Models of HCMV latency and reactivation

Human cytomegalovirus (HCMV) is a ubiquitous β-herpesvirus that causes severe disease primarily in immunosuppressed individuals. A major characteristic of HCMV, with obvious clinical importance, is its ability to establish lifelong infection within the host following the initial acute infection. One strategy used by HCMV to maintain itself within the host is the establishment of cellular sites of persistent infection and viral latency. At present, the viral and host mechanisms of HCMV latency and reactivation are not clear, although several in vitro and in vivo systems have been developed to understand these processes. Here we discuss recent advances in this field that provide new understanding of the mechanisms involved in HCMV latency and reactivation.