A viral glycoprotein targets IgG+ memory B cells to mediate humoral immune evasion

Abstract

Virus infections elicit long-term IgG antibody and memory responses. Human cytomegalovirus (HCMV) is widespread in humans and disseminates despite the presence of virus-specific antibodies. Here, we report that the HCMV Fcγ-binding glycoprotein 34 modulates humoral immunity by binding to IgG⁺ memory B cells. gp34–B cell receptor (BCR) interaction initiates activation of the PDK1/AKT/mTOR/S6 pathway and BCR internalization in a SYK-independent manner. Prolonged stimulation also induces B-cell activation via upregulation of CD69 and CD86. In a T-cell-dependent response, however, interaction with gp34 blocks B-cell proliferation, differentiation into plasmablasts, and soluble IgG production, while stimulating TNF-α secretion. Through gp34 stimulation on IgG⁺ B cells, neighboring IgM⁺ and IgA⁺ B cells are likewise impaired in proliferation, plasmablast formation, and immunoglobulin secretion. In summary, gp34 specifically interacts with IgG⁺ memory B cells, inducing a hyporesponsive state across the B-cell compartment through direct and indirect regulation. This reveals a novel mode of viral evasion from B-cell responses by suppressing secondary immunity.