In contrast with SNB-19 and HS-578T cells which support HCMV infection and express THY-1 on their surface (used above in loss-of-function experiments), SF-539 (gliosarcoma) cells express negligible levels of THY-1 mRNA or THY-1 protein on the cell surface (Figs 3A and S1B), and are refractory to HCMV Towne infection. The gene discussed is THY1; the disease is cytomegalovirus infection.