Untitled

Abstract

The immunity of a combined DNA vaccine of HSV-2 glycoproteins B2 (gB2) and D2 (gD2) genes in comparison to individual vaccines was studied with regard to protecting against the HSV infection. Two recombinant DNA vaccines of the pHS2-gB2 or pHS2-gD2 were constructed and formulated. The neutralizing antibody titers appeared higher in the B2 : D2 gene cocktail-vaccinated mice than that of the individual B2 or D2 gene-vaccinated group alone, and the positive KOS control induced higher titer of the neutralizing antibody than combined or individual gene vaccines. The mock-immunized mice failed to induce enough. The ranks for the CTL activity and the protection rates against the lethal intravaginal challenge were shown as KOS > B2:D2 cocktail > D2 > B2 gene vaccines. The vaginal external diseases in the B2 : D2 or D-vaccinated mice were significantly reduced against the challenging dosages. The virus titers in the vaginal secretions of the vaccinated mice significantly reduced with time, and the B2 : D2 gene vaccine decreased more than each individual vaccine alone. It can be concluded that the cocktailed vaccines are more effective in the humoral and cellular immune responses in the mice, and in the protection of the mice against the intravaginal challenging dosages when compared with individual gene vaccines. All the DNA vaccines failed to block the latent infection in sensory nerves.

Design and evaluation of a multi-epitope assembly Peptide (MEAP) against herpes simplex virus type 2 infection in BALB/c mice

“…The vaginal external diseases were examined daily for signs of inflammation and measured mean daily lesion scores on day 1-14 following infection. The severity of the primary disease was assessed by the lesion scoring system [19,20]. The negative vaccination developed severe diseases and had no effect after 3 days, but the MEAP immunized groups were completely protected from death.…”

Prediction and Identification of Potential Immunodominant Epitopes in Glycoproteins B, C, E, G, and I of Herpes Simplex Virus Type 2

“…The vaginal external diseases were examined daily for inflammation, and the mean daily lesion scores were measured on the 1st to the 14th day following the challenge. The severity of the primary disease was assessed (1–5 scores) using the lesion scoring system [17]. The mice in all groups immunized with the five epitopes, respectively, were protected from death to a certain extent at a lethal dose, whereas the mice in the control group developed severe diseases and died, on the 3rd day after the challenge.…”

“…The antisera for the neutralization of HSV-2 (strain Sav) in vitro were assayed using the 50% plaque reduction assay [17]. The antisera were inactivated at 56°C for 30 min to inactivate the complements.…”

“…The swab was inserted into the vagina of each mouse, twisted back and forth five times, and then removed and wiped over the external genitalia. The infected mice were examined daily for vaginal inflammation, neurological illness, and death and were then scored in grades 1–5 depending on the severity of the disease, as described in a reported paper [17]. The survival ratio of the mice was calculated daily.…”