The present invention relates to the field of immunology and the field of molecular virology, in particular to the field of prevention and treatment of varicella-zoster viruses. Specifically, the present invention relates to a truncated varicella-zoster virus gE protein (or a variant thereof) capable of be soluble expression in an Escherichia coli expression system, and use thereof in preventing and/or treating varicella-zoster virus infections.

Described are modified Varicella Zoster Virus glycoprotein E (VZV gE) proteins having improved stability and/or immunogenicity compared to a non-modified VZV gE. Also described are associated nucleic acids, immunogenic compositions, and methods of using such modified VZV gE proteins in the treatment or prevention of shingles.