Key genes encoded by cytomegalovirus (CMV). The list merely highlights genes that are either discussed in the text or are pertinent to viral pathogenicity and does not aim to be exhaustive
| Gene | Function |
|---|---|
| HLA, human major histocompatibility complex; NK, natural killer cell. | |
| UL55 (glycoprotein B) | Surface glycoprotein and major target for neutralising antibodies |
| UL83 (pp65) | Major target for CD8 restricted cytotoxic lymphocytes. |
| Major virion structural protein | |
| US27, US28, UL33, UL75 | G coupled receptor family members. US28 acts as a promiscuous chemokine receptor. |
| US2, US3, US6 and US11 | Proteins involved in the downregulation of HLA class I display on infected cells |
| UL18 | Class I HLA homologue. |
| Binds β2-microglobulin and may function as an NK decoy | |
| UL146 | CXC chemokine homologue able to chemoattract neutrophils |
| UL112/113 (immediate–early genes IE1/IE2) | Key transactivators required for the replication of CMV. |
| Able to interfere with the cell cycle | |
| UL80A | Protease encoded by all herpesviruses and necessary for capsid assembly |
| UL97 | Protein kinase essential for replication. |
| Activates ganciclovir to its monophosphate. | |
| Site of action of the benzimidazole classes of drugs | |
| UL54 | DNA polymerase. Site of action of antiviral compounds such as ganciclovir (triphosphate), aciclovir (triphosphate), cidofovir (disphosphate), and foscarnet |