A research team from Brighton and Sussex Medical School (BSMS) have found a close link between a Cytomegalovirus (CMV) and the immune cells that could damage cardiovascular tissue. This study has been published in Theragnostic Journal.

Like the cold sore causing herpes virus, Cytomegalovirus (CMV) is considered to be harmless. Our immune system controls this virus and as a result, many people don’t realize that they have it.

The work conducted under Prof Florian Kern, Chair of Immunology from BSMS, has reported the production of a specific type of immune cells due to CMV infection.

These cells, known as CD28null CD4 T-cells, are involved in damaging the arteries around the heart, but it was previously assumed this occurred due to aging.

Dr Alejandra Pera, the lead author of the study said, "While we had previously been aware of a link between these immune cells and cardiovascular damage, this study is the first to show that sufficient numbers to be damaging only occur in the presence of this infection."

Professor Florian Kern commented, "Our work suggests that Cytomegalovirus infection is an important clinical factor to be considered in coronary heart disease and advanced atherosclerosis, and raises the possibility that treatment of the virus may be effective in the management or even prevention of coronary heart disease in a tangible proportion of patients. Tissue type might help identify those individuals most at risk."