Envelope glycoprotein H of human cytomegalovirus (gH)

Envelope glycoprotein H (gH) of human cytomegalovirus (HCMV) is an essential viral envelope glycoprotein encoded by the UL75 gene. It forms heterodimeric complexes with glycoprotein L (gL) and functions as a critical cofactor in mediating membrane fusion during viral entry into host cells and in cell-to-cell viral spread. gH/gL forms two major complexes: gH/gL/gO and gH/gL/UL128-131. The former is the main driver of viral fusion, enabling entry into all cell types, while the latter expands the cellular tropism of HCMV. gH/gL complexes act by activating glycoprotein B (gB), which executes the membrane fusion process. Envelope glycoprotein H is a principal target for neutralizing antibodies and vaccine strategies due to its essential role in viral infectivity, but its structural variability poses challenges for immune recognition and vaccine efficacy. No approved direct-acting drugs target gH, but some antiviral agents and monoclonal antibodies are investigated for this purpose.

Other names

Glycoprotein HgHUL75 (gene product)

Inhibition of viral entry, Neutralization of viral infectivity (by antibodies or vaccine-induced immunity)