Varicella-zoster virus expressing HSV-2 glycoproteins B and D induces protection against HSV-2 challenge.
A recombinant Oka (ROka) varicella-zoster virus (VZV) vaccine was constructed that expresses herpes simplex virus type 2 (HSV-2) glycoproteins B (gB) and D (gD). Guinea pigs received one of four inocula: (a). uninfected cells, (b). recombinant Oka VZV infected cells, (c). recombinant Oka VZV expressing HSV-2 gB/gD (ROka-gB2/gD2) infected cells, or (d) heat-inactivated ROka-gB2/gD2 infected cells. Only animals inoculated with ROka-gB2/gD2 developed high titers of neutralizing antibodies to HSV-2. Animals immunized with ROka-gB2/gD2 had reduced mortality after intravaginal challenge with HSV-2 compared with animals that received ROka or heat-inactivated ROka-gB2/gD2. Animals immunized with ROka-gB2/gD2 had reduced lesions scores for the first 2 weeks after challenge, and reduced shedding of HSV-2 on Days 5 and 7 after challenge, compared to the other two groups. These data show that recombinant VZV expressing HSV-2 antigens must be infectious to offer significant protection against challenge with HSV-2, and that ROka-gB2/gD2 has promise as a candidate HSV-2 vaccine.
Heineman
Thomas C
TC
Division of Infectious Diseases and Immunology, School of Medicine, Saint Louis University, St. Louis, MO, USA.
Pesnicak
Lesley
L
Ali
Mir A
MA
Krogmann
Tammy
T
Krudwig
Nancy
N
Cohen
Jeffrey I
JI
D000818:Animals; D002460:Cell Line; D006168:Guinea Pigs; D006558:Herpes Genitalis / Q000517:prevention & control*; D018258:Herpesvirus 2, Human; D014645:Herpesvirus 3, Human / Q000235:genetics* / Q000276:immunology / Q000378:metabolism; D006801:Humans; D007114:Immunization; D014759:Viral Envelope Proteins / Q000276:immunology* / Q000378:metabolism; D014765:Viral Vaccines / Q000008:administration & dosage*
D014759:Viral Envelope Proteins; D014765:Viral Vaccines; C044525:glycoprotein B, herpes simplex virus type 2; C040570:glycoprotein D-herpes simplex virus type 2