A study by a Montana State University researcher suggests a new avenue for developing a vaccine against genital herpes and other diseases caused by herpes simplex viruses. In a study published earlier this year in the Virology Journal, MSU virologist William Halford showed that mice vaccinated with a live, genetically-modified herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1) showed no signs of disease 30 days after being exposed to a particularly lethal “wild-type” strain of the virus.A study by a Montana State University researcher suggests a new avenue for developing a vaccine against genital herpes and other diseases caused by herpes simplex viruses.
In a study published earlier this year in the Virology Journal, MSU virologist William Halford showed that mice vaccinated with a live, genetically-modified herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1) showed no signs of disease 30 days after being exposed to a particularly lethal “wild-type” strain of the virus.
In contrast, a second group of mice that received a more conventional vaccine died within six days of being exposed to the same “wild-type” strain.
“We have a clear roadmap for producing an effective live vaccine against genital herpes,” said Halford, who works in MSU’s Department of Veterinary Molecular Biology. “Although my studies were performed with HSV-1, the implications for HSV-2-induced genital herpes are clear. Overall the two viruses are about 99 percent genetically identical.”
An estimated 55 million Americans carry herpes simplex virus type 2 (HSV-2), which causes genital herpes. Infection is life-long. Approximately 5 percent of those with genital herpes – 2 million to 3 million Americans – suffer outbreaks one to four times annually. A vaccine offering life-long protection does not exist.
The key to Halford’s research was understanding how the herpes simplex virus overcame the body’s natural defenses.
A cell infected with the herpes simplex virus sends a warning to neighboring cells. This warning — an interferon response — causes neighboring cells to enter “an anti-viral state” akin to putting on a suit of armor, Halford said.
However, herpes produces a protein, ICP0, that tricks every infected cell into destroying its own armor. Once the cell’s armor is gone, the virus can propagate itself and spread to other cells, which are in turn tricked into lowering their defenses.
In his research, Halford created a vaccine where the genetic instructions that make ICP0 were disrupted. Without instructions on how to do its clever ICP0 trick, the virus can still establish an infection in animals, but the spread of the virus is stopped long before disease can occur.
“In short, we can disarm the virus such that it is absolutely unable to cause disease, but is still remarkably potent as a vaccine,” Halford said.
In a human vaccine, the genetic instructions for ICP0 would actually be removed, creating an “attenuated,” or weakened virus. The rest of the herpes simplex virus’ genetic code would remain intact. Measles, mumps, rubella, polio and yellow fever vaccines are all made from attenuated viruses.
Research in recent decades has focused on subunit vaccines, which are made from one piece of a virus (a protein subunit). Subunit vaccines are safer than attenuated virus vaccines because the subunit cannot replicate or cause disease. However, subunit vaccines have proven ineffective in protecting people against persistent infections like genital herpes and AIDS, Halford said.
“From a theoretical standpoint, subunit vaccines are poor mimics of a natural virus infection,” Halford said. “There’s not enough there for our immune systems to build a protective response against the actual virus.”
Halford, 38, is aware that his approach is controversial.
“This is where I’m young enough that I don’t know how long it can take to swing popular opinion among scientists and clinicians,” he said. “I would hope that in five to six years the scientific community would be willing to seriously consider these proposals.”
Halford hopes to find a commercial partner or secure government funding to advance his research toward a human vaccine.
“I’d like to take this concept from the chalkboard to the clinics,” he said.
I am dating this guy, and i cheated on him with one of my friends. well we didnt use protection, and usually after not having sex for a little bit, i am sore and it hurts to pee after having sex. so i thought it was normal. I have yet to go see a doctor. I am going to tmw. I brought up the subject with the guy and he says hes clean. Im so confused. And idk what imma tell my boyfriend. And im afraid of being alone. Help Me!
i don’t know how old you are..but you’re causing these fears to yourself, you are doing this to yourself. Its all about the choices we make, perhaps you need to step back and figure out what you really want in life…because cheating and lying will only destroy you…I’m sorry for the harsh truth but you have to be strong and with this adult decisions take the adult responsibilities…and hopefully you just have a UTI…but we live, and learn. we must be self-controlled, it is your only body, it is your only life.
