Human cytomegalovirus (HCMV), a member of an ancient family of viruses (Herpesviridae),
has acquired the capacity to maintain a lifelong persistent infection within an
immunocompetent host. Since both primary and recurrent infections are generally
subclinical, host antiviral immune responses are effective at limiting the pathogenic potential
of HCMV. However, the fact that HCMV can persist in the presence of those protective
immune responses indicates that host immunity is unable to prevent or eliminate long-term …