Human cytomegalovirus (HCMV, abbreviated as CMV), also known as human herpesvirus 5 (HHV-5) in recent literature, belongs to the herpesviridae family and is a widely spread virus. The HCMV genome consists of a double-stranded DNA with approximately 230,000 bp enclosed by an icosahedral capsid (100-110 nm diameter, 162 capsomers). The HCMV has sparked worldwide concern because of signs that humans are the only host of CMV, and that everyone could be a likely carrier.
Is CMV a rare condition? In the United States, nearly one in three children are already infected with CMV by age five. Over half of adults have been infected with CMV by age 40. Globally, the CMV infection rate is higher in countries with poor socio-economic levels. In Brazil, South America, India and other countries, the CMV-IgG positive rate of women of childbearing age is more than 90%. Once CMV is in a person’s body, it stays there for life and can reactivate. A person can also be re-infected with a different strain (variety) of the virus. Most people with CMV infection have no symptoms and aren’t aware that they have been infected.
Whenever the body's immune system is severely damaged, it erupts with flu-like symptoms. The virus poses a serious problem for people with weakened immune systems, such as pregnant women, organ transplant recipients or AIDS patients. The virus can also be transmitted from a mother to an unborn child through the placenta. It not only affects the immune system of the newborn, but also can cause birth defects, resulting in mental retardation, vision and hearing loss. It is thought that HCMV either directly disrupts chromosomes or influences the expression of developmental genes.
Careful hygiene is the best prevention against HCMV, such as washing hands often, avoiding contact with tears and saliva when kissing a child, paying attention to disposable items, cleaning toys and countertops. However, the mechanism of how human cytomegalovirus eludes the supervision of the immune system and causes birth defects is unclear.
The research and development of therapeutic and preventive antibodies against CMV infections are highly valued in view of the serious harm of CMV. The CMV infection elicits a potent immune response that includes the stimulation of antibodies with neutralizing activity. There is a considerable body of study elucidating that the role of neutralizing antibodies in the prevention of CMV infection and disease, and characterizing viral antigens to which the neutralizing antibodies target. Scientists at the University of Madrid in Spain conducted laboratory experiments to reveal comprehensive data on the role of neutralizing antibodies in protecting against CMV infection and disease, demonstrating the importance and efficacy of neutralizing antibodies in response to infection, thus facilitating the development of vaccines and antibody-based therapy designs.
“Efforts for new therapeutic and preventive approaches against CMV may point to the development of strategies with strong neutralizing antibody responses,” said a scientist at Creative Biolabs.
“As Creative Biolabs we’re always interested in providing neutralizing antibodies that can help promote the development and growth of your research into possible treatments for CMV,” said an employee of Creative Biolabs.
“Our company is always on the lookout for breakthroughs related to CMV treatment and is primed to provide outstanding services and products for research needs,” the employee added.
https://viroantibody.creative-biolabs.com/category-cytomegalovirus-370.htm
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