Development of the adaptive NK cell response to human cytomegalovirus in the context of aging

Human cytomegalovirus (HCMV) establishes a highly prevalent life-long latent infection. Though generally subclinical, HCMV infection may have severe consequences during fetal development and in immunocompromised individuals. Based on epidemiological studies HCMV(+) serology has been associated with the development of atherosclerosis, immune senescence and an increase mortality rate in elderly people. Such long-term detrimental effects of the viral infection presumably result from an inefficient immune control of the pathogen, depending on the quality and evolution of the individual host-pathogen relationship. Together with antigen-specific T lymphocytes, NK cells play an important role in anti-viral immune defense. HCMV promotes in some individuals the differentiation and persistent steady state expansion of an NK cell subset bearing the CD94/NKG2C activating receptor. The relationship between this adaptive NK cell response to HCMV and aging is overviewed.