The role of CMV-specific immunity in the association between CMV infection and vascular complications in older age

Human Cytomegalovirus (HCMV) is a beta-herpesvirus which establishes persistent infections. HCMV is thought to have infected over half of all adults worldwide with a seroprevalence between 60–99% worldwide. CMV establishes a lifelong persistent latent infection, which may sporadically reactivate. The aim of this study is to determine the contribution, if any, of CMV infection to vascular changes manifested as increased blood pressure along with decreased vascular compliance in 60–90 year olds. Due to the high prevalence of CMV in the elderly, this question is of significant importance. If it is confirmed that CMV contributes to vascular changes, it would be prudent to develop antiviral strategies to slow these vascular changes and increase the quality of life of patients. Carotid to femoral pulse wave velocity (PWV) is a gold standard, non-invasive method of assessing arterial stiffness. Arterial stiffness is a useful parameter for investigating cardiovascular risk. Arterial stiffness will be measured along with virological and immunological parameters of CMV infection. Peripheral blood mononuclear cells(PBMCs) isolated from blood obtained from volunteers will be stimulated with peptide mixes of various CMV peptides. The responses will be assessed by using flow cytometry to investigate the production of TNF-alpha, IL-2 and IFN-gamma. In addition, various populations of cells in whole blood will be phenotyped by flow cytometry. We expect to clearly confirm or refute a contribution of CMV infection to vascular changes. We also hope to build and maintain a cohort for further investigations into immunosenescence and CMV infection.