043562:Receptors, G-Protein-Coupled; D014764:Viral Proteins