Human cytomegalovirus latency-associated protein LUNA is expressed during HCMV infections in vivo

Arch Virol. 2011 Oct;156(10):1847-51. doi: 10.1007/s00705-011-1027-7. Epub 2011 May 29.

Abstract

Human cytomegalovirus (HCMV) latency is poorly understood. We previously described a novel HCMV latency-associated transcript, UL81-82ast, coding for a protein designated LUNA (latency unique natural antigen). The aim of this study was to confirm the presence of LUNA in HCMV-seropositive donors. Standard co-immunoprecipitation and ELISA assays were used to detect antibodies against the LUNA protein in the sera of HCMV-seropositive donors. Specific antibodies against LUNA were detected in all HCMV-seropositive donors but in none of the seronegative donors. These data confirm that LUNA is expressed during in vivo infections and is capable of eliciting an immune response.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural

MeSH terms

  • Antibodies, Viral / immunology
  • Cytomegalovirus / genetics*
  • Cytomegalovirus / immunology
  • Cytomegalovirus / physiology
  • Cytomegalovirus Infections / immunology
  • Cytomegalovirus Infections / virology*
  • Gene Expression Regulation, Viral*
  • Humans
  • Viral Proteins / genetics*
  • Viral Proteins / immunology
  • Virus Latency

Substances

  • Antibodies, Viral
  • Viral Proteins