Human cytomegalovirus glycoprotein B (gB) (HCMV gB)

Human cytomegalovirus (HCMV) glycoprotein B (gB) is a highly conserved, essential envelope protein that plays a critical role in viral entry and cell-to-cell spread (UniProt P06473). It functions as a class III viral fusion protein, mediating the fusion between the viral envelope and the host cell membrane, as well as between infected and uninfected cells (Burke & Heldwein, 2015). On the surface of infected cells, gB exists in complex antigenic forms that are primary targets for the host's neutralizing antibody response. Because of its central role in the infection process, gB is a major focus for the development of vaccines, such as the gB/MF59 candidate, and passive immunotherapies like the monoclonal antibody CSJ117 (Pass et al., 2009; Novartis). These therapies typically work by binding to gB and preventing the conformational changes required for membrane fusion. Targeting gB is particularly vital for protecting vulnerable populations, including pregnant women to prevent congenital CMV and transplant recipients to avoid systemic infection.

Other names

gBUL55Envelope glycoprotein BHCMV gBCMV gB-associated antigenic complexes

Neutralization of viral infectivity by binding to the gB protein and preventing the conformational changes required for fusion of the viral envelope with the host cell membrane.