Limited variability of glycoprotein gene sequences and neutralizing targets in herpes simplex virus type 2 isolates and stability on passage in cell culture.

Nucleotide sequence analyses of polymerase chain reaction-amplified genes were performed to determine whether adaptation of herpes simplex virus type 2 to replication in cultured cells or in internal organs during neonatal disseminated disease results in selection of variants with altered forms of three glycoproteins (gB, gC, or gD) that influence virus entry into cells. No variations in sequence were noted as a consequence of in vitro passage or replication in different organs. Five viruses from different subjects differed with respect to gB, gC, and gD gene sequences, expressing four distinct forms of gB, three of gC, and two of gD. These differences did not confer resistance to neutralization by guinea pig or human antisera from subjects immunized with recombinant gB or gD vaccines and may not be consequential for vaccine development.