METHOD OF ENHANCING IMMUNE RESPONSES TO HERPES SIMPLEX VIRUSVACCINE

摘要

A method for inducing and enhancing protective and/or therapeutic immunity i n a mammal to HSV includes the steps of at least one immunization with an effective amount of a DNA vaccine composition which comprises a first nuclei c acid molecule comprising a DNA sequence encoding the HSV type 1 or type 2 gD protein, and a second nucleic acid molecule comprising a DNA sequence encodi ng each Interleukin-12 heterodimer subunit. The method also comprises at least one subsequent immunization with an effective amount of a protein vaccine composition which comprises the HSV type 1 or type 2 gD protein; and the IL- 12 heterodimer. A local anesthetic may be included in the DNA vaccine compositi on in an amount that forms one or more complexes with the nucleic acid molecule s. When provided to the mammal in suitable effective dosages according to this protocol, the vaccine compositions used in this method produce an unexpected ly good protective and/or therapeutic immune response against HSV in an immuniz ed mammal.