Novel Mouse Model of Recurrent Sublethal Herpes Simplex Virus Infection Recapitulates Human Antibody Responses to Primary and Chronic Infection.

Herpes simplex virus (HSV) vaccine development has been impeded by the absence of predictive preclinical models and defined correlates of immune protection. Prior candidates elicited neutralizing responses greater than natural infection but no antibody-dependent cellular cytotoxicity (ADCC) and failed to protect in clinical trials. Primary HSV infection also elicits only neutralizing responses, but ADCC and an expanded antigenic repertoire emerge over time.