Robert D Keys

US Patent:

7094767, Aug 22, 2006

Filed:

Apr 16, 2001

Appl. No.:

09/835699

Inventors:

Marcy E. Armstrong - Schwenksville PA, US
Robert D. Keys - Norristown PA, US
John A. Lewis - Norristown PA, US
Margaret A. Liu - Rosemont PA, US
William L. McClements - Doylestown PA, US

Assignee:

Merck & Co., Inc. - Rahway NJ

International Classification:

A61K 48/00

US Classification:

514 44, 4353201

Abstract:

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 ≧0. 5 μg of (one) PNV, gave >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