Merck + Co., Inc.

Marcy E Armstrong

John A Lewis

Emilio A Emini

Margaret A Liu

William L McClements

Robert D Keys

Genes encoding herpes simplex virus type 2 (HSV-2) proteins were cloned into eukaryotic expression vectors to express the encoded proteins in mammalian muscle cells in vivo. Animals were immunized by injection of these DNA constructs, termed polynucleotide vaccines or PNV, into their muscles. In a DNA titration, it was found that a single immunization of &#x2267;0.5 &#x3bc;g of (one) PNV, gave &#x3e;90% seroconversion by ten weeks post immunization. Immune antisera neutralized both HSV-2 and HSV-1 in cell culture. When animals were challenged with HSV-2, significant (p&#x3c;0.001) protection from lethal infection was achieved following PNV vaccination. DNA constructs may be full-length, truncated and/or mutated forms and may be delivered along or in combination in order to optimize immunization and protection from HSV infection.

Polynucleotide herpes virus vaccine

New methods for purifying Hepatitis A virus (HAV) are to commercial scale-up and manufacture of specific HAV vaccines, including formalin-inactivated HAV and attenuated HAV.

Growing community of inventors

Schwenksville, PA, United States of America

Marcy E Armstrong