PROTECTION FROM PRIMARY INFECTION AND ESTABLISHMENT OF LATENCY BY VACCINATION WITH A HERPES-SIMPLEX VIRUS TYPE-1 RECOMBINANT DEFICIENT IN THE VIRION HOST SHUTOFF (VHS) FUNCTION

A herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1) recombinant virus deficient in t he virion host shutoff (vhs) function was assessed for-its ability to function as a live-attenuated vaccine, Protection of mice from wild-ty pe challenge infection and the establishment and reactivation of HSV-1 latency was measured in a mouse ocular model, Challenge virus replica tion in corneas and trigeminal ganglia was significantly reduced for-v accinated mice. Consistent with these findings, the vaccinated groups showed no clinical signs during acute infection and high levels of vir us-specific IgG and neutralizing antibodies were induced. The establis hment of and reactivation from latency in trigeminal ganglia from the vaccinated group were also significantly reduced relative to controls, These data suggest that vhs deletion mutants may have significant uti lity as live-attenuated HSV-1 vaccines. (C) 1997 Elsevier Science Ltd.