Notably, HCMV-infected Mφ induced IFN-γ production in an average of 21% of the total CD4+ and 19% of the total CD8+ T cells, respectively; these percentages are much higher than those previously reported in co-culture studies performed with HCMV-infected DC (21, 22, 83, 84) and imply a crucial role for Mφ in skewing a T helper 1 response during HCMV infection. This evidence concerns the gene IFNG and cytomegalovirus infection.