A Probable Role for Zonula Occludens-1, a Tight Junction Protein, in the Pathogenesis of Human Lung Cytomegalovirus Infection

Tight Junctions (TJs) are areas where adjacent cell membranes join together to form an almost impermeable barrier to fluid. They hold cells together and serve both as protective and functional barriers. The integrity of the tight junction is crucial to restrict the dissemination of microorganisms [1]. Thus, it is conceivable that microbes may target tight junctions during their life cycle. Using Immuno Histo Chemistry (IHC) applied on formalin-fixed, paraffin tissue sections [2]; we have investigated the possible involvement of Zonula Occludens-1 (ZO-1), a 225 kDa tight junction protein, in several different viral infections