Scientists learn that B-cells, rather than T-cells protect against Cytomegalovirus reactivation.

Cytomegalovirus (CMV) is a type of herpes virus that is the most common complication after bone marrow transplantation. this virus affects around 50% of adults by the age of 40, but most healthy adults see no symptoms because the virus is suppressed by the immune system. However, in the case of a comprised immune system, CMV can lead to pneumonia, hepatitis, and gastroenteritis. 

However, recently, a team of researchers have recreated the first animal model of CMV reactivation. After perfomring a bone marrow transplant on the mouse, scientists found that B-cells, rather than the prior focused upon T-cells, played a major role in controlling the reactivation of CMV. The same experiment was performed on 8 different strains of CMV and each time it was found that mice injected with the antibody of the same strain of virus they were originally injected with were able to control the reactivation of CMV completely. 

The full story can be found at https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2019/01/190117142115.htm

-Angela Wang, 1/20/2019