Patent
The present invention relates to polypeptides of Moraxella ( Branhamela ) catarrhalis which may be used for prophy-laxis, diagnostic and/or therapy purposes.
1. An isolated polypeptide comprising
(a) an amino acid sequence at least 90% identical to the amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO:2; or
(b) an amino acid sequence at least 95% identical to the amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO:2,
wherein the polypeptide is capable of raising antibodies that specifically bind to the polypeptide comprising the amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO:2.
2. An isolated polypeptide comprising:
(a) the amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO:2;
(b) the polypeptide of (a), wherein the N-terminal methionine residue is deleted; or
(c) the polypeptide of (a), wherein the signal peptide amino acid sequence is deleted.
3. A pharmaceutical composition comprising a polypeptide according to either claim 1 or claim 2 and a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier, diluent or adjuvant.
4. A method for inducing an immune response against Moraxella catarrhalis in a host comprising administering to said host the composition according to claim 3 .
5. A method according to claim 4 wherein the host is a neonate, an infant or a child.
6. A method according to claim 4 wherein the host is an immunocompromised host.
7. A method according to claim 4 wherein the host is an adult.
8. A method of diagnosing Moraxella catarrhalis infection in a host susceptible to Moraxella catarrhalis infection comprising:
(a) obtaining a biological sample from a host;
(b) incubating one or more polypeptides according to either claim 1 or claim 2 with the biological sample to form a mixture; and
(c) detecting specifically bound polypeptide in the mixture which indicates the presence of an antibody that specifically binds to the Moraxella catarrhalis antigen thereby detecting Moraxella catarrhalis infection.
9. A method for the detection of an antibody that specifically binds to a Moraxella catarrhalis antigen in a biological sample containing or suspected of containing said antibody comprising:
(a) obtaining a biological sample from a host;
(b) incubating one or more polypeptides according to either claim 1 or claim 2 with the biological sample to form a mixture, and
(c) detecting specifically bound polypeptide in the mixture which indicates the presence of an antibody that specifically binds to the Moraxella catarrhalis antigen.
10. A kit comprising the polypeptide according to either claim 1 or claim 2 for detection or dialgnosis of Moraxella catarrhalis infection.