Human cytomegalovirus envelope pentamer complex (HCMV pentamer)

The CMV envelope pentamer complex is a five-protein assembly found on the surface of HCMV virions, consisting of the viral glycoproteins gH, gL, UL128, UL130, and UL131A. This complex is critical for the virus’s ability to infect epithelial, endothelial, and myeloid cells, as it binds specific host cell receptors (such as neuropilin-2/NRP2), facilitating viral entry through a series of receptor-mediated steps and membrane fusion. The pentamer is a major antigenic target for neutralizing antibodies, and its structure and antigenic sites are well-characterized—making it a focal point for HCMV vaccine development and monoclonal antibody therapeutics. Blocking pentamer-receptor interactions with antibodies can prevent infection, underscoring the complex’s importance as a therapeutic target. It does not act as a conventional human receptor, enzyme, or transporter, but as a viral fusion and entry complex.

Other names

HCMV pentamer complexgH/gL/UL128-131A complexPentameric glycoprotein complex

Neutralizing antibodies prevent virus entry by blocking pentamer interaction with cellular receptors Immunization triggers antibody production targeting the pentamer, conferring immunity