Prospects for vaccines for herpes simplex viruses.

A subunit vaccine consisting of glycoprotein D from the surface of herpes simplex virus was prepared using recombinant deoxyribonucleic acid techniques to transfer the viral gene for glycoprotein D into Chinese hamster ovary cells. The glycoprotein D produced by these Chinese hamster cells combined with appropriate adjuvants effectively immunized mice and guinea pigs against herpes simplex infections. In addition to protecting guinea pigs from serious or fatal disease, the vaccine prevented a small group of guinea pigs from developing latent ganglionic infections. The vaccine has not yet been used in humans.