A2 Refereed review article in a scientific journal
Human cytomegalovirus infection and cognitive decline: insights from population and experimental studies
Authors: Yaiw, Koon Chu; Ferrer, Isidre A.; Söderberg-Nauclér, Cecilia; Religa, Dorota
Publisher: Frontiers Media SA
Publication year: 2026
Journal: Frontiers in Aging Neuroscience
Article number: 1757461
Volume: 17
eISSN: 1663-4365
DOI: https://doi.org/10.3389/fnagi.2025.1757461
Publication's open availability at the time of reporting: Open Access
Publication channel's open availability : Open Access publication channel
Web address : https://doi.org/10.3389/fnagi.2025.1757461
Self-archived copy’s web address: https://research.utu.fi/converis/portal/detail/Publication/515530097
Self-archived copy's licence: CC BY
Self-archived copy's version: Publisher`s PDF
Human cytomegalovirus (HCMV), a ubiquitous DNA betaherpesvirus, is capable of persistent infection and immunomodulation, particularly in immunocompromised and elderly hosts. Emerging evidence links HCMV to neurodegenerative diseases through its multifaceted immunomodulatory effects. This review summarizes key viral architectures and mechanisms, epidemiological trends, and experimental data supporting HCMV's role in cognitive decline. We advocate for targeted antiviral strategies and vaccine development to clarify its contribution to neurodegeneration.
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Funding information in the publication:
The author(s) declared that financial support was received for this work and/or its publication. This work was supported by grants from: KIFonder (41700, 38188, 35508) to KCY, King Gustaf V and Queen Victoria Foundation to DR, The Lundbeck Foundation (grant R453-2024-326), the Research Council of Finland's Flagship InFLAMES (337530, 357910, and 359346), Sigrid Jusélius Foundation (8167), The Finnish Research Impact Foundation (FRIF, 687), The Päivikki and Sakari Sohlberg Foundation (14-9436-31), Cancer Foundation Finland (69-7706) and The Swedish Medical Research Council (2022-02724) to CSN.