Think of how you would feel if your boyfriend knew he was possibly infected with a virus, didn’t tell u and slept with u. How would u feel? I say get yourself checked first by the doctor, if everything is fine, then u’ll only have to tell him if u don’t wanna keep secrets from him. On the other hand, if u are positive for something, u need to tell him and he can decide whether or not he still wants to be with u. Otherwise, u’d be putting his health at risk. And when he finds out later, he’ll leave.
You slaaaaaag
you are a slut! thats the problem
Close your legs you dirty tramp!
dont let these idiots here get to you.. although it was unwise to have unprotected sex (no matter who it was with) its not the end of the world.. i got herpes from my grandmothers hands (you can spread it to your fingernails if you bite them a lot) and she still feels so horrible about it but im alive. i got a few really bad out brakes on my lip where she touched me and now with a combination of things she showed me, i haven’t had one in 3 years.. i truely hope you get lucky it may very well just be a UTI but if its not, dont hate yourself for it.. learn from it
Do you mind sharing what your grandmother showed you. Might be of some use to some of us here. Thanks
wow im about to turn 21..my birthday is in august met a guy talked for a few months hooked up in oct…nov i had pains went to ER found out i had herpes…my ex was tested n so was i leavin my current bf to be the cause….he was in a 9 yr relatiopnship with his wife had 2 kidsn says he diodnt know about it…refused to get tested also says his wife was raped by her dad at 9yrs old he had herpes…he fucked me over hard core i ended up pregnant now hv a 2yr old daughter i am not with him i hate him everyday…i feel like im less of a woman ppl judge me bc of this i was not a pig i was not a hoe i trusted the wrong guy….
You are a woman that can still experience a fulfilled life…but guess where you have to go to do that? …Forgiveness….NOT FOR HIM but for you. It will free you. That October, you made a choice..and suffered consequences….but you know what? We all do that…now stop waisting you energy on hating this insignificant person. i hope you’re getting child support, which contact with him is not necessary as there are people who can do that for you, there’s help for low income..God knows why he made these laws..and in all this pain, pain doesn’t just have to hurt.
-Pain in inevitable in our lives, some times its physical other times its emotional, it results from living in a broken world.it can be caused by persecution, gossip, being betrayed, dumb things we do TO OURSELVES..
however you look at it, pain will always be a part of our lives, but it can do more than just hurt. It every painful situation we face, God gives us an opportunity to trust that he will not only get us through it but help us nurture a deeper trust in him through it.
Do something, make the decision to live again.
What the fuck does this have to do with God?
I’m only 23 years old and I found out about two months ago that I have herpes type two.. I’m very scared and feel so alone.. I live in New York City.. Does anyone know of any groups I can go to to speak to other people about living with this discusting virus? I’m also single and I know that there is not one guy that would want to be with me because of this.. I told this guy that I’m in love with that I have it and now he ignores my calls.. He doesn’t want anything to do with me.. Does anyone know of any websites or any type of dating places where I can go to meet someone with the same virus as me? I hate being single and alone.. I just want to be happy.. please help =( email me if anyone wants to talk.. ecua_rican_mami22@yahoo.com.. in the subject, type NOT ALONE so I can know its not spam.. God bless all of you and pray that one day, hopefully soon, that there will be a cure..
kinda on here lookin for same thing as u kp ur head up im goin on 3 yrs with this…it sux royally….
Remember, if someone truly loves you they will be with you through thick and thin, including this. If the person you are with does not accept it, they are not the right person for you. Keep your chin up and dont let it get you down. For those of you looking for an STD dating website try Positive Singles. Thats what I use. Even can find friends who share condition on there. Happy Hunting!
While it would be great to have a herpes vaccine to protect future generations, we do not have to live helpless and praying for a cure. Genital herpes can be managed and the first step is to build up your self confidence and esteem to realize that herpes does not define you. I am very proud to have supported hundreds of young women through their initial diagnosis.The Herpes Blog
THATS AMAZING
i have it im 20 ive had this now for 3 month and i still live my life like i did before i was diagnosed if not more.
remember
YOU ARE STILL BEAUTIFUL. YOU ARE STILL LOVED. IT DOES NOT DEFINE WHO YOU ARE. ITS NOT STAMPED ON YOUR FACE. YOU DONT HAVE TO TELL PEOPLE WHEN YOU SHAKE THIER HAND.
