[T-cell-induced prevention of HSV-1 keratitis by immunization with the synthetic peptide of glycoprotein D].

C.AL-20 mice susceptible to herpes simplex virus (HSV) were protected against HSV keratitis (HSK) and encephalitis by subcutaneous immunization with synthetic peptide corresponding to the N-terminal amino acid residues 5-23 of HSV glycoprotein D, which is a dominant immunogen of HSV-1. Protection against HSV was related to a potent humoral anti-HSV response. FACScan analysis revealed that CD4+V beta 8(1.2)+ cells in the spleen were markedly decreased 2 days after HSV challenge, and CD8+ cells were increased. Numerous CD4+ and V beta 8(1.2)+ cells were found in the corneal tissue from HSV-infected sham-immunized mice; no such cells were seen in gD(5-23) immunized mice. No cytotoxic cells were detected in the corneas or spleens of gD(5-23) immunized mice, and these mice had decreased DTH responses. Protection against HSV through immunization with gD(5-23) involves humoral and cellular immune mechanisms. CD4+V beta 8(1.2)+ maybe critical in mediating the pathology of HSK. CD8+ cells may be protective by non-cytotoxic mechanisms. Our results suggest that gD peptides may be potent as vaccines against HSV.