Human cytomegalovirus (HCMV) antigens (HCMV)

Human cytomegalovirus (HCMV), also known as Human herpesvirus 5, is a double-stranded DNA virus that establishes lifelong latency following primary infection (StatPearls: Cytomegalovirus, 2023). The target encompasses both the physical virions and the specific viral proteins (antigens) expressed on the surface of infected host cells, such as glycoprotein B (gB) and the pentameric complex (UniProt: P06473). These antigens are critical for viral attachment, fusion, and entry into various cell types, including epithelial, endothelial, and fibroblast cells. In immunocompromised individuals, such as transplant recipients or those with HIV, HCMV can undergo reactivation, leading to severe systemic disease, organ failure, and increased mortality (NIH: CMV, 2024). Therapeutic strategies targeting these antigens include neutralizing antibodies that prevent viral entry and T-cell therapies designed to recognize and eliminate infected cells (FDA: CytoGam, 2023). Additionally, many antiviral drugs target the intracellular replication machinery associated with these viral components to control infection and prevent transmission (PubChem: Ganciclovir, 2024).

Other names

Cytomegalovirus virions and CMV antigens on infected human cellsCMVHuman herpesvirus 5HHV-5CMV surface glycoproteins

Inhibition of viral DNA polymerase, inhibition of viral terminase complex, inhibition of viral UL97 kinase, and viral neutralization via antibodies.