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Effective vaccination against long-term gammaherpesvirus latency
Scott A Tibbetts1, J Scott McClellan, Shivaprakash Gangappa
1Department of Pathology & Immunology and Department of Molecular Microbiology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO 63110, USA.
Journal of Virology
|January 29, 2003
Summary
Vaccination can prevent long-term gammaherpesvirus latency. Immunizing mice with a mutant virus effectively blocked latent infection, showing memory immune responses can control gammaherpesviruses.
Area of Science:
- Virology
- Immunology
Background:
- The ability of a primed immune system to prevent latent gammaherpesvirus infection is not fully understood.
- Current vaccines show limited success against long-term gammaherpesvirus latency.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the potential of vaccination in preventing long-term gammaherpesvirus latency.
- To determine if a memory immune response can alter long-term gammaherpesvirus latency.
Main Methods:
- Utilized the murine gammaherpesvirus 68 (gammaHV68) model system.
- Vaccinated mice with a gammaHV68 mutant deficient in reactivation from latency.
- Challenged vaccinated mice with wild-type gammaHV68 via intraperitoneal and intranasal routes.
- Assessed latent infection levels and performed passive antibody transfer experiments.
Main Results:
- Vaccination with the mutant virus significantly reduced latent gammaHV68 infection to undetectable levels.
- Inhibition of latency establishment was observed irrespective of the challenge route (intraperitoneal or intranasal).
- Passive transfer of antibodies from vaccinated mice partially conferred protection, highlighting antibody's role.
Conclusions:
- Effective vaccination strategies can prevent long-term gammaherpesvirus latency.
- A memory immune response is crucial for controlling persistent gammaherpesvirus infections.
- Limiting long-term latent gammaherpesvirus infection is achievable in clinical settings.