Viruses disregulate cell membrane receptors to become immune fugitives.

In order to maintain persistent infections, microbes that cause chronic disease have to evade detection by the human immune system. To do so, many modulate the expression of plasma membrane receptors that trigger cell signalling pathways and immune responses. Using microscopy and cell sorting techniques, Businger et al. map the morphological changes in the plasma membranes of macrophages infected by human cytomegalovirus or human immunodeficiency virus and find novel differentially expressed receptors.