Recent insights into the immunobiology of congenital cytomegalovirus infection

Abstract

Human cytomegalovirus (HCMV) is the leading cause of congenital viral infection and therapeutic interventions remain limited. This review highlights recent findings on the immunobiology of HCMV during pregnancy, exploring the roles of maternal and fetal/neonatal T cell responses in controlling infection. The utility of in vitro models of infection is discussed, with emphasis on the use of novel trophoblast stem cells and placental organoids to study HCMV transmission at the maternal–fetal interface and the response to infection. Efficacious vaccines have yet to be developed. Recent clinical trials are discussed with emphasis on the continuing need for research into immune correlates of protection.