Anti-Human Betaherpesvirus Drug Discovery Products

There are three types of human betaherpesvirus in the Herpesviridae family.

Human cytomegalovirus (HCMV, HHV-5) infection is generally asymptomatic in healthy individuals, but it can cause severe disease in immunocompromised individuals or those with underlying medical conditions. HHV-5 is also a significant cause of congenital disease, with infection during pregnancy resulting in birth defects and neurodevelopmental delays. With various strains and genotypes, this virus exhibits a broad host range, targeting humans and other mammals. CMV infections, particularly impactful in newborns and individuals with weakened immune systems, can manifest with diverse symptoms, ranging from mild flu-like conditions to severe complications. Understanding the structure and function of key viral proteins, as well as the intricate mechanisms of viral entry and replication, is essential for combating CMV. The major capsid protein (MCP) is an important protein that assembles into an icosahedral capsid structure and forms the protective shell around the virus' genetic material. Another important protein encoded by the CMV genome is the glycoprotein B (gB), which is a key player in the virus' entry mechanism.

HHV-6 was first discovered in 1986 and is classified into two variants, HHV-6A and HHV-6B, which differ in their genetic sequences and clinical manifestations. HHV-6B is the more common variant and is responsible for the majority of cases of roseola, a childhood disease characterized by fever and rash. HHV-6 is also known to be neurotropic, capable of infecting and replicating in neurons and glial cells in the central nervous system (CNS). This has led to concerns that HHV-6 may be a cofactor in the development of multiple sclerosis (MS), although the evidence for this is controversial.

HHV-7 is closely related to HHV-6, with which it shares many genetic and functional characteristics. HHV-7 has a global distribution and is a significant cause of human disease, particularly in immunocompromised individuals. The virus can establish a latent infection in the peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) of the host and can reactivate periodically, resulting in viral shedding and contagiousness. The primary target of HHV-7 is CD4+ T lymphocytes, but it can also infect other cell types, including monocytes, macrophages, and astrocytes.

At Creative Biolabs, we offer a variety of antibodies and probes for CMV, HHV-6, and HHV-7 research to assist scientists in exploring the pathogenesis and treatment options for the betaherpesvirus.