Preparation and efficacy of antiherpes type 1 and 2 subunit vaccines.

DNA free antiherpes subunit vaccines were prepared from diploid human embryonic lung cells infected either with type 1 or type 2 herpes simplex viruses (HSV). Virion and membrane-bound virus-specific glycoproteins were solubilized with Nonidet P-40 and separated by ultracentrifugation. The antigenic properties of the vaccine were tested in guinea pigs. Antibody response was followed by virus neutralization and complement fixation. The vaccine itself was low-immunogenic, however its immunogenicity has considerably increased by usage of suitable adjuvants. In virus neutralization test higher antibody titre was found against homologous virus. The antibody response was related to protein content and to the frequency of vaccination.