Introduction herpes simplex virus

Yet another strategy that may prove useful is the introduction into tumour cells of a sensitivity gene. This concept dictates that the gene product should harbour the ability to convert a non-toxic pro-drug into a toxic substance within the cells - thus leading to their selective destruction. The model system most used to appraise such an approach entails the use of the thymidine kinase gene of the herpes simplex virus (Figure 14.12). 

Several groups of branched polypeptide based synthetic compounds were also prepared by introduction of B-cell or T-cell epitope peptides onto the side end of the branches. We have demonstrated that the efficacy of antibody response specific for a Herpes Simplex virus glycoprotein D epitope is highly dependent on the chemical structure (sequence and conformation) ofbranched polypeptide carrier. Recently a fully synthetic prototype conjugate of EAK with two independent T cell epitope peptides of... 

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