Researchers from St. Louis University publish findings in herpesvirus vaccines
2007 NOV 20 -- Current study results from the report, 'B7 costimulation molecules expressed from the herpes simplex virus 2 genome rescue immune induction in B7-deficient mice,' have been published. According to a study from the United States, "The interaction between B7 costimulation molecules on antigen-presenting cells and CD28 on antigen-responsive T cells is essential for T-cell activation and maturation of immune responses to herpes simplex virus (HSV) infection. Vaccine-induced immune responses also depend upon adequate upregulation of B7 costimulation molecules, but this signal may be limiting for replication-defective virus vaccines." "We investigated whether expression of B7 costimulation molecules by a prototypical replication-defective antiviral vaccine could enhance immune responses to the vaccine and whether B7-1 and B7-2 would be similarly effective. We altered an ICP8(-) replication-defective strain of HSV type 2 (HSV-2), 5BlacZ, to encode either murine B7-1 or B7-2. B7 molecule expression was detected on the surface of cells infected in vitro and at the RNA level in tissue of immunized mice. Immunization of B7-1/B7-2 knockout mice with B7-encoding virus modestly expanded the number of gamma interferon-producing T cells and significantly augmented class-switched HSV-specific antibody responses compared with the parental virus. Mice immunized with either B7-expressing virus showed less replication of challenge virus in the genital mucosa than mice immunized with 5BlacZ, markedly fewer signs of genital and neurological disease, and little weight loss. Virtually all mice immunized with B7-encoding virus survived challenge with a large dose of HSV-2, whereas most 5BlacZ-immunized mice succumbed to infection," wrote L.G. Thebeau and colleagues, St. Louis University. The researchers concluded: "These results indicate that protective immune responses can be enhanced by the inclusion of host B7 costimulation molecules in a prototypical replication-defective HSV vaccine against HSV-2 genital infection and that B7-1 and B7-2 induce immune responses with similar capacities to fight HSV-2 infection." Thebeau and colleagues published the results of their research in the Journal of Virology (B7 costimulation molecules expressed from the herpes simplex virus 2 genome rescue immune induction in B7-deficient mice. Journal of Virology, 2007;81(22):12200-9). For additional information, contact L.G. Thebeau, Saint Louis University School of Medicine, Dept. of Molecular Microbiology and Immunology, St. Louis, MO 63104 USA.. The publisher of the Journal of Virology can be contacted at: American Society Microbiology, 1752 N St. NW, Washington, DC 20036-2904, USA. Keywords: United States, St. Louis, Herpesvirus Vaccines, Biotechnology, Herpes Simplex Virus, Herpesvirus, Vaccines, Virology. This article was prepared by Life Science Weekly editors from staff and other reports. Copyright 2007, Life Science Weekly via NewsRx.com.
|
