Mapping CMV-Related Immune Signatures in Blood, Aorta, and Adipose Tissue

Cytomegalovirus (CMV) is a chronic herpes virus infection humans have co-evolved with. CMV infects immune and non-immune cells and alters the immune cell repertoire. CMV seropositivity has been associated with diseases of aging, including cardiovascular diseases. This study aims to deeply phenotype immune cell changes in blood, large arterial blood vessels, and perivascular adipose tissue to understand the role of CMV in cardiovascular disease. Overall design: Thoracic aorta were obtained from patients undergoing cardiothoracic surgery. Blood and adipose tissue was also collected at the time of surgery. CMV antibody titers were measured in the plasma of all participants. Single cells isolated from aorta, adipose tissue and peripheral blood mononuclear cells were anlyzed using scRNA-seq.