Inventors:
David M. Koelle - Seattle WA
Lawrence Corey - Seattle WA
Assignee:
University of Washington - Seattle WA
International Classification:
A61K 39245
US Classification:
4241861, 4241921, 4241991, 4242311, 536 234, 536 237, 530350, 435 693, 435 697, 4352351, 4352523, 4353201, 435325
Abstract:
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 anti-viral 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.