Bacillus Calmette-Guérin vaccination for protection against recurrent herpes labialis: a nested randomised controlled trial

Recurrences of herpes simplex virus (HSV) in the orofacial region (herpes labialis or cold sores) impact quality-of-life. We aimed to study whether the bacille Calmette-Guérin (BCG) vaccine can attenuate cold sore recurrences through off-target immunomodulatory effects.

Citation:
Pittet LF, Moore CL, McDonald E, ……. Manning L, de Oliveira RD, Perrett KP, Prat-Aymerich C, Richmond PC, Rocha JL, …. et al as part of the BRACE Trial Consortium Group. Bacillus Calmette-Guérin vaccination for protection against recurrent herpes labialis: a nested randomised controlled trial. eClinicalMedicine. 2023;64

Keywords:
Bacille Calmette-Guérin; Cold sore; Herpes labialis; Herpes simplex virus; Heterologous immunity; Mycobacterium bovis; Non-specific effects; Off-target effects; Prevention; Secondary prophylaxis

Abstract:
Recurrences of herpes simplex virus (HSV) in the orofacial region (herpes labialis or cold sores) impact quality-of-life. We aimed to study whether the bacille Calmette-Guérin (BCG) vaccine can attenuate cold sore recurrences through off-target immunomodulatory effects.