New Research Sheds Light on the Complex Evolution of RL11 Genes in Cytomegalovirus

Scientists at the MRC-University of Glasgow Centre for Virus Research (CVR) have made significant progress in understanding the evolution of cytomegaloviruses (CMVs). Research led by Ulad Litvin and colleagues focused on the RL11 gene family, a set of genes that play a key role in immune evasion but have remained poorly understood due to their diversity across CMV species.

CMVs are herpesviruses that infect primates, such as New and Old World monkeys and great apes, including humans. The RL11 gene family is found only in CMVs and has intrigued researchers for its potential role in helping the virus evade the immune system. Using advanced bioinformatics and phylogenetic tools, the researchers reconstructed the evolutionary history of RL11 genes. They identified early gene duplication events followed by species-specific losses, suggesting a complex coevolution with their hosts.

The study revealed that RL11 genes are exclusive to CMVs in Old World monkeys and great apes, providing new insights into the virus-host relationship and the evolution of immune evasion mechanisms. These findings offer a better understanding of how CMVs persist as lifelong infections and could inform future research into CMV-related diseases and antiviral development.

Read the full study: Evolution of the Cytomegalovirus RL11 Gene Family in Old World Monkeys and Great Apes.