it has yet to be tested on humans. Its current test subjects are mice.
This vaccine is certainly going to change the way science is done, as it is being developed in a way that vaccines have never been made before. A typical vaccine utilizes the method of exposing the immune system to a small amount of the ailment/disease in order to build neutralizing antibodies to help fight it away. This herpes vaccination, though only tested on mice, may prove that this is not necessary.
The vaccination is able to stop the disease from infecting cells and even keeps it from being dormant in nerve tissue, without exposing it any of the the virus. It is even being said that this vaccine is opening up the doors to possible HIV and tuberculosis vaccines as well.
“Genital herpes infections can not only be serious in and of themselves, but they also play a major role in fueling the HIV epidemic,” said Dr. Herold. “People infected with HSV-2 are more likely to acquire and to transmit HIV–which further underscores the need to develop a safe and effective herpes vaccine.”
The research team hopes to begin clinical trials on humans in the next few years.
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