Herpes simplex virus vaccine

Abstract

Herpes Simplex Virus (HSV) antigens that elicit an HSV-specific immune response and can be used to treat or prevent HSV infection are provided. Nucleic acid sequences, polypeptides, vectors, and compositions, as well as methods to induce an immune response against HSV, treat or prevent HSV disease, induce a T cell response against HSV, and induce an antibody response against HSV also are provided.

1 .- 66 . (canceled) 
     
     
         67 . A method of determining efficacy of an antiviral agent against HSV in a rodent model, comprising administering HSV to a female rodent by intravaginal inoculation, administering the antiviral agent to the female rodent, and evaluating symptoms of HSV infection in the rodent model to determine efficacy of the antiviral agent. 
     
     
         68 . The method of  claim 67 , wherein the antiviral agent is administered to the female rodent by topical, oral, or systemic administration. 
     
     
         69 . The method of  claim 67 , wherein the antiviral agent is administered after the HSV. 
     
     
         70 . The method of  claim 67 , wherein the antiviral agent is administered prior to the HSV. 
     
     
         71 . The method of  claim 67 , wherein the antiviral agent is administered repeatedly. 
     
     
         72 . The method of  claim 67 , wherein the HSV is HSV-1. 
     
     
         73 . The method of  claim 67 , wherein the HSV is HSV-2. 
     
     
         74 . The method of  claim 67 , wherein the female rodent is a mouse. 
     
     
         75 . The method of  claim 74 , wherein the mouse is an ovariectomized mouse. 
     
     
         76 . The method of  claim 75 , wherein the symptoms of HSV infection to be evaluated include survival. 
     
     
         77 . The method of  claim 67 , wherein the female rodent is a guinea pig. 
     
     
         78 . The method of  claim 77 , wherein the symptom of HSV infection is development of genital herpes. 
     
     
         79 . The method of  claim 77 , wherein viral replication is determined to determine efficacy of the antiviral agent. 
     
     
         80 . The method of  claim 77 , wherein the antiviral agent is administered about two weeks after the HSV. 
     
     
         81 . A method of determining efficacy of an antiviral agent against HSV in a neonatal guinea pig model, comprising administering HSV to the neonatal guinea pig by intranasal inoculation, administering the antiviral agent to the neonatal guinea pig, and evaluating symptoms of HSV infection in the neonatal guinea pig model to determine efficacy of the antiviral agent. 
     
     
         82 . The method of  claim 81 , wherein the neonatal guinea pig is administered HSV within 48 hours of delivery. 
     
     
         83 . The method of  claim 81 , wherein the HSV is HSV-2. 
     
     
         84 . The method of  claim 81 , wherein the symptoms of HSV infection are selected from the group consisting of cutaneous herpetic disease, decreased weight gain, pulmonary disorders, central nervous system (CNS) disorders, and death. 
     
     
         85 . The method of  claim 81 , wherein the antiviral agent is administered after the HSV. 
     
     
         86 . The method of  claim 81 , wherein the antiviral agent is administered repeatedly.