Immunogenic composition
The present invention provides an immunogenic composition comprising a fusion protein and a saponin adjuvant. The fusion protein comprises a heterologous hydrophobic peptide that is fused to the N-terminus and/or to the C-terminus of a core polypeptide. The core polypeptide comprises at least one protective epitope. The saponin adjuvant in this composition is present in a free form. Also provided are vaccines comprising the immunogenic composition and optionally an additional immunoactive component. Methods for the preparation of such vaccines, and use of the immunogenic composition for the manufacture of a vaccine are provided as well.
1 . An immunogenic composition comprising a fusion protein and a saponin adjuvant, characterized in that the fusion protein comprises a heterologous hydrophobic peptide which is fused to the N-terminus and/or to the C-terminus of a core polypeptide, the core polypeptide comprising at least one protective epitope, the saponin adjuvant being in a free form.
2 . The immunogenic composition according to claim 1 , characterized in that the core polypeptide is a component of a protein of an organism of the phylum Apicomplexa.
3 . The immunogenic composition according to claim 2 , characterized in that the core polypeptide is a component of a protein of an organism of the Piroplasmida or of the class Coccidia.
4 . The immunogenic composition according to claim 3 , characterized in that the core polypeptide is a component of a protein of an organism of the genera Eimeria or Babesia.
5 . The immunogenic composition according to claim 1 , characterized in that the heterologous hydrophobic peptide is from an N-terminal hydrophobic sequence.
6 . The immunogenic composition according to claim 1 any one of claims 1 to 4 , characterized in that the heterologous hydrophobic peptide is from an internal hydrophobic sequence.
7 . The immunogenic composition according to claim 1 , characterized in that the heterologous hydrophobic peptide is from a C-terminal hydrophobic sequence.
8 . The immunogenic composition according to claim 7 , characterized in that the C-terminal hydrophobic sequence is from decay accelerating factor (DAF).
9 . The immunogenic composition according to claim 1 , characterized in that the saponin adjuvant is Quillaja saponin.
10 . A vaccine characterized in that it comprises an immunogenic composition according to claim 1 and a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier.
11 . The vaccine according to claim 10 , characterized in that it comprises at least one additional immunoactive component.
12 . The vaccine according claim 10 , characterized in that it is in a freeze-dried form.
13 . The method for the preparation of a vaccine according to claim 10 , characterized in that the method comprises admixing an immunogenic composition according to claim 1 and a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier.
14 . (canceled)