CMV gB
Description
Product Specs
Product Science Overview
Human Cytomegalovirus (HCMV) is a widespread pathogen that infects human populations globally. It is an enveloped double-stranded DNA virus and the largest member of the Herpesviridae family, which also includes other significant pathogens such as HSV-1, HSV-2, Epstein-Barr virus (EBV), and varicella-zoster virus (VZV) . HCMV can infect a wide range of cells, including endothelial cells, epithelial cells, fibroblasts, smooth muscle cells, leukocytes, and dendritic cells .
HCMV is primarily transmitted through body fluids such as saliva, blood, urine, and breast milk, leading to contact with mucosal surfaces . While primary infection and reactivation from latency are often asymptomatic in immunocompetent individuals, HCMV poses a significant threat to immunocompromised individuals, including AIDS patients and transplant recipients . Additionally, congenital HCMV infection can lead to severe complications such as hearing loss and neurological developmental defects .
Glycoprotein B (gB) is a crucial component of the HCMV envelope and plays a significant role in the virus’s ability to infect host cells. It is involved in the initial attachment and fusion of the virus with the host cell membrane . Due to its essential role in viral entry, gB is a primary target for vaccine development and therapeutic interventions .
Recombinant gB has been a focal point in the development of HCMV vaccines. The most effective vaccine tested to date, which achieved a 50% reduction in the acquisition of HCMV, comprised the glycoprotein B protein given with an oil-in-water emulsion adjuvant MF59 . Vaccination with recombinant gB elicits a specific monoclonal antibody repertoire distinct from natural infection, providing a promising approach to preventing HCMV infection .
The development of a recombinant gB subunit vaccine for HCMV remains a high priority due to the significant complications associated with HCMV infection in immunocompromised individuals and congenitally infected neonates . Ongoing research and clinical trials continue to explore the potential of gB-based vaccines to provide effective protection against HCMV .
