cytomegalovirus subunit vaccine (glycoprotein B + pentamer complex)

A **cytomegalovirus subunit vaccine (glycoprotein B + pentamer complex)** is an investigational protein subunit vaccine designed to elicit protective immune responses against human cytomegalovirus (HCMV, CMV). The vaccine consists of recombinant envelope glycoprotein B (gB)—the primary viral fusogen required for entry into all cell types—and the pentamer complex, crucial for viral entry into epithelial and endothelial cells. This combination aims to induce potent neutralizing antibody responses targeting both major viral entry routes. Mechanism of action involves stimulating humoral immune responses, including neutralizing antibodies against gB and multiple subunits of the pentamer (such as gH/gL/UL128/UL130/UL131A), which are necessary for blocking HCMV entry into susceptible cells and providing protection akin to that observed after natural infection[1][2][3][4][6]. Primary indications are prevention of HCMV infection, especially congenital infection and disease in transplant recipients and seronegative women of childbearing age. Multiple versions of this combination have been studied in early-phase clinical trials.

Other names

CMV subunit vaccine (gB + pentamer)human cytomegalovirus subunit vaccine (gB + pentamer)HCMV subunit vaccine (gB + pentamer)