title: Direct application of plasmid DNA containing type I interferon transgenes to vaginal mucosa inhibits HSV-2 mediated mortality.
abstract: The application of naked DNA containing type I interferon (IFN) transgenes is a promising potential therapeutic approach for controlling chronic viral infections. Herein, we detail the application of this approach that has been extensively used to restrain ocular HSV-1 infection, for antagonizing vaginal HSV-2 infection. We show that application of IFN-alpha1, -alpha5, and -beta transgenes to vaginal mouse lumen 24 hours prior to HSV-2 infection reduces HSV-2 mediated mortality by 2.5 to 3-fold. However, other type I IFN transgenes (IFN- alpha4, -alpha5, -alpha6, and -alpha9) are non effectual against HSV-2. We further show that the efficacy of IFN-alpha1 transgene treatment is independent of CD4+ T lymphocytes. However, in mice depleted of CD8+ T lymphocytes, the ability of IFN-alpha1 transgene treatment to antagonize HSV-2 was lost.
authors.affiliation: Department of Ophthalmology, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, OK, USA.
authors.forename: Bobbie Ann
authors.initials: BA
authors.lastname: Austin
authors.forename: Cassandra M
authors.initials: CM
authors.lastname: James
authors.forename: Peter
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Härle
authors.forename: Daniel J J
authors.initials: DJ
authors.lastname: Carr