I second this, and am living very happily even with the diagnosis.
The most heart breaking thing about the almost all the comments on this site is that they are linked to lies and deception disguised as love. Mine is another story which would only echo all the others. I am on the brink of telling someone for the first time in 5 years what my ex did to me and is doing to many other women. For the first time in 5 years, I want to be emotionally and physically intimate with someone. Someone summed up the problem above. The fear of hurting someone that you love. It isn’t life threatening but it does effect your quality of life. I’m taking the risk of telling him very early on, to protect myself. I’d got my head round being single, just, but can’t allow myself to become close to someone and then not be able to be close physically. Wish me luckxxx
I wish things go well with you April. Just know you always have someone like me to talk with.
i am 19 and just found out i have herpies from a guy i used to mess around with, i been messing around with him since i was 16, he didnt tell me he caught it from his now girlfriend/babymama i dont know how to deal with it i feel alright soemtimes but i feel sad most the time because im scared of rejection or to have a boyfriend and im criticaly spoken about and it hurts i feel like im nothing.. i had it since january because thats when i heard rumors he caught it from that girl and man im soo mad at myself i always used condoms and he didnt have teh guts to tell me when he knew he had it …. because that girl had it was over her lips chin and all and man its ugh i dont know i’d never wanan not tell someoen and give it to them i would feel more bad i dont know what to doo and i dont have that much support in this i feel as if im alone..
and i feel like im never gun be happy in love because i dont wanna get close to anyone i push them away .. i have that fear of rejection and looked at as discusting 
….
i’ve had it for almost two years now and it was really hard at first to except and be not ok with it but content, and it changed the way i looked at dating and looking for that special someone, but you cant hold yourself back and hate life forever. if you tell someone you have it and they are ok with it take things slow and if they stick around that just shows they really care for you and love you and arent there for just a piece. it gets better over time i promise. when you tell them dont make it seems so big and scary just tell them causally it makes it easier to say and they dont get all scared
You rock! That is the best advice! I have type 1 but I still have to be up front and it is really hard to deal with. The stigma around it is INSANE! I am a nurse and it makes you feel like a complete loser at times but you are so right. If someone is worth your time than they will stick around. Be well
okay i know a lot of you suffer and very depressed.why not help the research? below, http://www.herpescureresearch.org/there is also currently a PEPSI Refresh voting going on. please help spread the site and vote and donate.thanks guys.
Every one asks the same question, why? Why isn’t there a cure for herpes, HIV, cancer, etc. The most reasonable is because money can buy anything or anyone. The government doesn’t care if u get better or if you live, all he cares about is money! Medications this days are very advanced there is just no way they haven’t found it because they have…. As long as he keeps that cure hidden he is going to keep receiving money from the pharmaceuticals. It just not fair that we, the affected ones have to pay for this kind of bullshit. If they don’t do nothing for us, we have to. !!!!!!!!!!
This notion that the gov’t is holding out on a cure is rediculous and for the uneducated. Do you know how much money pharmaceutical companies would make with a cure or vaccine?
Herpes and HIV are viruses like the common cold. Last I checked, you can’t get rid of a virus. Your body has to build up immunity to it. However, these viruses are so sophisticated that they trick your body to attack itself. So medications can only suppress them. That’s why companies are working on vaccines to try to eradicate these diseases by preventing them from entering the body.
Education is the key. Not subscribing to all these crazy theories that you hear your friends talk about.
I was diagnosed with herpes 2 about 3 weeks ago…. I was so taken bac by the news but more taken bac by the way the doctor treated me as nothing but a statistic… I became very sad as all of us do when we first get the news…. But honestly my family has done nothing but stay positive and stood by my side…. I was most worried about finding some to accept me for what I have and if I do being able to have children…. I have found someone who accepts what I have but understands it is not what makes me….. I am more driven than ever to do all the things in life I want…. For those of u who feel like it is the end of the world find a support team and do your research and you will realize that it is just a small bump in the rode on a journey call life…. I am sure in soon years we wil be cured of things small issue….
