The Effect of Glycoprotein B DNA Immuniation on HSV-l Lethal Infection of BALB/c Mice

Abstract

Background and Aims: Glycoprotein B (gB) is among the most important immunogenic proteins of HSV-1 that is now being used as recombinant vaccine to induce protectively against the virus. It is believed that gB is responsible for induction of neutralizing antibody and up to 90% of CTL (Cytotoxic T Cell) activity against HSV-1 in some haplotypes. Methods: In the present study the antibody titer induced by a gB based DNA vaccine and the protective effect of the candidate vaccine in BALB/c mice in comparison with those induced by the whole virus were evaluated. DNA plasmid carrying full-length of gB-1 was constructed and its ability to express the protein was confirmed by immunofluorescence test. Results: Humoral immune response and protective effect of the constructed vector were evaluated in BALB/c mice. Conclusion:The neutralizing antibody titer induced by the DNA vaccine was significantly lower than the one induced by the whole virus, although, both of vaccines could confer 100% protectively against HSV-1 challenge.