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Characterization and immunogenicity of a candidate subunit vaccine against varicella-zoster virus

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Abstract

This study describes the properties of an inactivated subunit antigen preparation from varicella-zoster virus (VZV)-infected MRC-5 cells by treatment with detergent and formaldehyde, ultracentrifugation over sucrose and acetone precipitation. The method preserved the antigenicity of VZV proteins and several VZV-specific glycoproteins, while virus DNA was less than 20 pg/250 μg protein — a putative vaccine dose. The vaccine was immunogenic in rabbits and stimulated antibodies to the major capsid protein as well as to glycoproteins; an immunoprecipitin was shared with a known immune human serum. The preparation contained no infectious VZV with no evidence of side effects in a rabbit or in five human vaccinees during a follow-up period of 6–10 years.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Vaccine Research Foundation, ‘Harborough Banks’, Old Warwick Road, B94 6LD, Lapworth, Warwickshire, UK

    J. Davies, P. McLeish & S. Randall

  2. Department of Infection, Medical School, University of Birmingham, B15 2TJ, Birmingham, UK

    J. A. Hallworth, B. A. B. Martin, A. Buchan & G. R. B. Skinner

Authors
  1. J. Davies
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  2. J. A. Hallworth
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  3. P. McLeish
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  4. S. Randall
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  5. B. A. B. Martin
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  6. A. Buchan
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  7. G. R. B. Skinner
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Davies, J., Hallworth, J.A., McLeish, P. et al. Characterization and immunogenicity of a candidate subunit vaccine against varicella-zoster virus. Med Microbiol Immunol 183, 105–117 (1994). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00277161

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00277161

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