Heat shock genes and proteins from Neisseria meningitidis, Candida glabrata and Aspergillus fumigatus

Abstract

Methods and compositions comprising isolated nucleic acid molecules specific to Neisseria meningitidis, Candida glabrata and Aspergillus fumigatus heat shock proteins (Hsps), as well as vector constructs and isolated polypeptides specific to the same are provided. Such compositions and methods are useful for the diagnosis of infections by these organisms and for generating an immune response to the organisms.

1 - 102 . (canceled)  
     
     
         103 . An isolated polypeptide comprising the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO:15.  
     
     
         104 . An isolated polypeptide comprising an amino acid sequence that (a) is at least 95% homologous to a protein sequence represented by SEQ ID NO:15, and (b) comprises a peptide of at least 8 contiguous amino acids of the protein sequence, wherein the peptide binds to a major histocompatibility complex molecule and elicits or enhances an immune response in a human.  
     
     
         105 . The polypeptide of  claim 104 , wherein the amino acid sequence is at least 97% homologous to the protein sequence.  
     
     
         106 . The polypeptide of  claim 105 , wherein the amino acid sequence is at least 98% homologous to the protein sequence.  
     
     
         107 . An isolated polypeptide comprising a peptide of at least 8 contiguous amino acids of a protein sequence represented by SEQ ID NO:15, wherein the peptide binds to a major histocompatibility complex molecule and elicits or enhances an immune response in a human.  
     
     
         108 . The isolated polypeptide of  claim 103 , wherein the polypeptide is fused to a heterologous polypeptide to create a fusion protein.  
     
     
         109 . The isolated polypeptide of  claim 104 , wherein the polypeptide is fused to a heterologous polypeptide to create a fusion protein.  
     
     
         110 . The isolated polypeptide of  claim 107 , wherein the polypeptide is fused to a heterologous polypeptide to create a fusion protein.  
     
     
         111 . A pharmaceutically acceptable composition comprising the polypeptide of  claim 103  and a carrier or diluent.  
     
     
         112 . The composition of  claim 111 , formulated for systemic or parenteral administration.  
     
     
         113 . The composition of  claim 111 , formulated for oral or intranasal administration.  
     
     
         114 . A pharmaceutically acceptable composition comprising the polypeptide of  claim 104  and a carrier or diluent.  
     
     
         115 . The composition of  claim 114 , formulated for systemic or parenteral administration.  
     
     
         116 . The composition of  claim 114 , formulated for oral or intranasal administration.  
     
     
         117 . A pharmaceutically acceptable composition comprising the polypeptide of  claim 107  and a carrier or diluent.  
     
     
         118 . The composition of  claim 117 , formulated for systemic or parenteral administration.  
     
     
         119 . The composition of  claim 117 , formulated for oral or intranasal administration.  
     
     
         120 . A method of eliciting or enhancing an immune response in a mammal against  Neisseria , the method comprising administering to the mammal the polypeptide of  claim 103  in an amount effective to elicit or enhance the immune response.  
     
     
         121 . A method of eliciting or enhancing an immune response in a mammal against  Neisseria , the method comprising administering to the mammal the composition of  claim 104  in an amount effective to elicit or enhance the immune response.  
     
     
         122 . A method of eliciting or enhancing an immune response in a mammal against a heterologous polypeptide, the method comprising administering to the mammal the polypeptide of  claim 107  in an amount effective to elicit or enhance an immune response against the heterologous polypeptide.