MURINE CYTOMEGALOVIRUSES Meaning and
Definition
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Murine Cytomegaloviruses (MCMV) refer to a group of viruses that belong to the cytomegalovirus family and primarily infect rodents, specifically mice. They are characterized by their large, enveloped virions that contain a double-stranded DNA genome. MCMV is known to cause infections in a variety of tissues and organs, particularly in the salivary glands and liver, leading to a wide range of symptoms.
In terms of their genetic composition, MCMV possesses a complex genomic structure with several genes coding for proteins involved in host immune evasion, viral replication, and pathogenesis. These genes allow MCMV to successfully establish a persistent infection within the host, often leading to lifelong viral carriage.
MCMV infections can have different outcomes depending on the mouse strain and the immune competence of the host. In immunocompromised mice, such as those lacking a fully functional immune system, MCMV infections can result in severe disease, including systemic infection and death. Conversely, in immunocompetent hosts, MCMV infections are usually latent, with periodic reactivations occurring throughout the life of the individual.
The study of MCMV has proven invaluable in understanding the biology of cytomegaloviruses and their interactions with the immune system. Due to the significant similarities between MCMV and human cytomegalovirus (HCMV), MCMV infection in mice is often used as a model system to investigate the pathogenesis of HCMV and to develop antiviral strategies and vaccines against human infections. Additionally, MCMV has also been employed as a tool in research to explore the immunological mechanisms underlying viral infection and immune responses.
Common Misspellings for MURINE CYTOMEGALOVIRUSES
- nurine cytomegaloviruses
- kurine cytomegaloviruses
- jurine cytomegaloviruses
- myrine cytomegaloviruses
- mhrine cytomegaloviruses
- mjrine cytomegaloviruses
- mirine cytomegaloviruses
- m8rine cytomegaloviruses
- m7rine cytomegaloviruses
- mueine cytomegaloviruses
- mudine cytomegaloviruses
- mufine cytomegaloviruses
- mutine cytomegaloviruses
- mu5ine cytomegaloviruses
- mu4ine cytomegaloviruses
- murune cytomegaloviruses
- murjne cytomegaloviruses
- murkne cytomegaloviruses
- murone cytomegaloviruses
- mur9ne cytomegaloviruses
Etymology of MURINE CYTOMEGALOVIRUSES
The word "murine" in "Murine Cytomegaloviruses" is derived from the Latin word "mus", which means "mouse". It is used to indicate that the cytomegaloviruses being referred to are specific to mice.
"Cytomegalovirus" is a combination of two Greek words: "cyto" meaning "cell" and "mega" meaning "big". It refers to a virus that causes enlargement or swelling of cells.
Therefore, "Murine Cytomegaloviruses" can be understood as viruses that cause cell enlargement in mice.
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