Published in the January 22 issue of Molecular Cell, the investigators created full protein interaction maps — interactomes — of where the viruses come into contact with the host
proteins during the course of infection.
«What's more, the dampened vaginal immune response is especially concerning, because it gives the virus more time to spread to the fetus if a woman is pregnant or becomes
pregnant during the course of infection.»
First, the researchers found that the activity of several genes responsible for recognizing and repairing damaged DNA is turned down
during the course of the infection.