Abstract
Immune responses to human cytomegalovirus (CMV) can be used to assess immune fitness in an individual. Further to its clinical significance in posttransplantation settings, emerging clinical and translational studies provide examples of immune correlates of protection pertaining to anti-CMV immune responses in the context of cancer or infectious diseases, e.g., tuberculosis. In this viewpoint, we provide a brief overview about CMV-directed immune reactivity and immune fitness in a clinical context and incorporate some of our own findings obtained from peripheral blood or tumour-infiltrating lymphocytes (TIL) from patients with advanced cancer. Observations in patients with solid cancers whose lesions contain both CMV and tumour antigen-specific T-cell subsets are highlighted, due to a possible CMV-associated “bystander” effect in amplifying local inflammation and subsequent tumour rejection. The role of tumour-associated antibodies recognising diverse CMV-derived epitopes is also discussed in light of anti-cancer immune responses. We discuss here the use of anti-CMV immune responses as a theranostic tool—combining immunodiagnostics with a personalised therapeutic potential—to improve treatment outcomes in oncological indications.
Highlights
Intact immune responses to cytomegalovirus (CMV) in humans are generally acknowledged as a marker of immunological fitness [1]
We provide a brief overview about CMV-directed immune reactivity and immune fitness in a clinical context and incorporate some of our own findings obtained from peripheral blood or tumour-infiltrating lymphocytes (TIL) from patients with advanced cancer
The role of tumour-associated antibodies recognising diverse CMV-derived epitopes is discussed in light of anti-cancer immune responses
Summary
Intact immune responses to cytomegalovirus (CMV) in humans are generally acknowledged as a marker of immunological fitness [1]. Herpesviruses, including CMV and EBV, are known to establish latency in humans, the effect of which leads to unique and clinically relevant immunomodulation which—based on clinical and preclinical studies—stretches across the spectrum of immune-associated diseases to protective cellular immune responses in healthy individuals [6]. The phenomenon of inducing and maintaining a general state of systemic inflammation marked by upregulated levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines (i.e., IL-18, IL-6, IP-10, TNF-α, and IFN-γ) in serum during latency after a primary infection is a characteristic of CMV, as shown in the context of renal transplant recipients [14] and in CMV-positive, healthy humans [15,16]. CMV-driven inflammation—if not overt—maybe beneficial in potentiating general immune surveillance and control in the host, such as in cancer [17] and drug-susceptible pulmonary tuberculosis [18]
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
