DNA sequences encoding peptide sequences specific for the hepatic stages of P. falciparum bearing epitopes capable of stimulating the T lymphocytes

Abstract

The invention discloses isolated DNA sequences encoded by polypeptides characterized by the presence in their structure of one or more sequences bearing all or part of the one or more T epitopes, and possibly other epitopes, particularly B epitopes, characteristic of proteins resulting from the infectious activity of P. falciparum in hepatic cells.

1 . A polypeptide comprising an amino acid sequence selected from the group consisting of: SEQ ID NO. 20, SEQ ID NO: 21, SEQ ID NO: 22, SEQ ID NO: 23, SEQ ID NO: 24, SEQ ID NO: 25, SEQ ID NO: 26, SEQ ID NO: 27 and SEQ ID NO: 28 or an epitope effective portion thereof. 
     
     
         2 . A polypeptide comprising an amino acid sequence selected from the group consisting of SEQ ID NO: 43 and SEQ ID NO: 47 or an epitope effective portion thereof. 
     
     
         3 . The polypeptide according to  claim 1 , wherein said polypeptide is linked to one or several amino acids of one or more peptides other than a  P. falciparum  Liver Stage Antigen. 
     
     
         4 . The polypeptide according to  claim 2 , wherein said polypeptide is linked to one or several amino acids of one or more peptides other than a  P. falciparum  Liver Stage Antigen. 
     
     
         5 . The polypeptide according to  claim 1 , wherein said polypeptide is a synthetic polypeptide. 
     
     
         6 . The polypeptide according to  claim 2 , wherein said polypeptide is a synthetic polypeptide. 
     
     
         7 . A kit for detecting malaria in an individual infected by  Plasmodium falciparum  which comprises a polypeptide selected from the group SEQ ID NO. 20, SEQ ID NO: 21, SEQ ID NO: 22, SEQ ID NO: 23, SEQ ID NO: 24, SEQ ID NO: 25, SEQ ID NO: 26, SEQ ID NO: 27, SEQ ID NO: 28, SEQ ID NO: 43, and SEQ ID NO: 47 or an epitope effective portion thereof. 
     
     
         8 . An in vitro method for detecting malaria in an individual infected by  Plasmodium falciparum  which comprises placing a tissue or a biological fluid taken from said individual, in contacting with a polypeptide selected from the group consisting of: SEQ ID NO. 20, SEQ ID NO: 21, SEQ ID NO: 22, SEQ ID NO: 23, SEQ ID NO: 24, SEQ ID NO: 25, SEQ ID NO:26, SEQ ID NO: 27, SEQ ID NO: 28, SEQ ID NO; 43, and SEQ ID NO:47 or an epitope effective portion thereof, under conditions allowing an in vitro immunological reaction to occur between said polypeptide and antibodies present in the biological tissue or fluid, and detecting antigen-antibody complexes that are formed. 
     
     
         9 . The method according to  claim 8 , wherein said biological fluid is serum. 
     
     
         10 . The method according to  claim 8 , wherein said polypeptide is labeled. 
     
     
         11 . The method according to  claim 10 , wherein said labeled polypeptide has an enzyme label, a fluorescent label or a radioactive label. 
     
     
         12 . The method according to  claim 8 , wherein said antigen-antibody complex is detected using an enzymatic procedure, a fluorescent procedure or a radioactive procedure.