The humoral immune response against human cytomegalovirus is characterized by a delayed synthesis of glycoprotein-specific antibodies.
An individual analysis of IgG antibodies against 12 known antigenic domains of human cytomegalovirus (HCMV)-derived structural phospho- and glycoproteins and nonstructural polypeptides was performed. In HCMV-seropositive healthy persons, the separate determination of antibody titers against the various antigens resulted in an antibody profile that was characteristic for each individual. Profiles were qualitatively stable over a period of >4 years. However, quantitative changes were observed in some persons. During primary HCMV infection, a delay of 50-100 days in the appearance of glycoprotein-specific antibodies was observed, whereas immunoglobulins directed against other HCMV-specific antigens were promptly synthesized. In contrast, during reactivation or reinfection, a synchronized production of antibodies was found. Levels of glycoprotein-specific antibodies and detection of viral DNA in peripheral blood inversely correlated. Precursor B cell analyses showed no significant differences between glycoprotein-specific and phosphoprotein-specific B cells.
Schoppel
K
K
Institut für Klinische und Molekulare Virologie, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg, Germany.
Kropff
B
B
Schmidt
C
C
Vornhagen
R
R
Mach
M
M
D000914:Antibodies, Viral / Q000096:biosynthesis*; D000956:Antigens, Viral / Q000737:chemistry*; D001402:B-Lymphocytes / Q000276:immunology; D003587:Cytomegalovirus / Q000276:immunology*; D003586:Cytomegalovirus Infections / Q000276:immunology*; D005260:Female; D006023:Glycoproteins / Q000276:immunology*; D006801:Humans; D016867:Immunocompromised Host; D007074:Immunoglobulin G / Q000096:biosynthesis; D018655:Lymphocyte Count; D008297:Male; D010750:Phosphoproteins / Q000276:immunology; D011247:Pregnancy; D013997:Time Factors; D014181:Transplantation Immunology; D014759:Viral Envelope Proteins / Q000276:immunology*; D017361:Viral Nonstructural Proteins / Q000276:immunology
D000914:Antibodies, Viral; D000956:Antigens, Viral; D006023:Glycoproteins; D007074:Immunoglobulin G; D010750:Phosphoproteins; D014759:Viral Envelope Proteins; D017361:Viral Nonstructural Proteins