Aim To explore the infectivity of human cytomegalovirus(HCMV) in vascular smooth muscle cells and provide a cellular model to the mechanism research of atherosclerosis and transplant vasculopathy induced by this virus. Methods Vascular smooth muscle cells were isolated from umbilical arteries,and HCMV with 1 MOI was co-cultured with these cell,the proliferation of virus in these cells was assured by cytopathic effect,the expression of HCMV IE gene,and virus particles observed by electric microscope. Results Cytopathic effect was observed three days post-infection,and HCMV immediate early(IE) gene was expressed in these cells post-infection by RT-PCR,the correctness was assured by DNA sequencing.With electronic microscope technique,the virus particles were observed in these cells. Conclusion HCMV can infect vascular smooth muscle cells and establish proliferating infection.The work provide a model for the research of mechanisms of atherosclerosis and transplant vasculopathy induced by human cytomegalovrirus.