FIG. 1.

Putative mechanisms by which CMV might promote HIV persistence. Cells harboring latent HIV could become more numerous through CMV-associated inflammation, inhibitory signaling, proliferation, or inhibition of apoptosis. CMV can also directly transactivate latent HIV, which could lead to more target cells becoming infected. Blue circles with nucleus represent CD4 T cells with and without integrated HIV DNA; purple dots represent inhibitory cytokines; orange circles represent HIV. Gray circles represent CMV. Squared cells represent epithelial cells with signs of inflammation. CMV, cytomegalovirus.