Immunization to prevent congenital cytomegalovirus infection

Abstract

Introduction: A primary maternal cytomegalovirus (CMV) during pregnancy causes newborn disease that includes hearing deficit and/or mental retardation. Sources of data: Relevant published literature. Areas of agreement: There are no biologic obstacles to immunization against fetal/ placental infection with CMV. Areas of uncertainty: CMV vaccine trials may be difficult due to a lack of public awareness of CMV. Vaccine trials that use fetal infection as an endpoint will be prolonged, since vaccination will need to occur preconception. Areas timely for developing research: Vaccines in preclinical development include antigens of the CMV gB glycoprotein and the gH/gL UL128, 130 and 131 pentameric complex. These antigens induce antibodies that block viral entry into fibroblasts and endothelial/epithelial cells. Vaccines immunogenic in animals include an inactivated virus with a wild-type UL131 gene, a DNAvaccine using a wild-type UL130 gene and peptide vaccines using peptides from UL130 and 131. Conclusions: In spite of these potential obstacles, successful evaluation of CMV vaccines is possible. © The Author 2013. Published by Oxford University Press. All rights reserved.