MOUSE ANTI-HERPES SIMPLEX VIRUS TYPE 2 GD ANTIBODY (HSVA33)

Mouse anti HSV type 2 antibody (clone HSVA33) recognises Herpes simplex virus type 2. This antibody recognises a 56-64kD band corresponding to glycoprotein D in immunoblotting of purified HSV, under reduced conditions, and a band of 120-140kD in immunoblotting of HSV-infected vero cell lysates under non-reduced conditions.

PRODUCT DETAILS – MOUSE ANTI-HERPES SIMPLEX VIRUS TYPE 2 GD ANTIBODY (HSVA33)

• Specific for Herpes simplex virus gD, type 2.
• Purified by affinity chromatography on protein A sepharose.
• Presented in PBS (pH7.2) with Proclin 300.
• Suitable for ELISA and Western blotting.

BACKGROUND

Human herpes simplex virus (HSV), also known as human herpes virus (HHV), is a large enveloped double stranded DNA virus that belongs to the Herpesviridae family, subfamily Alphaherpesvirinae. Human HSV exists as two distinct serotypes, herpes simplex virus type -1 (HSV-1) and type -2 (HSV-2). Both HSV-1 and HSV-2 are neurotrophic viruses that invade the central nervous system (CNS), where they replicate, and have the capacity to establish a latent infection (Nicoll, MP et al).

HSV-1 and HSV-2 are primarily transmitted from human-to-human through contact with mucosal surfaces and damaged skin, which are common sites of primary HSV infection. However, the route and site of infection differs for each serotype with some reported overlap. Typically, HSV-1 is transmitted through oral-to-oral contact giving rise to infection in the lips, eyes and oropharyngeal mucosa but HSV-1 infection can also occur in the genital tract through oral-genital contact. HSV-2 tends to be sexually transmitted via contact with infected mucosa or damaged skin associated with the genital tract. In most cases, individuals infected with either HSV-1 or HSV-2 for the first time remain asymptomatic or present with painful blisters or ulcers at the site of infection.

HSV-1 establishes latency in the trigeminal ganglia, whereas HSV-2 tends to establish latency in the lumbar-sacral ganglia. Reactivation of either HSV-1 or HSV-2 can occur in immunosuppressed individuals or in seropositive individuals in response to a wide range of stimuli including periods of emotional and physical stress.

Both HSV-1 and HSV-2 are widespread, lifelong infections. Some symptoms of infection can be alleviated using antiviral medication but currently no prophylactic vaccine exists for either HSV-1 or HSV-2 (WHO factsheet).

REFERENCES

• Nicoll, MP et al. (2012). The molecular basis of herpes simplex virus latency. FEMS Microbiol Rev.36(3): 684–705.
• World Health Organisation – Herpes Simplex Virus factsheet.