Abstract
The application of naked DNA containing type I interferon (IFN) transgenes is a promising potential therapeutic approach for controlling chronic viral infections. Herein, we detail the application of this approach that has been extensively used to restrain ocular HSV-1 infection, for antagonizing vaginal HSV-2 infection. We show that application of IFN-α1, -α 5, and -β transgenes to vaginal mouse lumen 24 hours prior to HSV-2 infection reduces HSV-2 mediated mortality by 2.5 to 3-fold. However, other type I IFN transgenes (IFN- α 4, -α 5, -α 6, and -α 9) are non effectual against HSV-2. We further show that the efficacy of IFN-1 transgene treatment is independent of CD4+ T lymphocytes. However, in mice depleted of CD8+ T lymphocytes, the ability of IFN-α 1 transgene treatment to antagonize HSV-2 was lost.
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Austin, B.A., James, C.M., Härle, P. et al. Direct application of plasmid DNA containing type I interferon transgenes to vaginal mucosa inhibits HSV-2 mediated mortality. Biol. Proced. Online 8, 55–62 (2006). https://doi.org/10.1251/bpo118
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1251/bpo118