Human Vascular Pericytes and Cytomegalovirus Pathobiology

Human Cytomegalovirus: Infections and Diagnosis

Human cytomegalovirus (HCMV) is a ubiquitous virus whose sole host is humans. Since HCMV can contagion from person to person through numerous ways, vast populations of humans are infected. HCMV infections can potentially have a range from asymptomatic infection in immuno-competent hosts to life-threatening diseases in organ recipients and patients with AIDS. The present article reviews the occu...

Tumor-Derived Vascular Pericytes Anergize

Molecular and Cellular Pathobiology Human Cytomegalovirus US28 Found in Glioblastoma Promotes an Invasive and Angiogenic Phenotype

Human cytomegalovirus (HCMV) infections are seen often in glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) tumors, but whether the virus contributes to GBMpathogenesis is unclear. In this study, we explored an oncogenic role for the G-protein–coupled receptor-like protein US28 encoded by HCMV that we found to be expressed widely in human GBMs. Immunohistochemical and reverse transcriptase PCR approaches establish...

The Pathobiology of Vascular Dementia

Vascular cognitive impairment defines alterations in cognition, ranging from subtle deficits to full-blown dementia, attributable to cerebrovascular causes. Often coexisting with Alzheimer's disease, mixed vascular and neurodegenerative dementia has emerged as the leading cause of age-related cognitive impairment. Central to the disease mechanism is the crucial role that cerebral blood vessels ...

Role of pericytes in vascular immunosurveillance.

Pericytes build together with endothelial cells the microvascular vessel wall. They have been mainly implicated in angiogenesis and maintenance of the blood brain barrier, but there is accumulating evidence for an immunological function of pericytes. Occupying a strategic position between the blood stream and the interstitial space, pericytes are able to sense environmental cues from both sides...