DNA sequence, and recombinant preparation of the grass pollen allergen Lol p 4
The present invention relates to the provision of a DNA sequence of the major grass pollen allergen Lol p 4. The invention also encompasses fragments, new combinations of partial sequences and point mutants having a hypoallergenic action. The recombinant DNA molecules and the derived polypeptides, fragments, new combinations of partial sequences and variants can be utilized for the therapy of pollen-allergic diseases. The proteins prepared by recombinant methods can be employed for in vitro and in vivo diagnosis of pollen allergies.
1. A DNA molecule encoding an Lol p 4 allergen having the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 2 or SEQ ID NO: 4, wherein the nucleotide sequence of the DNA molecule differs from SEQ ID: NO 1 and SEQ ID NO: 3, respectively, by at least once nucleotide, and wherein the nucleotide sequence has been codon optimized for the expression of said allergen polypeptide by recombinant methods in a host cell that is not a cell of Lolium perenne.
2. A recombinant DNA expression vector or a cloning system comprising a DNA molecule of claim 1 , functionally linked to an expression control sequence.
3. A non-human host organism transformed with a DNA molecule of claim 1 or with an expression vector comprising said DNA molecule.
4. A process for the preparation of a polypeptide encoded by a DNA sequence of claim 1 , comprising cultivating a host organism and isolating the corresponding polypeptide from the culture.
5. A medicament comprising a DNA molecule of claim 1 .
6. A medicament comprising a recombinant expression vector of claim 2 .
7. A pharmaceutical composition comprising at least one DNA molecule of claim 1 or at least one expression vector comprising said DNA molecule, and optionally comprising further active ingredients and/or adjuvants for the treatment of an allergy triggered by a group 4 allergen from Poaceae species by immunotherapeutic DNA vaccination of a patient having said allergy.
8. A method for the treatment of an allergy triggered by a group 4 allergen from Poaceae species by immunotherapeutic DNA vaccination, comprising administering to a patient in need thereof the pharmaceutical preparation of claim 7 .