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Research holds promise for herpes vaccine
A study by a Montana State University researcher suggests a new avenue for developing a vaccine against genital herpes and other diseases caused by herpes simplex viruses.
In a study published earlier this year in the Virology Journal, MSU virologist William Halford showed that mice vaccinated with a live, genetically-modified herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1) showed no signs of disease 30 days after being exposed to a particularly lethal "wild-type" strain of the virus.
In contrast, a second group of mice that received a more conventional vaccine died within six days of being exposed to the same "wild-type" strain.
"We have a clear roadmap for producing an effective live vaccine against genital herpes," said Halford, who works in MSU's Department of Veterinary Molecular Biology. "Although my studies were performed with HSV-1, the implications for HSV-2-induced genital herpes are clear. Overall the two viruses are about 99 percent genetically identical."
An estimated 55 million Americans carry herpes simplex virus type 2 (HSV-2), which causes genital herpes. Infection is life-long. Approximately 5 percent of those with genital herpes - 2 million to 3 million Americans - suffer outbreaks one to four times annually. A vaccine offering life-long protection does not exist.
The key to Halford's research was understanding how the herpes simplex virus overcame the body's natural defenses.
A cell infected with the herpes simplex virus sends a warning to neighboring cells. This warning -- an interferon response -- causes neighboring cells to enter "an anti-viral state" akin to putting on a suit of armor, Halford said.
However, herpes produces a protein, ICP0, that tricks every infected cell into destroying its own armor. Once the cell's armor is gone, the virus can propagate itself and spread to other cells, which are in turn tricked into lowering their defenses.
In his research, Halford created a vaccine where the genetic instructions that make ICP0 were disrupted. Without instructions on how to do its clever ICP0 trick, the virus can still establish an infection in animals, but the spread of the virus is stopped long before disease can occur.
"In short, we can disarm the virus such that it is absolutely unable to cause disease, but is still remarkably potent as a vaccine," Halford said.
In a human vaccine, the genetic instructions for ICP0 would actually be removed, creating an "attenuated," or weakened virus. The rest of the herpes simplex virus' genetic code would remain intact. Measles, mumps, rubella, polio and yellow fever vaccines are all made from attenuated viruses.
Research in recent decades has focused on subunit vaccines, which are made from one piece of a virus (a protein subunit). Subunit vaccines are safer than attenuated virus vaccines because the subunit cannot replicate or cause disease. However, subunit vaccines have proven ineffective in protecting people against persistent infections like genital herpes and AIDS, Halford said.
"From a theoretical standpoint, subunit vaccines are poor mimics of a natural virus infection," Halford said. "There's not enough there for our immune systems to build a protective response against the actual virus."
Halford, 38, is aware that his approach is controversial.
"This is where I'm young enough that I don't know how long it can take to swing popular opinion among scientists and clinicians," he said. "I would hope that in five to six years the scientific community would be willing to seriously consider these proposals."
Halford hopes to find a commercial partner or secure government funding to advance his research toward a human vaccine.
"I'd like to take this concept from the chalkboard to the clinics," he said.
Submitted by BJS on Fri, 2006-10-13 13:55.
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It sounds unbelievable
...but in the case of herpes, it's because most people who have it don't know they have it: they're what are known as asymptomatic carriers. Only a certain percentage of those with herpes would classify themselves as "having an STD" for the simple fact that they don't realise this is the case. But, yes, somewhere between 20% and 25% of adults in the US are believed to be carrying the HSV-2 virus.
Companies are Profit Driven
In regard to Valtrex, the patent runs out in 2009!! Thus we move toward the production of the vaccine. Once the patent runs out they do not make the profit on the medication thus they are motivated to move toward a new patent and vaccine. This vaccine should have been funded years ago. Thank God the patent on Valtrex is running out!!
Has anyone heard an update on funding for the Montana State University vaccine? This is old news (2006 at least) and should have received some funding by now.
you're an idiot
you're an idiot
The Cure video > potential cures and vaccines against herpes
Wanted to share a video I made about potential cures and vaccines against the herpes simplex virus.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=71FWd42iKYw
Hope you like it!
/Daniel
herpes, VACCINE
I believe many people are unaware of herpes. People should be informed about how serious it is. One out of five have it. I believe that if more ads were posted in the newspapers, etc. people (teens, men, women)will be informed of this life long STD.
What makes this worst is the fact that when one goes to the hospital, and/or clinic, health care providers don't want to test people for herpes. Why not?
In terms of the vaccine, I agree that those four out of five that dont have it, should be able to take it against this life long STD.
it's correct according to my doctor.
I was recently diagnosed with herpes and was not aware of how common it really is. I was told by a health care professional that stats show that 1 in every 4 are infected with some form of the virus, whether orally or genitally, and are not even aware that that have it, and are spreading it to others. I think more money should go toward educating people on the facts of this virus, and get rid of the "only dirty/slutty people get STD's". I am 22 yeras old and have only been active with two people my entire life, and I got it. The stigma has to go!
The vaccine, for me is too late, but not too late for someone I may fall in love with later down the line. Are the drug companies going to want all this to happen? Probably not, but the millions infected with it already will still have to buy the drugs, so it will be years before they feel an actual hit from it.
