Structural highlights
Function
[GB_HCMVT] Envelope glycoprotein that plays a role in host cell entry, cell to-cell virus transmission, and fusion of infected cells. May be involved in the initial attachment via binding to heparan sulfate together with the gM/gN complex that binds heparin with higher affinity. Interacts with host integrin ITGB1, PDGFRA and EGFR that likely serve as postattachment entry receptors. Participates also in the fusion of viral and cellular membranes leading to virus entry into the host cell. Membrane fusion is mediated by the fusion machinery composed at least of gB and the heterodimer gH/gL (By similarity). Viral ligand for CD209/DC-SIGN. This interaction allows capture of viral particles by dendritic (DCs) cells and subsequent virus transmission to permissive cells. DCs are professional antigen presenting cells, critical for host immunity by inducing specific immune responses against a broad variety of pathogens. They act as sentinels in various tissues where they entrap pathogens and convey them to local lymphoid tissue or lymph node for establishment of immunity. CMV subverts the migration properties of dendritic cells to gain access to target organs or susceptible cells.
