Abstract
Human cytomegalovirus (HCMV) can cause severe diseases in fetuses, newborns, and immunocompromised individuals. Currently, no vaccines are approved, and treatment options are limited. Here, we analyzed the human B cell response of four HCMV top neutralizers from a cohort of 9,000 individuals. By single-cell analyses of memory B cells targeting the pentameric and trimeric HCMV surface complexes, we identified vulnerable sites on the shared gH/gL subunits as well as complex-specific subunits UL128/130/131A and gO. Using high-resolution cryogenic electron microscopy, we revealed the structural basis of the neutralization mechanisms of antibodies targeting various binding sites. Moreover, we identified highly potent antibodies that neutralized a broad spectrum of HCMV strains, including primary clinical isolates, that outperform known antibodies used in clinical trials. Our study provides a deep understanding of the mechanisms of HCMV neutralization and identifies promising antibody candidates to prevent and treat HCMV infection.
Original language | English |
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Pages (from-to) | 2602-2620.e10 |
Journal | Immunity |
Volume | 56 |
Issue number | 11 |
DOIs | |
State | Published - Nov 14 2023 |
Keywords
- HCMV
- Pentamer
- Trimer
- antiviral therapy
- broadly neutralizing antibody
- cryogenic electron microscopy
- epitope map
- neutralizaton mechanisms
- single B cell