Human cytomegalovirus glycoprotein H (gH)

Human cytomegalovirus glycoprotein H (gH, encoded by the UL75 gene) is a viral envelope protein essential for HCMV entry into host cells[6][7]. gH functions as part of a dimeric complex with glycoprotein L (gL), which in turn forms larger complexes—the gH/gL/gO trimer and the gH/gL/UL128-131 pentamer—each mediating entry into different cell types[6][7][8]. gH is required for membrane fusion, collaborating with glycoprotein B (gB), and is recognized by neutralizing antibodies, making it a principal target for vaccine and monoclonal antibody development[6][7][8][1]. Variants of the gH gene (notably gH1 and gH2) exist, and gH's role in viral entry, cellular tropism, and immune evasion underpins its status as a central therapeutic and diagnostic target in CMV infection[6][7][8][1][9].

Other names

gHgpUL75HCMV gHCMV glycoprotein H

Neutralizing antibodies prevent cell entry by binding to glycoprotein H or its complexes (gH/gL/gO trimer, gH/gL/UL128-131 pentamer), blocking fusion and viral attachment