Immunisation Using Novel DNA Vaccine Encoding Virus Membrane Fusion Complex and Chemokine Genes Shows High Protection from HSV-2.

ABSTRACT: Herpes simplex virus 1 and 2 infections cause high unmet disease burdens worldwide. Mainly HSV-2 causes persistent sexually transmitted disease, fatal neonatal disease and increased transmission of HIV/AIDS. Thus, there is an urgent requirement to develop effective vaccines. We developed nucleic acid vaccines encoding a novel virus entry complex stabilising cell membrane fusion, 'virus-like membranes', VLM. Two dose intramuscular immunisations using DNA expression plasmids in a guinea pig model gave 100% protection against acute disease and significantly reduced virus replication after virus intravaginal challenge. There was also reduced establishment of latency within the dorsal root ganglia and spinal cord, but recurrent disease and recurrent virus shedding remained. To increase cellular

SUBMITTER: Gompels UA 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC9698128 | biostudies-literature | 2022 Oct

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature