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Published on: November 22, 2011
Nucleic acid vaccine encoding gD2 protects mice from herpes simplex virus type 2 disease
J D Kriesel1, S L Spruance, R A Daynes
1Department of Medicine, University of Utah School of Medicine; Salt Lake City, 84132, USA.
The Journal of Infectious Diseases
|March 1, 1996
Summary
Nucleic acid vaccination using a plasmid encoding the herpes simplex type 2 (HSV-2) gD2 gene demonstrated significant protection against HSV-2 challenge in mice. This approach, particularly when combined with vitamin D3, reduced disease severity and viral load.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Virology
- Molecular Biology
Background:
- Herpes simplex virus type 2 (HSV-2) is a significant public health concern.
- Effective vaccines against HSV-2 remain a critical unmet medical need.
- Nucleic acid vaccination offers a promising platform for developing new vaccines.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the efficacy of a DNA vaccine encoding the HSV-2 glycoprotein D2 (gD2) in a murine model.
- To assess the impact of 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin-D3 (D3) on vaccine-induced protection against HSV-2.
Main Methods:
- Mice were immunized with plasmids containing the HSV-2 gD2 gene (pWW65) or a control plasmid (pRSVnt), with or without D3.
- Immunized mice were challenged intravaginally with HSV-2.
- Clinical disease, antibody levels, and viral titers in vaginal washings were measured.
Main Results:
- Vaccination with pWW65 significantly reduced severe disease incidence compared to the control group (p=.04).
- The addition of D3 to pWW65 vaccination completely prevented severe disease (0/10 mice).
- Both pWW65 and pWW65+D3 groups showed significantly reduced vaginal virus titers (P<.001) and increased anti-gD2 antibody levels post-challenge.
Conclusions:
- DNA vaccination with a plasmid encoding HSV-2 gD2 is immunogenic and confers protection against HSV-2 challenge.
- Co-administration with D3 enhances vaccine efficacy, leading to complete protection from severe disease in this model.
- These findings support the potential of gD2 DNA vaccines for HSV-2 prevention.
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