Enhanced expression of picornavirus proteins
AssigneeNovavax, Inc.
InventorMichael J. MASSARE
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Abstract
The disclosure provides fusion proteins containing N-terminal signal peptides fused to immunogenic polypeptides. The immunogenic polypeptides may be from viruses, bacteria, or fungi. The disclosure also provides elevated expression of the immunogenic polypeptides using the N-terminal signal peptide. The N-terminal signal peptides enhance synthesis of the protein, particularly where the protein is neither a secretory nor a transmembrane peptide. The fusion proteins may be used to diagnose disease and to induce immune responses.
Claims23
A fusion protein comprising
- (a) an N-terminal signal peptide,
- wherein the N-terminal signal peptide consists of SEQ ID NO:3;
- and
- (b) an immunogenic polypeptide.
A method of increasing production of an immunogenic polypeptide comprising expressing the immunogenic polypeptide in a host cell as a fusion protein, wherein the fusion protein comprises
- (a) an N-terminal signal peptide,
- wherein the N-terminal signal peptide consists of SEQ ID NO:3;
- and
- (b) the immunogenic polypeptide,
- wherein production is increased compared to expressing the immunogenic polypeptide in the host cell without the N-terminal signal peptide.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.