messenger RNA encoding human cytomegalovirus glycoprotein H

This messenger RNA (mRNA) encodes the human cytomegalovirus (CMV) glycoprotein H (gH), a critical component of the viral entry machinery. Developed by Moderna, this mRNA is designed to be delivered via lipid nanoparticles (LNPs) to host cells, where it is translated into the gH protein. In the CMV life cycle, gH forms an essential heterodimer with glycoprotein L (gL). This gH/gL complex further associates with either glycoprotein O (gO) to form a trimer (required for entry into fibroblasts) or with the UL128/UL130/UL131A subunits to form the pentameric complex (required for entry into epithelial and endothelial cells). This specific mRNA is a key constituent of Moderna's lead CMV vaccine candidate, mRNA-1647, which is currently in Phase 3 clinical trials. By expressing gH as part of these complexes, the vaccine aims to elicit potent neutralizing antibodies that block viral entry across multiple cell types, thereby providing protection against CMV infection and its associated complications, such as congenital CMV.

Other names

mRNA encoding CMV gHmRNA-gHgH mRNA