Herpes simplex virus type 2 infected cell protein 4 and glycoprotein D2 (truncated) (HSV-2 ICP4 and gD2ΔTM)

Herpes simplex virus type 2 (HSV-2) infected cell protein 4 (ICP4) and glycoprotein D2 (gD2) are essential viral proteins that serve as primary antigens in therapeutic vaccine development, most notably the GEN-003 candidate. ICP4 is a major transcriptional regulatory protein required for the expression of early and late viral genes, making it vital for viral replication and a key target for T-cell mediated immunity (PMID: 25122792). Glycoprotein D2 is an envelope protein that facilitates viral entry into host cells by interacting with receptors like nectin-1 and HVEM; the truncated gD2ΔTM version is a soluble form used to induce potent neutralizing antibodies (UniProt: P06476). Together, these antigens aim to reduce the frequency and severity of genital herpes outbreaks by enhancing the host's immune control over the virus. Clinical studies have shown that targeting these proteins can lead to a significant reduction in viral shedding and lesion days in infected patients (PMID: 28137893). Despite promising results in phase 2 trials, the primary challenge remains maintaining high levels of immune memory to prevent long-term viral reactivation.

Other names

ICP4gD2ΔTMGEN-003 antigensInfected cell protein 4Glycoprotein D2 delta TMRS1US6

Active immunization inducing polyfunctional T-cell responses (specifically CD4+) and neutralizing antibodies to inhibit viral entry and replication.