The invention provides HSV antigens that are useful for the prevention and
treatment of HSV infection. Disclosed herein are epitopes confirmed to be
recognized by T-cells derived from herpetic lesions. T-cells having
specificity for antigens of the invention have demonstrated cytotoxic
activity against cells loaded with virally-encoded peptide epitopes, and
in many cases, against cells infected with HSV. The identification of
immunogenic antigens responsible for T-cell specificity provides improved
anti-viral therapeutic and prophylactic strategies. Compositions
containing antigens or polynucleotides encoding antigens of the invention
provide effectively targeted vaccines for prevention and treatment of HSV
infection.
