T-cell-mediated mechanisms involved in resolution of genital herpes simplex virus type 2 (HSV-2) infection of mice.

Resolution of a HSV-2 infection of the female genital tract has been shown to be T-cell dependent. The T-cell populations and mechanisms involved in clearance of virus from the genital epithelium were examined in this study. T lymphocytes expressing either alphabeta or gammadelta T-cell receptors (TCR) have been detected in the vaginal epithelium of mice.

Efficacy of genital T cell responses to herpes simplex virus type 2 resulting from immunization of the nasal mucosa.

Intravaginal (ivag) or intranasal (i.n.) immunization of C57BL/6J (B6) mice with a thymidine kinase-deficient strain (tk-) of herpes simplex virus type 2 (HSV-2) resulted in comparable protection of the genital epithelium and sensory ganglia against HSV-2 challenge.