Human cytomegalovirus: a review of developments between 1970 and 1976. Part II. Experimental developments.

Over the last 6 years, our knowledge of the basic characteristics of human cytomegalovirus (HCMV) has been greatly enhanced, especially as concerns the microbiology of this virus. DNA relatedness studies show that there is 80% homology between different strains, regardless of their origin. Studies on the relationships between HCMV and host-cell metabolism reveal that it induces both a virus specific and a cellular DNA polymerase, stimulates ribosomal RNA, induces early protein synthesis and results in the liberation of "intrinsic" interferon. The sequence of appearance of virus-specific antigens, as well as the presence of virus-induced IgG-Fc receptors has been described. New morphological aspects of the virus itself, as well as of the lesions which it provokes, have been observed. Last, but perhaps most important, evidence is accumulating in favor of the oncogenic potential of this virus. These basic aspects of HCMV are presented and discussed herein, along with the effects of various drugs and supra-optimal temperature on the virus and the possibility of preparing a vaccine against it.