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Updated: May 8, 2026

Isolation of Lymphocytes from Mouse Genital Tract Mucosa
Published on: September 3, 2012
Generating protective immunity against genital herpes
1Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Department of Immunobiology, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT 06520, USA.
Abstract:
Genital herpes is an incurable, chronic disease that affects millions of people worldwide. Not only does genital herpes cause painful, recurrent symptoms, it is also a significant risk factor for the acquisition of other sexually transmitted infections such as HIV-1. Antiviral drugs are used to treat herpes simplex virus (HSV) infection, but they cannot stop viral shedding and transmission. Thus, developing a vaccine that can prevent or clear infection will be crucial in limiting the spread of disease. In this review we outline recent studies that improve our understanding of host responses against HSV infection, discuss past clinical vaccine trials, and highlight new strategies for vaccine design against genital herpes.
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