Immune balance in the cytomegalovirus-infected host: In vitro studies of virus-lymphocyte interactions and the effects on specific lymphocyte function

An interesting aspect of CMV as a human pathogen lies in its propensity for producing disease in persons with impaired or immature immunity. When immune defense in a human host loses the upper hand, as during pregnancy, the congenital, neonatal, or perinatal periods, or at times of renal, bone marrow or other allograft transplantation, the balance frequently tips to favor CMV infection.