Expression and characterization of the gD protein of HSV-2 fused to the tetramerization domain of the transcription factor p53

•The gD protein is highly expressed in larvae of Trichoplusia ni and easily purified.•The use of the tetramerization domain of the p53 protein (TD) allows the multimerization of the gD protein.•The use of the TD improves the stability of the gD protein and the immune response against this protein.•A gDTD subunit vaccine could improve the protection against a lethal viral challenge.