Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 15, 2026
13:22
Measurement of γHV68 Infection in Mice
Published on: November 22, 2011
Immunity to vaginal herpes simplex virus-2 infection in B-cell knockout mice
Immunology
|September 30, 2000
Summary
Antibodies from B cells are crucial for early protection against vaginal herpes simplex virus type-2 (HSV-2) infection. While T cells contribute later, B cells and antibodies offer significant initial defense against HSV-2.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Virology
- Infectious Diseases
Background:
- Herpes simplex virus type-2 (HSV-2) causes significant public health challenges.
- Understanding the immune mechanisms of protection against HSV-2 is critical for vaccine development.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the role of B cells and antibodies in protection against vaginal HSV-2 infection.
- To compare the immune response in intact mice versus B-cell knockout (KO) mice following HSV-2 immunization and challenge.
Main Methods:
- Comparison of vaginal HSV-2 infection in intact and B-cell KO mice after immunization with attenuated HSV-2.
- Assessment of viral protein levels in vaginal epithelium and secretions at 20 and 48 hours post-challenge.
- Evaluation of T-cell mediated immunity, including interferon-gamma (IFN-gamma) secretion, MHC class II, and VCAM-1 expression.
Main Results:
- Intact mice immunized with HSV-2 showed marked reduction in vaginal challenge infection compared to non-immunized controls.
- B-cell KO mice showed reduced immunity, with higher viral loads at 20 hours post-challenge.
- While infection decreased in B-cell KO mice by 48 hours, it remained significantly higher than in intact mice.
- T-cell responses, including IFN-gamma secretion and inflammatory markers, were comparable between intact and B-cell KO mice.
Conclusions:
- B cells and their derived antibodies play a significant role in early protection against vaginal HSV-2 infection.
- Antibody-mediated immunity is particularly important in the first 20 hours post-challenge.
- Other immune mechanisms, likely T-cell mediated, become more important between 20 and 48 hours post-challenge.
Related Concept Videos
01:16In-vitro Mutagenesis
To learn more about the function of a gene, researchers can observe what happens when the gene is inactivated or “knocked out,” by creating genetically engineered knockout animals. Knockout mice have been particularly useful as models for human diseases such as cancer, Parkinson’s disease, and diabetes.
01:23Genital Herpes
Genital herpes is a sexually transmitted infection primarily caused by herpes simplex virus type 2 (HSV-2), though herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1) is increasingly implicated in genital infections, particularly among younger populations. Transmission occurs mainly through sexual contact, with asymptomatic viral shedding serving as a major route of spread. This characteristic makes HSV-2 difficult to control at a population level, as individuals may unknowingly transmit the virus even in the...