VMP-like sequences of pathogenic Borrelia species and strains
AssigneeBoard of Regents, The University of Texas System
InventorSteven J. Norris
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Abstract
The present invention relates to DNA sequences encoding Vmp-like polypeptides of pathogenic Borrelia, the use of the DNA sequences in recombinant vectors to express polypeptides, the encoded amino acid sequences, application of the DNA and amino acid sequences to the production of polypeptides as antigens for immunoprophylaxis, immunotherapy, and immunodiagnosis. Also disclosed are the use of the nucleic acid sequences as probes or primers for the detection of organisms causing Lyme disease, relapsing fever, or related disorders, and kits designed to facilitate methods of using the described polypeptides, DNA segments and antibodies.
Claims14
An isolated nucleic acid comprising a nucleotide sequence that encodes at least 35 contiguous amino acids of SEQ ID NO:95.
An isolated nucleic acid obtained by the amplification of a Borrelia nucleic acid with a primer selected from the group consisting of SEQ ID NO:102, SEQ ID NO:103, SEQ ID NO:104, and SEQ ID NO:105.
A recombinant host cell comprising a heterologous nucleic acid comprising a nucleotide sequence that encodes at least 50 contiguous amino acids of SEQ ID NO:95.
A method of using an isolated nucleic acid that encodes at least 50 contiguous amino acids of SEQ ID NO:95, comprising the steps of:
- (a) preparing a recombinant vector in which the isolated nucleic acid is positioned under the control of a promoter;
- (b) introducing said recombinant vector into a host cell;
- (c) culturing said host cell under conditions effective to allow expression of the polypeptide;
- and
- (d) collecting said expressed polypeptide.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.