Frontiers in Microbiology (Jul 2014)

Modulation of dendritic cell functions by viral IL-10 encoded by human cytomegalovirus

  • Selmir eAvdic,
  • Brian eMcSharry,
  • Barry eSlobedman,
  • Barry eSlobedman

DOI
https://doi.org/10.3389/fmicb.2014.00337
Journal volume & issue
Vol. 5

Abstract

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Human cytomegalovirus (HCMV), a clinically important β-herpesvirus, is a master of evasion and modulation of the host immune system, including inhibition of a number of dendritic cell (DC) functions. DCs play a central role in co-ordination of the immune response against pathogens and any disturbance of DC functions can result in a cascade effect on a range of immune cells. Recently, the HCMV gene UL111A, which encodes viral homologs of human interleukin 10, has been identified as a strong suppressor of a number of DC functions. In this mini review, we focus on HCMV encoded viral IL-10 mediated inhibitory effects on DCs and implications for the development of an effective HCMV vaccine.

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