Human cytomegalovirus virion (CMV virion or HCMV virion)

Human cytomegalovirus virion is a large, enveloped virus particle, icosahedral in structure, approximately 150–200 nm in diameter, classified as a beta-herpesvirus (human herpesvirus 5). The virion comprises a lipid bilayer envelope studded with glycoproteins that facilitate viral entry and immune evasion, an icosahedral capsid protecting the genome, and a tegument layer loaded with viral and host proteins that modulate cellular responses. The core contains a linear double-stranded DNA genome (~230 kbp). The virion's complex protein composition includes at least 70 viral proteins and over 70 host proteins; prominent viral proteins include envelope glycoprotein B (gB), glycoprotein H (gH), tegument protein pp65 (UL83), pp150 (UL32), and major capsid protein (MCP/pUL86). The virion functions in protection, transmission, and delivery of the viral genome and is central to infection pathogenesis, but only its component molecules are suitable targets for therapeutic intervention. The term "Cytomegalovirus virion" refers generically to the complete physical virus particle and is not a precise molecular target for drug discovery or screening. Drug action is focused on specific components (enzymes, glycoproteins), not the intact virion.

Other names

Human cytomegalovirus virionHCMV virionCMV virionHuman herpesvirus 5 virionHerpesvirus cytomegalovirus virion

Inhibition of viral DNA polymerase (ganciclovir, valganciclovir, foscarnet, cidofovir) Inhibition of viral terminase complex (letermovir) Inhibition of viral kinase UL97 (maribavir) Drugs act on viral molecular machinery, not directly on the intact virion particle.