HCMV infection has also been shown to induce TGF-β1 activation by endothelial cells via an integrin-mediated mechanism, suggesting that placental infection by HCMV may alter extracellular matrix and permit HCMV translocation across the placenta, contributing to congenital infection of the fetus [31]. This evidence concerns the gene TGFB1 and cytomegalovirus infection.