The human cytomegalovirus chemokine receptor homolog encoded by US27

The genome of human cytomegalovirus contains four genes that encode chemokine receptor homologs. Of these, the protein encoded by US27 is of particular interest today because it is currently one of the viral G-protein coupled receptors that remain classified as an orphan receptor. This review explains what is presently understood about this glycoprotein: its biochemistry, its location in infected cells, and its apparent function. While there are still many questions that remain about these topics and more, we also discuss the utility of the US27-encoded glycoprotein as a new target for antiviral intervention.