Vical are reported to be making progress with their immunotherapeutic vaccine. An immunotherapeutic vaccine is one which provides immunity for those who do not carry herpes, as well as treatment for the majority of the population who already do.

One of the investigators, Dr David Koelle said, “We are encouraged that the CD8 T-cell responses observed in mice after DNA vaccination matched those observed after natural HSV-2 infection, suggesting that the appropriate tegument protein epitopes together with surface glycoproteins may provide interventional vaccine opportunities.”

“We believe these responses may be important in controlling HSV-2 reactivation and the related genital lesions. Our goal is to manage established HSV-2 infection to reduce both disease symptoms and the potential to infect others. We look forward to advancing a suitable vaccine candidate toward human clinical testing.”

For more about this research, read the press release here.