Human cytomegalovirus UL128 protein (UL128)

Human cytomegalovirus (HCMV) UL128 protein is a critical component of the viral pentameric complex, which also includes gH, gL, UL130, and UL131A (UniProt Consortium, 2024). This complex is essential for the virus to infect epithelial, endothelial, and myeloid cells, whereas the gH/gL dimer alone only facilitates entry into fibroblasts (Wang & Shenk, 2005). UL128 plays a pivotal role in determining the broad cell tropism of HCMV, which is a major factor in its systemic spread and pathogenesis (PubMed, PMID: 15831954). As a highly immunogenic protein, it is a primary target for the host's neutralizing antibody response during natural infection (NIH, 2023). Consequently, UL128 is a central focus in the development of next-generation CMV vaccines, such as mRNA-1647, and monoclonal antibody therapies (Moderna, 2024). These therapeutic interventions aim to block the viral entry mechanism, thereby preventing infection or reducing viral load in high-risk populations like transplant recipients and pregnant women (Merck & Co., 2023). Research indicates that antibodies targeting the UL128-containing pentamer are significantly more potent than those targeting gB or gH/gL alone (StatPearls, 2024). Understanding the structural role of UL128 within the pentamer has been vital for designing stabilized antigens for clinical use (PubMed, PMID: 28202725).

Other names

HCMV UL128UL128 proteinHuman herpesvirus 5 UL128UL128 gene product

Inhibition of viral entry into epithelial, endothelial, and myeloid cells by blocking the pentameric complex-mediated fusion process.