Production of streptococcal m protein immunogens and molecular probes
AssigneesThe Rockefeller University, Emory University
InventorsJune R. Scott, Vincent A. Fischetti
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
Methods and compositions are provided for the cloning and expression of Streptococcus pyogenes M protein genes, and, in particular, types 5, 6 and 24 genes in single-cell host organisms. The streptococcal M protein produced by the recombinant DNA techniques described herein may be formulated for use as immunogens in vaccines to protect against S. pyogenes infections. The gene for the M protein may further be employed as a molecular probe for the accurate identification of streptococci in infected body tissues and fluids.
Claims41
A process for producing a streptococcal M protein polypeptide having at least one immunoreactive and antigenic determinant comprising:
- (a) culturing a prokaryotic unicellular organism containing a recombinant plasmid comprising a DNA sequence coding for a streptococcal M protein polypeptide having at least one immunoreactive and antigenic determinant capable of being replicated, transcribed and translated in the unicellular organism;
- and
- (b) isolating said polypeptide from the culture.
A process for preparing a prokaryotic unicellular organism having a DNA sequence coding for a streptococcal M protein polypeptide having at least one immunoreactive and antigenic determinant comprising:
- introducing a recombinant plasmid comprising a DNA sequence coding for a streptococcal M protein polypeptide having at least one immunoreactive and antigenic determinant and capable of being replicated, transcribed and translated in the unicellular organism.
A purified DNA sequence coding for a streptococcal M protein, or any portion of said sequence coding for a polypeptide having at least one immunoreactive and antigenic determinant of a streptococcal M protein.
A purified DNA probe capable of binding to a DNA sequence coding for a streptococcal M protein, or any portion of said sequence coding for a polypeptide having at least one immunoreactive and antigenic determinant of streptococcal M protein.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.