hey good outlook. how old are u? do u have any strange symptoms? like hand numbness? just curious.are u taken any meds too? hope to hear from u? thnx
Alright, everyone. It seems the stigma of herpes has struck most of you here, being all afraid of the world now. I just got it in Jan ’10 from the girl I was dating. I was even wearing a condom to prevent pregnancy (which comparatively would have actually ended my life as a real problem). —Just a heads up to guys sleeping with a positive girl: wait a few -extra- days after her period to have sex, because any latent blood from her period still passing out will be extremely potent, which is how I got it; down by the base of the condom.–Had a weird break out, the doc thought it was some rash but my test came back positive. I wasn’t really pleased, but he told me straight up not to really worry about. It’s super, super common and let’s think about it. Have you guys ever had the flu? Sure you have. Unless my herpes is made out of cupcakes and unicorns, the Flu is 50 times worse than a simple herpes outbreak. You get them maybe twice a year, it itches, it goes and hides again.
I didn’t try and fight my girlfriend, we didn’t break up because of it. We discussed the “obligatory” staying together for fear of rejection, but the relationship itself had ended. I was sad for a bit, told some close friends, and as it turns out some of them secretly had it also. One of them willingly contracted it because he 1. loved the girl he was seeing and 2. Knows that this so-called disease is about as life-altering as a stubbed toe.
Honestly, plenty of people have it, there are ways to suppress it for now, maybe cure/vaccine against it later. I know some of you are fairly young and in school still. My advice is to keep quiet about it because young adults will be the worst about teasing. Just remember that your life will continue just as regularly as it ever has. People will still have sex with you after you tell them, because education is taking over on HSV, and people know that its pretty much blown out of proportion.
Acyclovir treats it just fine, and with most medical plans it costs like, 9 to 12 bucks a month at a Target pharmacy. Calm down.
I like to jokingly refer to herpes as a “head cold for my penis”. I don’t even think I’m being overly nonchalant. Don’t let it control your life, you’ll find someone, and they won’t give a damn about the virus. Best wishes.
This is weird but I (a female) was curious about the man who wrote the post of
a June 3, 2010 at 8:38 pm Alright, everyone. It seems the stigma of herpes has struck most of you here,
I really liked your comment and was struck by your attitude in a good way. Would like to follow up with you. Since we are all on the same boat I thought it wouldn’t be a problem to ask.
FYI. Take calcium everyone. Calcium phosphate salt tablets 4x’s a day and Natures sunshine vitamins skeletal vitamins at night. For 6 mos.
Best
Why for 6 months?
herpes.
thats it, its a word. reading it, thinking it, hearing it can be bad at times, i know. its like the antichrist of music to our ears. it can make people instantly feel nauseous or depressed.
before i had it, i was like everyone else – joking about it, saying how much it would suck to have, looking down on girls if i heard they had it. then the doctor told me i had it and boom, my life was fucked.
my life turned out to be fucked for all of a week or so. i read everything on the internet and yadda yadda and you get facts and then you get ambiguities and yadda yadda and some blah blah until who cares anymore. lets close the window and open up espn or whatever. go out and hang out with your friends.
my initial breakout was the worst like they say and the only one i was really cognizant of. in the past year, i may have had 3 outbreaks. i have a bottle of 30 valtrex that costed 15 bucks and ill take 1 pill for 3 days. then see ya.
basically, my point is to stop generating so much stress from yourself. its absolutely understandable for everyone here to be so concerned about themselves and about infecting others. however, the root of this concern is from the stigma. in terms of health disorders, herpes is like a broken nail. its an inconvenience. it is nearly impossible that it will ever disable you in any way other than minor pain or irritation. it happens a few times a year for the first year or two, then outbreaks typically drop off. on the spectrum of medical illness, doctors are not too concerned with herpes because it really does not have many associated pathologies or consequences to health.
