IMMUNOLOGICAL HERPES SIMPLEX VIRUS ANTIGENS AND METHODS FOR USE THEREOF

摘要

The invention provides HSV antigens that are useful for the prevention and treatment of HSV infection. Disclosed herein are antigens and/or their constituent epitopes confirmed to be recognized by T-cells derived from herpetic lesions or from uterine cervix. 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 antiviral 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.