Compositions and methods for vaccinating against hsv-2

Abstract

This invention relates to therapeutic polynucleotide compositions and methods for systemic immune activation which are effective for eliciting both a systemic, non-antigen specific immune response and a strong antigen-specific immune response in mammals. The polynucleotide compositions are particularly effective for protecting mammals from herpes simplex virus (HSV), such as HSV gD2, VP11/12, and VP13/14 polypeptides.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . A method for raising an immune response to a herpes simplex virus infection in a vertebrate comprising administering to the vertebrate, an isolated polynucleotide comprising SEQ ID NOS:9, 11, and 12, wherein the polynucleotide is administered in an amount sufficient to elicit an immune response to the infection. 
     
     
         2 . The method of  claim 1  further comprising a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier. 
     
     
         3 . The method of  claim 2  wherein the carrier is an adjuvant. 
     
     
         4 . The method of  claim 3  wherein the adjuvant comprises (+/−)-N-(3-aminopropyl)-N,N-dimethyl-2,3-bis(syn-9-tetradeceneyloxy)-1-propanaminium bromide (GAP-DMORIE) and 1,2-diphytanoyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphoethanolamine (DPyPE). 
     
     
         5 . The method of  claim 1  further comprising a heterologous nucleic acid. 
     
     
         6 . The method of  claim 5  wherein the heterologous nucleic acid encodes a self-assembly polypeptide, and the polypeptide self assembles into multimers. 
     
     
         7 . The method of  claim 5  wherein the heterologous nucleic acid encodes a secretory signal peptide. 
     
     
         8 . The method of  claim 5  wherein the heterologous nucleic acid is a promoter.