Abstract
Human cytomegalovirus (HCMV) can modulate the host cell microenvironment to cause latent infection and is therefore considered a major health concern in immunocompromised patients. HCMV-encoded microRNAs (miRs) have emerged as a key player in regulating the expression of the host cell and viral genes to induce latent infection. HCMV-encoded miRs can inhibit antiviral immune responses, such as proinflammatory mediators production, antigenic presentation, and apoptosis. In addition, HCMV miRs can reduce viral DNA replication. In this review, we describe the mechanisms underlying HCMV-encoded miR-mediated regulation of latent infection that may be exploited for future designing novel miRs-directed therapies.
•HCMV encoded miRs mediate virus latent infection.•HCMV encoded miRs reduce viral DNA replication.•HCMV encoded miRs subvert NK cells and CTL cells response.•HCMV encoded miRs block inflammatory responses.•HCMV encoded miRs inhibit cellular apoptosis.