unfortunately, thats the reason why there isnt a lot of funding for research. its not some secret double O mission by the government and whatever bull some people throw out there. and when you browse the internet, theres one idiot after another talking out of their ass. these blogs can be good for people to provide support and advice to those having a tough time. it shouldnt be for religious fanatics, condemning sexual habits, and definitely NOT for proposing bologna drugs such as “oxygenation therapy.” As a current medical student, I think its important for people to critically assess their sources. to get some things straight, this is a virus that stays hidden within nerve cells of your body. it can go to periods of latency where it resides dormant in the cell, and then activate and give you a rash. acyclovir and other antiviral drugs can kill the virus only at this time when it is outside of a cell. please look for information in the right places. there are no one minute cures, no electric shocks, oxygenations, and no miracle drugs…yet. But seriously, go to pubmed.org and search for herpes or hsv review. that is reliable and it is what doctors read. at least go to webmd or wikipedia, but dont buy into idiots like orlando cruz jr who find the need to write in all caps.
lastly, to really solidify the whole issue with herpes. just relax. ive lived with it for one year and its really not a big deal. at first i was bugging. it went away. i was still hesitant to have sex with girls or bring it up. but then i said to myself, “just tell her, if she says no then whatever, youll get another one tomorrow… if you dont just man up and tell her, your definitely not getting any, so take the shot.” i dont want to be dying one day and be thinking i didnt have any sex in my life bc i was too afraid to tell someone i had herpes.
so ive told people. and….i havent had an issue with any girls. and you know, i read stupid tips on how to present it and what not, but then I just did me. and you know what? just do you. just tell whoever you’re looking to get with what herpes entails. if they dont want to go further, then at least you tried. by just going back to my regular habits i realized im back to being me. im not in some “herpes prison” without freedom. its the same me. i get literally a redness for about 3 days and then its gone. most people dont know what it is. they know the word. they understand the connotation and thats all. enlighten them a little bit. physically, herpes (at least for me) is not a major issue. as we learn this from experience, we can also teach others about it. when people understand the reality and get beneath the stigmal sheath, it becomes a lot easier for everyone. trust me. so stop viewing your life as a nightmare or feeling like you want to hit the rewind button. You can’t. Live – just as you have always done. When you lift the mental prison that you impose upon yourself, blogs, research, and cures will just go on the backburner.
I just found out 2 days ago that I contracted HSV2 and boy was I devastated, I still feel like my life is over but reading all these posts and especially yours definitely made me feel a little better. It sucks bc I was put in a situation where I would never have slept with the guy who gave me this virus but I couldn’t stop him. Now I’ve been researching all about HSV2 so I know how to take care of myself. Thanks for making me feel a little at ease.
I wish you could talk to this guy iv kinda been seeing…we mess around be he gets scared and i dont blame him but the virus freaks him out. he says he loves me but its hard for him not to think about the risk..he like most people would think its the end of the world if he got it..he is 30..im 21 i remember i was destroyed when i found out it was about a year ago. the guy who gave it to me was a drunken hook-up on my 20th birthday..never told me and even denied that he had it when i confronted him. worst day of my life, but now its been over a year..iv had one outbreak(the one that dianosed me) it really dosent affect my life..other than dateing and my sex-life. would love to hear from you and get some help on how to help him, i dont know what to say to help ease his mind, i hate that hes afraid to be with me.
Hi Angel, I am totally in the same place as you are! The situations are SO close it’s kinda scary….just wondering what advice you have received in regards to help the guy you’re with not be scared of dating you basically?
Or anyone for that matter, I just want to know how to make someone be educated about it enough so that they are not scared…
wow, as my name says.. I just found out today.. that I am infected with the HSV type 2. Boy was I upset… I don’t even want to see my boyfriend right now (I got it from him) but after reading your post how could i be so sad when you’ve got it and are perfectly non-chalant about it. He hasn’t had any symptoms of the herpes virus.. according to him of course. (lucky him) But I don’t think I will be so lucky. I think so far I’ve had two different out breaks and the first outbreak was misdiagnosed as a yeast infection. Which I’ve read is common. This is going to be rough for me to over come though. I’m only 19 years old and I didn’t sleep around like a lot of chicks my age did and still do. It was of course devastating to hear.. I had tried to convince myself that I didn’t have herpes.. I was just having a bad yeast infection. But after reading your post.. I think I might be able to get over this fact a little quicker than I thought.
Thanks
That’s an awesome attitude. I’ve had it since 1992. Married the guy that gave it to me. Approaching divorce now. I hope I find a guy out there like you!
well said!!
well said!