Thymosin-alpha-1 Enhances Dendritic Cell Immunity Against HCMV Infection
Immune modulation via dendritic cells by the effect of Thymosin-alpha-1 on immune synapse in HCMV infection.
Background
Human Cytomegalovirus (HCMV) is a prevalent opportunistic pathogen causing severe disease in immunocompromised individuals and congenital defects. It evades the immune system by impairing dendritic cells (DCs), which are crucial for initiating adaptive immune responses through the immune synapse—a specialized contact point with T cells. Current antiviral therapies for HCMV face resistance and side effects, necessitating new immunomodulatory approaches. This study aimed to investigate how Thymosin-alpha-1 modulates the immune synapse formed by dendritic cells during HCMV infection, potentially restoring antiviral immunity.