Modification of primary and recurrent genital herpes in guinea pigs by DNA immunization

The complete sequence of herpes simplex type 2 (HSV-2) glycoprotein D (gD) was amplified by PCR and cloned into an eukaryotic expression vector (PcDNA3) after confirming by sequencing. Recombinant plasmid (PcDNA3-gD2) was transfected into COS-7 cells to evaluate protein expression using indirect Immunofluorescense test, and examined for its ability to protect guinea pigs against gential HSV disease. The results showed that intramuscular immunization of animals reduced the severity of the acute disease and the subsequent number of recurrent lesion days following intravaginal challenge with HSV-2.