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A fifth human cytomegalovirus glycoprotein B genotype
D H Shepp1, M E Match, S M Lipson
1Department of Medicine, New York University School of Medicine, Manhasset 11030, USA.
Research in Virology
|May 29, 1998
Summary
Genetic variation in human cytomegalovirus (HCMV) glycoprotein B (gB) is linked to disease. A unique gB genotype was found in HCMV strains from AIDS patients, highlighting the diversity of gB genotypes in pathogenesis.
Area of Science:
- Virology
- Immunology
- Genetics
Background:
- Genetic variation in human cytomegalovirus (HCMV) glycoprotein B (gB) is implicated in disease.
- Understanding gB genotype diversity is crucial for HCMV pathogenesis research.
Purpose of the Study:
- To identify and characterize novel glycoprotein B (gB) genotypes in human cytomegalovirus (HCMV) strains.
- To assess the genetic diversity of gB in HCMV isolates from immunocompromised patients.
Main Methods:
- Restriction endonuclease digestion was used to analyze HCMV strains.
- DNA sequencing was employed to determine the genetic makeup of the gB gene.
- Nucleic acid homology was calculated for variable regions of gB.
Main Results:
- A unique gB genotype, distinct from previously described types, was identified in eight HCMV strains.
- These strains were isolated from five patients diagnosed with acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS).
- Nucleic acid homology to known gB genotypes varied between 79% and 91% in major variable regions.
Conclusions:
- The existence of diverse and potentially novel gB genotypes in HCMV is confirmed.
- gB genotype variation should be considered in future studies investigating HCMV pathogenesis.
- Further research is needed to understand the clinical implications of different gB genotypes.
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