Truncated VZV gE Induces High-Titer Neutralizing Antibodies in Mice.

A contemporary public health challenge is the increase in the prevalence rates of herpes zoster (HZ) worldwide. In this work, the gE gene structure was analyzed using bioinformatics techniques, and three plasmids of varying lengths, tgE537, tgE200, and tgE350, were expressed in Chinese hamster ovary (CHO) cells. These proteins were used to immunize BALB/c mice with Al/CpG adjuvant; ELISPOT and FCM were used to evaluate cellular immunity; and ELISA, VZV microneutralization, and FAMA assays were performed to detect antibody titers.