Cytomegalovirus-associated antigen (CMV-Ag)

Cytomegalovirus-associated antigen refers to a group of viral proteins encoded by the Human Cytomegalovirus (HCMV) that are expressed during active infection or within certain malignancies, such as glioblastoma. The most clinically significant antigens include the 65 kDa phosphoprotein (pp65), envelope glycoprotein B (gB), and immediate-early protein 1 (IE1). These antigens are critical for viral entry, replication, and immune evasion, and they serve as the primary targets for the host's cellular and humoral immune responses. In therapeutic development, CMV-associated antigens are utilized as targets for vaccines (e.g., Triplex, mRNA-1647) and adoptive T-cell therapies, particularly in the context of post-transplant CMV management and neuro-oncology. Furthermore, molecular mimicry between certain CMV antigens, such as glycoprotein H (gH), and host proteins like tyrosinase has been implicated in the pathogenesis of autoimmune conditions like Vogt-Koyanagi-Harada syndrome. Targeting these antigens allows for the selective elimination of infected or malignant cells while sparing normal tissue.

Other names

Human cytomegalovirus antigenHCMV antigenCMV pp65CMV gBCMV IE1CMV gHCytomegalovirus phosphoprotein 65Cytomegalovirus envelope glycoprotein BCytomegalovirus immediate-early protein 1Cytomegalovirus envelope glycoprotein H

Active immunization, passive immunization, adoptive T-cell transfer, T-cell mediated cytotoxicity, and viral neutralization.