Viral evasion of innate immunity: have we misunderstood one of the world's most widespread viruses?

The innate immune response is the first line of defence in viral infection, where production of cellular anti-viral proteins by interferon attempt to control infection. Human cytomegalovirus (HCMV) is a widespread global pathogen affecting some of societies most vulnerable people. Evasion of innate immunity by HCMV laboratory strains has previously been studied. However, evasion of innate immunity by HCMV strains that resemble wild type HCMV has not yet been fully explored. We have identified viruses that can (wild type strain) and cannot (lab strain) evade the innate immune response. By comparing infection of these viruses we will examine how HCMV influences interferon production and the function of anti-viral proteins regulated by interferon. We will then identify what viral genes are responsible for influencing the aforementioned processes. This project will help us understand how we may have misunderstood interaction of a global pathogen with the innate immune system. This project has important academic impact elsewhere as it may help identify viral proteins in viruses related to HCMV that are important for control of innate immunity. As interferon production may be important for HCMV vaccine design, this work may also have important translational impacts.