Characterization of Rhesus CMV as an in vivo model for cytomegalovirus inhibition of MHC I antigen presentation

Viruses have co‑evolved with host immune systems, developing sophisticated strategies to evade antiviral defenses. Cytomegaloviruses (CMVs) are highly species‑specific examples of this evolutionary arms race, encoding both conserved and unique immune evasion mechanisms. This dissertation reports the discovery of a novel immunomodulatory protein encoded by Rhesus CMV, termed viral inhibitor of heavy chain expression (VIHCE). VIHCE uniquely inhibits major histocompatibility complex class I antigen presentation by blocking heavy‑chain biosynthesis through targeting signal peptides. In vivo studies further demonstrate that MHC‑I inhibition is essential for Rhesus CMV’s ability to reinfect seropositive hosts, highlighting the importance of immune evasion in CMV persistence and pathogenesis. Provide your feedback on BizChat