Outer surface proteins, their genes, and their use

Abstract

According to the present invention, a series of genes are identified in Group B Streptococcus , the products of which may be located on the outer surface of the organism. The genes, or functional fragments thereof, may be useful in the preparation of therapeutics, e.g. vaccines for the immunization of a patient against microbial infection.

1 . A composition of matter comprising:
 a) an isolated peptide selected from the group consisting of:
 1) an amino acid sequence encoded by a polynucleotide obtainable from a Group B  Streptococcus , wherein said polynucleotide comprises a gene selected from the group consisting of MS4, MS10, MS11, MS14 and MS16; 
 2) an amino acid sequence selected from the group consisting of SEQ ID NO: 2, 4, 6, 8, 10 and 12; 
 3) a homologue of 1) or 2); and 4) a functional fragment of 1) or 2); or 
   b) an isolated polynucleotide:
 1) encoding a polypeptide of any one of a1) to a4); or 
 2) comprising a nucleic acid sequence selected from the group consisting of SEQ ID NO: 1, 3, 5, 7, 9, and 11; or 
   c) a host cell transformed to express a polynucleotide of b1) or b2); or   d) a vaccine comprising any one of a1), a2), a3), a4), b1), or b2); or   e) an antibody raised against a peptide of any of a1) to a4).   
     
     
         2 . An isolated peptide comprising an amino acid sequence selected from the group consisting of SEQ ID NO: 2, 4, 6, 8, 10 and 12, or a homologue or furictional fragment of any of the foregoing. 
     
     
         3 . A method for screening for potential drugs, wherein said method comprises the use of a peptide encoded by a polynucleotide, wherein said polynucleotide sequence comprises a gene obtainable from a Group B Streptococcus, wherein said gene is selected from the group consisting of MS4, MS10, MS11, MS14 and MS16; or wherein said polynucleotide sequence comprises a homologue or a functional fragment of one of said Group B  Streptococcus  genes. 
     
     
         4 . The method according to  claim 3 , wherein said peptide comprises an amino acid sequence selected from the group consisting of SEQ ID NO: 2, 4, 6, 8, 10 and 12. 
     
     
         5 . A method for the detection of virulence; comprising the use of a peptide encoded by a polynucleotide sequence, wherein said polynucleotide sequence comprises a gene obtainable from a Group B Streptococcus, wherein said gene is selected from the group consisting of MS4, MS 10, MS11, MS14 and MS16; or wherein said polynucleotide sequence comprises a homologue or a functional fragment of one of said Group B  Streptococcus  genes. 
     
     
         6 . The method according to  claim 5 , wherein said peptide comprises an amino acid sequence selected from the group consisting of SEQ ID NO: 2, 4, 6, 8, 10 and 12. 
     
     
         7 . A method for the treatment or prevention of a condition associated with bacterial infection, wherein said method comprises administering to a patient in need of such treatment or prevention, an effective amount of a peptide encoded by a polynucleotide sequence, wherein said polynucleotide sequence comprises a gene obtainable from a Group B Streptococcus, wherein said gene is selected from the group consisting of MS4, MS10, MS11, MS14 and MS16; or wherein said polynucleotide sequence comprises a homologue or a functional fragment of one of said Group B  Streptococcus  genes. 
     
     
         8 . The method according to  claim 7 , wherein the infection is a Group B Streptococcal infection. 
     
     
         9 . The method according to  claim 7 , wherein the infection is a local infection. 
     
     
         10 . The method according to  claim 7 , wherein the infection is a urinary tract infection. 
     
     
         11 . The method according to  claim 7 , wherein the peptide comprises an amino acid sequence selected from the group consisting of SEQ ID NO: 2, 4, 6, 8, 10 and 12, or a homologue or functional fragment of any of the foregoing. 
     
     
         12 . The method according to  claim 7 , wherein the peptide comprises an amino acid sequence selected from the group consisting SEQ ID NO: 2, 4, 6, 8, 10 and 12. 
     
     
         13 . The method according to  claim 7 , wherein the peptide comprises a non-phosphorylating NADP-dependent glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate dehydrogenase.