Genital herpes is an incurable disease caused by herpes simplex virus 2 (HSV-2). The ICP0 protein of HSV-2 is a viral protein that counteracts the natural interferon response in a host immune system, and thus helps allow HSV-2 to establish and maintain infection. This new technology consists of several live, attenuated HSV-2 strains with ICP0 gene mutations that prevent virulence. The strains are very promising candidates for a safe and effective genital herpes vaccine, especially over current potential vaccines, which are composed of replication-deficient viruses or viral proteins and are ineffective at protecting against HSV-2 diseases. Over 1 billion people worldwide are currently infected with genital herpes. Approximately 10 to 20 million people more people will contract the disease each year, making a successful genital herpes vaccine a promising and useful technology.

File Number: 2.909.133 

Web site: http://www.siumed.edu/adrfa/techavailable.html

Disease: Infectious Diseases

Other Information: Initial data shows the ability of a specific mutated HSV-2 vaccines strain to effectively vaccinate mice against wild-type HSV-2 challenge. Additional experiments are underway to expand these results and generate preclinical data. A PCT application has also been filed to preserve foreign patent rights in this technology.