The frequency of circulating HSV-2 antigen-specific T cells and antibodies is stable and remains unchanged by HSV-2 reactivation in infected individuals (105.54)

Abstract HSV-2 infection is characterized by chronic intermittent shedding of virus and episodic clinical outbreaks. T cells and antibodies play a critical role in controlling the infection. While patients possess T cell reactivity to multiple HSV-2 antigens, reactivity to specific antigens may be associated with control of clinical disease. Recurrence of clinical disease is episodic, but little is known about the temporal variation in peripheral T cell responses to HSV-2. T cell and antibody responses to two antigens previously associated with asymptomatic infection were studied among 27 HSV-2 seropositive individuals with a history of HSV outbreaks by IFN-γ ELISPOT and endpoint titer antibody ELISA, respectively. Peripheral blood was collected 4 times, 3 weeks apart and within 48 hours of any genital lesion outbreak. Patients were categorized as high or low responders. None of high and 9 of 23 low T cell responders experienced clinical outbreaks. Immune responses did not vary significantly during the study period or during clinical outbreaks. The correlation of immune response and subclinical disease is currently under evaluation. These results indicate that in chronic HSV-2 infection, levels of peripheral T cells and antibodies remain consistent over time and are not boosted during viral outbreaks. This supports the hypothesis that a vaccination strategy to increase T cell responses to select HSV-2 antigens may provide a therapeutic benefit to the patients.