Genocea introduces vaccine for herpes simplex virus type 2

A candidate vaccine consisting of the antigens reduced viral shedding and clinical disease when tested in a preclinical model of HSV-2 infection.

Herpes simplex virus type 2 (HSV-2) is the most common cause of genital herpes, a sexually transmitted disease.

Genocea Biosciences Research vice president Jessica Flechtner said Genocea is encouraged by the data, which mark the first time a protein subunit therapeutic vaccine has been shown to affect disease and viral shedding significantly in this model.

"As we advance toward the clinic, these data give us great confidence in our lead vaccine candidate, and suggest that we have identified full protein antigens that stimulate a balanced and effective B and T cell immune response," Flechtner added.

Genocea researchers studied the T cell immune responses to each HSV-2 protein among patients with HSV-2 infection or exposure using Atlas, a screening platform.