Antigenic peptide of HSV-2 and methods for using same
The invention provides HSV antigens that are useful for the prevention and treatment of HSV infection, including epitopes confirmed to be recognized by T-cells derived from herpetic lesions. T-cells having specificity for antigens of the invention have demonstrated cytotoxic activity against cells loaded with virally-encoded peptide epitopes, and in many cases, against cells infected with HSV. The identification of immunogenic antigens responsible for T-cell specificity provides improved anti-viral therapeutic and prophylactic strategies. Compositions containing antigens or polynucleotides encoding antigens of the invention provide effectively targeted vaccines for prevention and treatment of HSV infection.
1. A method of enhancing proliferation of herpes simplex virus type 2 (HSV-2)-specific T cells from a subject expressing human leukocyte antigen (HLA) type B08 comprising contacting the HSV-specific T cells with a polypeptide consisting of AFEDRSYPAVFYLLQ (SEQ ID NO: 12) and up to 15 amino acids of adjacent native sequence of U L 19 (SEQ ID NO: 6), and wherein said T cells are contacted with said polypeptide in an amount sufficient to enhance proliferation of said HSV-2-specific T cells.
2. A method of inducing an immune response to herpes simplex virus type 2 (HSV-2) in a subject comprising administering a polypeptide consisting of AFEDRSYPAVFYLLQ (SEQ ID NO: 12) and up to 15 amino acids of adjacent native sequence of U L 19 (SEQ ID NO: 6) to the subject, wherein the subject is a human expressing human leukocyte antigen (HLA) type B08, and wherein the polypeptide is administered in an amount sufficient to induce an immune response in said subject.
3. A method of treating an HSV-2 infection in a subject comprising administering a therapeutically effective amount of a polypeptide consisting of AFEDRSYPAVFYLLQ (SEQ ID NO: 12) and up to 15 amino acids of adjacent native sequence of U L 19 (SEQ ID NO: 6) to the subject, wherein the subject is a human expressing human leukocyte antigen (HLA) type B08, and wherein the therapeutically effective dose of said polypeptide is administered in amount sufficient to treat an HSV-2 infection in said subject.
4. The method of claim 2 , further comprising administering an adjuvant to the subject.
5. The method of claim 1 , further comprising administering an adjuvant to the subject.
6. The method of claim 3 , further comprising administering an adjuvant to the subject.
7. The method of claim 1 , wherein the polypeptide consists of SEQ ID NO: 12 and up to 10 amino acids of adjacent native sequence of SEQ ID NO: 6.
8. The method of claim 2 , wherein the polypeptide consists of SEQ ID NO: 12 and up to 10 amino acids of adjacent native sequence of SEQ ID NO: 6.
9. The method of claim 3 , wherein the polypeptide consists of SEQ ID NO: 12 and up to 10 amino acids of adjacent native sequence of SEQ ID NO: 6.
10. The method of claim 1 , wherein the polypeptide is administered in the form of a pharmaceutically acceptable salt.
11. The method of claim 2 , wherein the polypeptide is administered in the form of a pharmaceutically acceptable salt.
12. The method of claim 3 , wherein the polypeptide is administered in the form of a pharmaceutically acceptable salt.
13. The method of claim 1 , wherein the polypeptide is co-administered with a heterologous peptide.
14. The method of claim 2 , wherein the polypeptide is co-administered with a heterologous peptide.
15. The method of claim 3 , wherein the polypeptide is co-administered with a heterologous peptide.
16. The method of claim 13 , wherein the heterologous peptide is another HSV epitope.
17. The method of claim 13 , wherein the heterologous peptide is an unrelated sequence that facilitates an immune response.
18. The method of claim 14 , wherein the heterologous peptide is another HSV epitope.
19. The method of claim 14 , wherein the heterologous peptide is an unrelated sequence that facilitates an immune response.
20. The method of claim 15 , wherein the heterologous peptide is another HSV epitope.
21. The method of claim 15 , wherein the heterologous peptide is an unrelated sequence that facilitates an immune response.