Authors: Gillgrass, Amy; Chege, Duncan; Bhavanam, Sudha; Kaushic, Charu

Source: American Journal of Reproductive Immunology, Volume 63, Number 4, April 2010 , pp. 299-309(11)

Publisher: Wiley-Blackwell

Abstract:

Citation Gillgrass A, Chege D, Bhavanam S, Kaushic C. Estradiol limits viral replication following intravaginal immunization leading to diminished mucosal IgG response and non-sterile protection against genital herpes challenge. Am J Reprod Immunol 2010; 63: 299-309 Problem 

Previously we reported that ovariectomized (OVX) mice receiving estradiol (E) prior to immunization with an attenuated strain of HSV-2 (TK-HSV-2) were not protected. Lack of protection in the E group was because of the inability of TK-HSV-2 to penetrate the thick keratinized epithelium. In this study, we determined the outcome of immunization after the thickening of vaginal epithelium following E-treatment waned. OVX, C57BL/6 mice were given Progesterone (P), E or saline (S) for 3 days and immunized with IVAG TK-HSV-2. Method of study 

To determine the time point at which E-treated mice could be successfully immunized, the mice were inoculated with TK-HSV-2 between days 1 and 7 (ED1-ED7) post-E-treatment and challenged with IVAG HSV-2 three weeks later. Results 

The level of infection post-immunization correlated with HSV-2-specific IgG antibody level, which correlated with sterile protection. No viral infection was observed in ED1-ED3 groups and no specific antibodies were detected, resulting in no protection. Moderate infection was seen in ED5 group, resulting in low antibody production and non-sterile protection in 87.5% of mice. High antibody titers and sterile protection were observed in all groups that experienced robust infection post-immunization. Conclusion 

The results show that estradiol leads to limited viral replication and diminished mucosal IgG response, resulting in non-sterile immune protection against genital herpes infection.

Keywords: Estradiol; HSV-2; humoral immunity; mucosal immunity; protection; sex hormone

Document Type: Research article

DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.1111/j.1600-0897.2009.00796.x

Publication date: 2010-04-01

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• In this Subject: Anatomy & Physiology ,  Allergy & Immunology ,  Obstetrics & Gynecology
• By this author: Gillgrass, Amy ;  Chege, Duncan ;  Bhavanam, Sudha ;  Kaushic, Charu

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