Human cytomegalovirus infection and antiviral immunity in septic patients without canonical immunosuppression.
The human cytomegalovirus (HCMV) is a relevant pathogen in patients with immunosuppressive therapy; however, reactivation and subsequent recurrence occurs also in individuals without canonical immunosuppression as e.g., in patients with septic shock. Analyzing the impact of NK- and T-cell immunity on the natural course of HCMV infection in patients with septic shock, it became clear that the presence of HCMV reactive T-helper cells did not prevent the development of reactivation but, the control of active infection was achieved mostly by specific T-cells. NK-cells seemed to be dispensable for clearance of active infection in this patient group with long-lasting NK-cell anergy.
von Müller
Lutz
L
Department of Virology, University Hospital Ulm, Albert-Einstein-Allee 11, 89081 Ulm, Germany. lutz.mueller@uks.eu
Mertens
Thomas
T
D003587:Cytomegalovirus / Q000254:growth & development*; D003586:Cytomegalovirus Infections / Q000276:immunology*; D006801:Humans; D007694:Killer Cells, Natural / Q000276:immunology*; D012772:Shock, Septic / Q000150:complications*; D013601:T-Lymphocytes / Q000276:immunology*; D014775:Virus Activation