Peptide mimics of conserved gonococcal epitopes and methods and compositions using them
The present invention relates to peptide mimics of a conserved gonococcal epitope of Neisseria gonorrhoeae , which epitope is not found on human blood group antigens. This invention also relates to methods and compositions using such peptide mimics for the prophylaxis of gonorrheal infections.
1. A composition for immunizing against N. gonorrhoeae infection comprising an immunoprophylactically effective amount of an isolated peptide mimic comprising the peptide sequence of SEQ ID NO: 7.
2. The composition of claim 1 , wherein the isolated peptide mimic comprises two cysteine residues, one at each terminus.
3. The composition of claim 2 , wherein the isolated peptide mimic forms a cyclic peptide through disulfide bridges between the two cysteine residues.
4. The composition of claim 1 , wherein the isolated peptide mimic is coupled to a second agent.
5. The composition of claim 4 , wherein the second agent is a complement protein, an adjuvant or a carrier protein.
6. The composition of claim 1 , wherein the isolated peptide mimic is part of a multiple antigen peptide (MAP).
7. The composition of claim 1 further comprising an adjuvant.
8. The composition of claim 1 further comprising a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier.
9. The composition of claim 7 further comprising a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier.
10. An isolated peptide mimic for immunizing against N. gonorrhoeae infection comprising the peptide sequence of SEQ ID NO: 7.
11. A method for immunizing an individual against N. gonorrhoeae infection comprising administering to the individual a composition comprising an immunoprophylactically effective amount of an isolated peptide mimic comprising the peptide sequence of SEQ ID NO: 7 and a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier.
12. The method of claim 11 , wherein the composition further comprises an adjuvant.