Human Cytomegalovirus (HCMV) is one of the leading infectious causes of birth defects in the United States with around 1/150 to 1/200 live births being associated with congenital infection.  HCMV is a myelotropic virus that spreads throughout the human host in monocytes and this infection of monocytes is directly tied to the pathogenesis of HCMV infection. Our lab has been studying viral dissemination and we have focused in on hematogenous dissemination.  We have learned that infection of monocytes is complex and often involves unique biological and molecular steps. We have investigated the early steps of infection and have identified cell surface receptors, downstream signaling, intracellular trafficking pathways and the immunological consequences of that infection. By merging immunological, virological and cell biological approaches we hope to dissect the infection of a key immune cell to enhance our knowledge of these key steps and identify new targets for therapeutic intervention.