Activation of PPARγ by human CMV for de novo replication impairs invasiveness of cytotrophoblast from early placenta

Abstract

Human cytomegalovirus (HCMV) contributes to pathogenic processes in immuno-suppressed individuals, in fetuses and in neonates. Infection during pregnancy is known to cause miscarriages and low-birthweight newborns and we know that in this case infection of the placenta precedes transmission to the fetus. HCMV was shown to benefit from inflammatory conditions by using the cyclooxygenase-2 (Cox-2)-dependent prostaglandin pathway for transcription of the essential immediate-early gene IE2. The fact that Cox-2 activation could serve as a source of ligand for the nuclear receptor peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma (PPARγ), which is known to play a pivotal role in controlling human trophoblast invasion, led us to hypothesize that HCMV could impair placentation through activation of PPARγ.