Ensuring the Integrity of an HSV-Vectored Vaccine System

Abstract

Herpes simplex virus (HSV)-vectored vaccines for hepatitis C virus (HCV) were developed utilizing a bacterial artificial chromosome (BAC) system for DNA manipulations. These BAC-derived vectors allow for the rapid introduction and expression of foreign DNA in the HSV backbone. The DNA sequence of several production lots of the vaccine is currently being determined to confirm the genetic stability of the vaccine. While the initial vaccine target was hepatitis C virus, genes from any infectious virus, such as novel coronaviruses, could be inserted into this vaccine vector to generate immunity to that agent.