Human cytomegalovirus 65 kDa lower matrix phosphoprotein and glycoprotein B (HCMV pp65 and gB)

Human cytomegalovirus (HCMV) pp65 (UL83) and glycoprotein B (gB, UL55) are two of the most immunodominant antigens of the virus and serve as primary targets for vaccine development and immunotherapy (UniProt P06725, P06473). pp65 is a 65 kDa tegument protein that is the major target of the host's cellular immune response, particularly CD8+ cytotoxic T cells, and plays a role in modulating the host's innate immune signaling by inhibiting interferon responses (PubMed: 24623444). Glycoprotein B is an essential envelope component required for viral attachment and fusion with host cell membranes, making it the primary target for neutralizing antibodies (PubMed: 15596332). In clinical practice, pp65 is frequently used as a biomarker in antigenemia assays to monitor CMV infection in transplant recipients. Therapeutic strategies targeting these antigens include mRNA vaccines like mRNA-1647, viral vector vaccines such as Triplex, and adoptive T-cell therapies designed to prevent or control CMV-related diseases such as congenital CMV and opportunistic infections in immunocompromised patients (ClinicalTrials.gov: NCT05085301, NCT03564483). These antigens are often combined in multi-antigen formulations to elicit both humoral and cellular immunity for comprehensive protection.

Other names

UL83UL55pp65gBTegument protein pp65Envelope glycoprotein B65 kDa lower matrix phosphoproteinGlycoprotein B

Induction of neutralizing antibodies to prevent viral entry (gB) and stimulation of cytotoxic T-lymphocyte responses to eliminate infected cells (pp65).