CD4 T-cell responses to herpes simplex virus type 2 major capsid protein VP5: Comparison with responses to tegument and envelope glycoproteins

We used CD4 lymphocyte clones from herpes simplex virus type 2 (HSV-2) lesi ons or the cervix and molecular libraries of HSV-2 DNA to define HSV-2 majo r capsid protein VP5 and glycoprotein E (gE) as T-cell antigens. Responses to eight HSV-2 glycoprotein, tegument, nonstructural, or capsid antigens we re compared in 19 donors. Recognition of VP5 and tegument VP22 were similar to that of gB2 and gD2, currently under study as vaccines. These prevalenc e data suggest that HSV capsid and tegument proteins may also be candidate vaccine antigens.