Cytomegalovirus antigen-positive host cells

Cytomegalovirus antigen-positive host cells are human or animal cells that have been infected by cytomegalovirus, resulting in the presentation of CMV antigens on their surface or within the cell. These antigens are detected using immunological assays for diagnostic or research purposes. The presence of such cells is used as evidence of active or latent CMV infection, particularly in the context of immunosuppressed patients (e.g., transplant recipients, HIV/AIDS patients), and in congenital CMV disease. This term does not refer to a specific molecular receptor, enzyme, or protein; rather, it indicates a population of cells containing or expressing viral molecules. Antiviral drugs target viral processes inside these cells but do not directly target the cells themselves[7][1][4]. As the phrase does not specify a single, canonical therapeutic target, it is not considered a valid molecular drug target by conventional pharmacological definitions.

Other names

CMV-infected cellHCMV-positive cell

Inhibition of viral DNA polymerase or terminase complex within CMV-infected (antigen-positive) cells, preventing viral DNA replication and virion production