RIDICULOUS? - 25% infected with STD's
Why is the statistic so hard to believe? Do you know how many different types of STD's there are out there? HSV alone is estimated to infect 1 out of 5. Then there is HPV which is estimated at 1 out of 4. If we look at the stats for the rest of the most common STDs, I think it would be hard to believe how the overall rate of STD infection is not HIGHER than 25%.
Sex has been so glamourized but STD's have been so demonized (and in the case of AIDS, rightfully demonized) that it is hard to imagine something as beautiful as sex can COMMONLY breed something as ugly as an STD.
Vaccine - yes please!!! Take 2
Oh wait.....they HAVE funded it.
See article on final trials of a Herpes vaccine on this site!
http://www.scienceblog.com/cms/node/2187
Vaccine - yes please!!!
I'm surprised that there aren't yet any pharmaceutical companies (or NIH?) willing to fund further research into an Herpes vaccine. A lot of people would pay good money for this vaccine: there's definitely a commercial market for it!
The Herpes virus is incredibly widely spread throughout most industrialised nations: 30% is commonly agreed to be the infection rate. Seems high, but then, everyone's having sex, so it's really not surprising, especially as condoms don't prevent Herpes infections. We just have to face the reality that 1 in 3 people have or have had an STI. Or stop having sex - like that's gonna happen!
Herpes is more than just unnattractive and uncomfortable. It can cause serious problems in unborn babies, and has been linked to pre-eclampsia (which can kill infant and mother both) and to cervical cancer.
The the people who think
The the people who think companies don't want a vaccine to protect Valtrex profits:
1) Only glaxo-wellcome reaps profits for Valtrex, why wouldn't competing companies want to make a vaccine?
2) Glaxo is currently spending hundreds of millions testing a herpes vaccine, simplirix, which would eat into their Valtrex profits.
3) Valtrex's patent expires in 2009, so your whole theory is based on a false premise.
Vaccine query
Have we heard anymore about the the consideration of this vaccine? It's very interesting. Sadly, there IS more money in the treating of a disease, not the cure.
money
"There are tens of millions that would go for this vaccine, how can he NOT have companies beating down his door?
Every afflicted single person would be buying this vaccine for their SO in a heartbeat."
yes, but there is a limitless supply of money for companies that are selling treatments to the infection, as people must keep buying these over and over. Once a vaccine is made, the pot of money dries up. Unfortunate, but vaccines are not good investments for businesses.
New and Improved
Finding a cure...or even just a vaccine would greatly improve the self-confidence and worth of the nation and the world!!
Can we get one now, please?!
That's accurate...
The stats are accurate. Look them up.
herpes stastitics
I didn't realize it was so common in the US.
Although herpes is a wide
Although herpes is a wide spread disease, your assertion of 1/3 of the population is incorrect.
1/3 people living with herpes in USA
Don't upset by herpes. 1/3 of USA living with herpes. And most of herpes people can manage it.
A lot more than 200-400 million are infected
The number might be closer to 2 000 000 or so.
http://www.anonsolutions.com
let me know the dateline of vaccine
Please let me know the dateline of vaccine. My mail address is ayzobayer@yahoo.com
You're honestly trying to
You're honestly trying to tell us that 70 million of the 300 million people in the US are afflicted with STDs? That's like 1 in every 4 people. A little fucking ridiculous even for something you just made up.
reply comments
"no financial benefit"
- frankly you have no idea what you are talking about. why would one scientist not want to create a vaccine that people want (see below) just because there is a large prevention medication market? they are two different financial interests and the former scientist has everything to gain from creating a vaccine.
"VACCINE."
- i agree.
VACCINE.
I WILL PAY ANYTHING FOR A HERPES VACCINE.
Precaution : < age 13 ,must have knowledg of HSV-2 like AIDS.
ALL STD DIASES MUST BE AWARE AGE ONWARDS 13. THRE MUST BE WORLD WIDE ADD OF THIS DISES AND OTHER STD LIKE AIDS ADD. IT MUST BE INVOLVED IN EDUCATION LESSION FROM TEENEGERS LESSON. MUCH OF PEOPLE DONT KNOW THAT THERE ARE SOME DIASES/VIRAL INFECTION WHICH CAN TRANSFER BY KISSES OR SEXUAL RELATION WITH CONDOM ALSO....PREVENTION OF THIS CAN AVOIDE ITS EXPAND...THRERE MUST BE MORE RESEARCH TO MAKE HSV-2 VACCINE. for interaction email :-
no financial benefit
There is no financial benefit to curing disease. There are drugs that prevent outbreaks and people are dependent on these drugs. Valtrex will have millions of life long customers. If there were a cure wouldn't drug companies loose billions of dollars?
how come it is taking so
how come it is taking so long to find a vaccine for herpes? How come you cant use any type of chemotherapy to destroy it ? or when will there be a vaccine ?
std people should the fact and have a positive attitude
70 million are afflicted with STDs in the U.S. alone and an estimated 200-400 million worldwide.
money
There are tens of millions that would go for this vaccine, how can he NOT have companies beating down his door?
Every afflicted single person would be buying this vaccine for their SO in a heartbeat.
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