IMMUNOLOGICALLY SIGNIFICANT HERPES SIMPLEX VIRUS ANTIGENS AND METHODS FOR USING SAME

摘要

The invention provides HSV antigen that are useful for the prevention andtreatment of HSV infection. Disclosed herein are epitopes confirmed to berecognized by T-cells derived from herpetic lesions. T-cells havingspecificity for antigens of the invention have demonstrated cytotoxic activityagainst cells loaded with virally-encoded peptide epitopes, and in many cases,against cells infected with HSV. The identification of immunogenic antigensresponsible for T-cell specificity provides improved anti-viral therapeuticand prophylactic strategies. Compositions containing antigens orpolynucleotides encoding antigens of the invention provide effectivelytargeted vaccines for prevention and treatments of HSV infection.