Clinical trials of immunization with the Towne 125 strain of human cytomegalovirus.

The Towne 125 strain of human cytomegalovirus (CMV), adapted to growth in human diploid cell strain WI-38 and propagated in this cell line for 129 consecutive passages, was administered to male volunteers with or without preexisting antibodies to CMV. Infection was not achieved by intranasal administration. In contrast, subcutaneous inoculation of virus induced seroconversion in all seronegative volunteers and a booster antibody response in some previously seropositive individuals. Transient local reactions occured at the site of inoculation of the virus, but systemic symptoms and signs of disease were notably absent.