Entry of human cytomegalovirus into retinal pigment epithelial and endothelial cells by endocytosis.

Abstract

This study shows that HCMV penetrates these highly specialized relevant cells via endocytosis. The low level of infection and the delay in the onset of HCMV expression seen in these cells compared with fibroblasts may be related to the sequestration and degradation of incoming viral particles in endocytic vacuoles.