Human cytomegalovirus glycoprotein B (HCMV gB) Antigenic Domain 2 Site I epitope (HCMV gB AD-2 Site I)

Human cytomegalovirus glycoprotein B (gB) is a type I transmembrane protein and a member of the class III viral fusion proteins (UniProt P06473). It is essential for the fusion of the viral envelope with host cell membranes, a process required for viral entry and cell-to-cell spread (Burke and Heldwein, 2015). The Antigenic Domain 2 (AD-2) is a highly conserved region at the N-terminus of gB, containing the Site I epitope (amino acids 68-77) (Wagner et al., 1992). This specific epitope is a major target for the human immune response, as antibodies binding to Site I can potently neutralize the virus (Nelson et al., 2018). In the context of disease, HCMV is a leading cause of congenital defects and serious complications in immunocompromised individuals, such as transplant recipients (NIH). Therapeutic interventions targeting the AD-2 Site I epitope include monoclonal antibodies like ITC88 and recombinant vaccines designed to elicit a protective neutralizing response (Ohlin et al., 1993). These drugs function by binding to the epitope and preventing the conformational changes in gB that drive the fusion of viral and cellular membranes. Monitoring anti-AD-2 antibody levels serves as a potential biomarker for assessing protective immunity against CMV.

Other names

Envelope glycoprotein BUL55Antigenic Domain 2 Site IAD-2 Site IgpUL55Cytomegalovirus gB

Neutralization of viral entry by inhibiting membrane fusion through binding to the AD-2 Site I epitope