Stimulating effect of heat shock on the early stage of human cytomegalovirus replication cycle.

The effect of mild heat shock on the replication of human cytomegalovirus (HCMV) was studied in human embryo fibroblasts. Treatment of cell cultures at 44 degrees C for 10 min just before infection or at 24 h post infection (p.i.) shortened HCMV eclipse period and enhanced viral replication, while heat shock performed at 48 h p.i. had no effect on the HCMV replication cycle. Study of HCMV-induced early and late antigens confirmed that the cellular response to heat shock influences HCMV replication in the early stage of the viral replication cycle.