Envelope glycoprotein B (Human cytomegalovirus) (gB)

Human cytomegalovirus (HCMV) glycoprotein B (gB), encoded by the UL55 gene, is a highly conserved and essential envelope protein that serves as the primary mediator of viral entry into host cells. As a class III viral fusion protein, gB undergoes significant conformational changes to facilitate the merger of the viral envelope with host cell membranes, a process required for both initial infection and subsequent cell-to-cell spread (UniProt P06473; PMID: 22837556). It is the most immunodominant protein of HCMV, eliciting a robust neutralizing antibody response in naturally infected individuals, which makes it a premier target for vaccine development and passive immunotherapy (PMID: 21829346). Despite its conservation, gB exhibits genetic polymorphism across different HCMV strains and utilizes extensive glycosylation to shield neutralizing epitopes from the immune system (PMID: 26086508). Therapeutic strategies targeting gB include recombinant subunit vaccines like gB/MF59 and monoclonal antibodies such as those found in the CSJ148 combination, which aim to block viral entry and prevent severe HCMV-associated diseases in neonates and immunocompromised patients (PMID: 30544824; PMID: 26657184). These interventions focus on neutralizing the virus's ability to infect a broad range of cell types, including fibroblasts, epithelial, and endothelial cells.

Other names

UL55Glycoprotein BHCMV gBCytomegalovirus glycoprotein BEnvelope glycoprotein B

Neutralization of viral entry by inhibiting the fusion of the viral envelope with the host cell membrane.