Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jan 10, 2026

08:31
Porcine Corneal Tissue Explant to Study the Efficacy of Herpes Simplex Virus-1 Antivirals
Published on: September 20, 2021
3.7K
Ups and downs in the search for a Herpes simplex virus vaccine
Silvia Bolland1, Susan K Pierce2
1Laboratory of Immunogenetics, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, Rockville, United States.
Elife
|March 11, 2015
Summary
Modified herpes simplex viruses lacking glycoprotein D show promise as effective vaccines. This research explores the potential of these engineered viruses for future vaccine development against herpes simplex virus infections.
Area of Science:
- Virology
- Vaccinology
- Biotechnology
Background:
- Herpes simplex virus (HSV) is a common human pathogen.
- Current treatments for HSV infections are limited.
- Development of effective HSV vaccines is a significant public health goal.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the potential of modified herpes simplex viruses as vaccine candidates.
- To assess the efficacy of HSV engineered for non-production of glycoprotein D.
Main Methods:
- Genetic modification of herpes simplex virus to ablate glycoprotein D expression.
- In vitro and in vivo studies to evaluate viral behavior and immunogenicity.
Main Results:
- Modified HSV lacking glycoprotein D demonstrated reduced pathogenicity.
- Preliminary data suggest the potential for inducing protective immune responses.
Conclusions:
- Herpes simplex viruses engineered to lack glycoprotein D represent a promising platform for vaccine development.
- Further research is warranted to fully establish the safety and efficacy of these modified viruses as vaccines.

