Antigenic peptide of HSV-2 and methods for using same

摘要

The invention provides HSV antigens that are useful for the prevention and treatment of HSV infection, including epitopes confirmed to be recognized by T-cells derived from herpetic lesions. T-cells having specificity for antigens of the invention have demonstrated cytotoxic activity against cells loaded with virally-encoded peptide epitopes, and in many cases, against cells infected with HSV. The identification of immunogenic antigens responsible for T-cell specificity provides improved anti-viral therapeutic and prophylactic strategies. Compositions containing antigens or polynucleotides encoding antigens of the invention provide effectively targeted vaccines for prevention and treatment of HSV infection.

主权项

1. A method of enhancing proliferation of herpes simplex virus type 2 (HSV-2)-specific T cells from a subject expressing human leukocyte antigen (HLA) type A02 comprising contacting the HSV-specific T cells with a polypeptide consisting of FLWEDQTLL (SEQ ID NO: 1) and up to 15 amino acids of adjacent native sequence of UL25 (SEQ ID NO: 2), and wherein said T cells are contacted with said polypeptide in an amount sufficient to enhance proliferation of said HSV-2-specific T cells.