Expression of the herpes simplex virus type-2 major DNA-binding protein (ICP8) gene in COS-1 cells

By the use of an SV40 origin of replication plasmid vector and the COS-1 cell system, expression of the gene encoding the herpes simplex virus type-2 (HSV-2) major DNA binding protein (ICP8) has been achieved. The HSV-2 4.5 kb BglII 0 DNA fragment containing the ICP8 coding region was inserted into the plasmid vector pSVOd containing the SV40 origin of replication. Transfection of COS-1 cells by the resultant recombinant plasmid (pSVOd20), and subsequent multiplication of this plasmid, led to the production of the HSV-2 major DNA binding protein in sufficient quantities to allow its detection with either monoclonal or polyclonal antibodies as well as sera taken from HSV-2 patients.