Immune responses to DNA free herpes simplex proteins in man

The data presented confirm in human volunteers our previous observations in animal models. The DNA free HSV 2 subunit vaccine used elicited an antibody and a cell-mediated immune response in 15 subjects without past evidence of HSV 1 or HSV 2 infections and increased the immunity level in 28 subjects suffering from HSV 1 or HSV 2 infections. Although we did not follow a double-blind, placebo controlled protocol our results suggest that the vaccine may reduce the frequency and severity of HSV infections. The time between the recurrences, the pain and the time to complete healing decreased significantly after the vaccination.