Signal peptides, nucleic acid molecules and methods for treatment of caries

Abstract

Compounds that competitively inhibit binding of CSP to S. mutans histidine kinase are provided. The compounds are preferably a peptide or an antibody, and are preferably a derivative of [SEQ ID NO:2], a fragment of [SEQ ID NO:2] or a derivative of a fragment of [SEQ ID NO:2]. Methods of making these compounds and their use for inhibiting the growth of S. mutans, for inhibiting dental caries, and for improving dental health are also disclosed.

1 - 20 . (canceled) 
     
     
         21 . A CSP analog comprising a polypeptide having 95% sequence identity to SEQ ID NO: 11, wherein the polypeptide inhibits genetic competence. 
     
     
         22 . The CSP analog of  claim 21 , wherein the polypeptide comprises a single amino acid deletion of SEQ ID NO: 11. 
     
     
         23 . The CSP analog of  claim 21 , wherein the polypeptide comprises a single amino acid substitution of SEQ ID NO: 11. 
     
     
         24 . The CSP analog of  claim 21 , wherein the polypeptide comprises a single amino acid addition of SEQ ID NO: 11. 
     
     
         25 . The CSP analog of  claim 21 , wherein the polypeptide is selected from the group consisting of SEQ ID NO: 41, SEQ ID NO: 43, SEQ ID NO: 46, SEQ ID NO: 48, and SEQ ID NO: 51. 
     
     
         26 . A pharmaceutical composition comprising a CSP analog of  claim 21  and pharmaceutically acceptable carrier. 
     
     
         27 . A method of inhibiting a biofilm comprising applying a pharmaceutical composition according to  claim 25  to the biofilm. 
     
     
         28 . A method of  claim 27 , further comprising administering an antibiotic. 
     
     
         29 . A nucleic acid comprising an oligonucleotide encoding a CSP analog of  claim 21 . 
     
     
         30 . An expression vector comprising the nucleic acid of  claim 29 . 
     
     
         31 . A host cell comprising the expression vector of  claim 30 . 
     
     
         32 . A method of expressing a CSP analog comprising culturing the host cell of  claim 31  in culture medium. 
     
     
         33 . A fusion protein comprising the CSP analog of  claim 21  and a second peptide. 
     
     
         34 . A fusion protein of  claim 33 , wherein the CSP analog is selected from the group consisting of SEQ ID NO: 41, SEQ ID NO: 43, SEQ ID NO: 46, SEQ ID NO: 48, and SEQ ID NO: 51. 
     
     
         35 . A nucleic acid molecule encoding the fusion protein of  claim 33 . 
     
     
         36 . A pharmaceutical composition comprising the fusion protein of  claim 33  and a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier. 
     
     
         37 . A method of inhibiting a biofilm comprising administering the pharmaceutical composition of  claim 36 . 
     
     
         38 . The method of  claim 36  further comprising administering an antibiotic. 
     
     
         39 . An expression vector comprising the nucleic acid of  claim 35 . 
     
     
         40 . A host cell comprising the expression vector of  claim 39 . 
     
     
         41 . A method of producing a fusion protein comprising culturing the host cell of  claim 40  in culture medium 
     
     
         42 . An antimicrobial composition comprising a) the CSP analog of  claim 21 , and b) a surfactant, a disinfectant, or both a surfactant and a disinfectant.