glycoprotein D + alum

A combination vaccine consisting of **herpes simplex virus type 2 (HSV-2) glycoprotein D (gD2t)**, a recombinant truncated form of the viral envelope protein produced in Chinese hamster ovary cells, formulated with the adjuvant **alum** and often also including 3-O-deacylated monophosphoryl lipid A (MPL). This vaccine was tested as a prophylactic subunit vaccine targeting genital herpes, primarily aiming to induce neutralizing antibodies against HSV glycoprotein D. Glycoprotein D is essential for HSV entry into host cells via interaction with cellular receptors, and blocking its function prevents viral fusion and cell-to-cell spread. The addition of **alum** as an adjuvant is intended to enhance immune responses. Clinical trials of this vaccine—often referenced as gD2t-AS04 or gD-alum/MPL—showed significant reduction (up to 73–74%) in genital herpes disease in seronegative women, but limited efficacy in men and HSV-seropositive individuals. Major developers include GSK (GlaxoSmithKline) and Genentech. This vaccine reached Phase 3 testing, but development was discontinued after failing to show sufficient efficacy in broader populations[1][3][7].

Other names

gD2t-AS04gD-2t-AS04gD 2t-AS04gD-alumgD-Alum/MPLHSV gD vaccine