Human cytomegalovirus encodes a highly specific RANTES decoy receptor
Abstract
The human cytomegalovirus pUL21.5 protein is a small, secreted glycoprotein whose mRNA is packaged into virions. We demonstrate that pUL21.5 protein is a soluble CC chemokine receptor that functions as a decoy to modulate the host immune response to infection. In contrast to other viral chemokine-binding proteins, which interact promiscuously with multiple chemokines, pUL21.5 selectively binds RANTES (regulated upon activation, normal T cell expressed and secreted) with high affinity. By binding RANTES, pUL21.5 blocks RANTES interaction with its cellular receptors. We propose that human cytomegalovirus directs the synthesis of a secreted, virus-coded protein that modulates the host antiviral response even before the newly infecting viral genome becomes transcriptionally active.
- Publication:
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Proceedings of the National Academy of Science
- Pub Date:
- November 2004
- DOI:
- 10.1073/pnas.0407233101
- Bibcode:
- 2004PNAS..10116642W
- Keywords:
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- MICROBIOLOGY