Mapping the monoclonal antibody landscape of human cytomegalovirus

Human cytomegalovirus (HCMV) is a major cause of congenital disease and a significant threat to immunocompromised individuals, particularly transplant recipients and neonates. Over the past five decades, numerous monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) targeting various HCMV antigens have been isolated. Here, we present a comprehensive review of HCMV-specific mAbs isolated from the 1980s to the present, detailing their target antigens, epitopes, neutralizing activity, and potential clinical applications. This review integrates historical discoveries with recent structural and functional studies, highlighting trends that may inform the development of anti-HCMV therapeutics and prophylactics.