Human cytomegalovirus inhibits apoptosis involving upregulation of the antiapoptotic protein Bag-1.

Human cytomegalovirus (HCMV) is an important opportunistic pathogen in immunocompromised individuals and is recognized as a major viral cause of birth defects. HCMV has the ability to establish lifelong persistence and latent infection following primary exposure. Apoptosis is an innate cellular defense response to viral infection.