Diabetic model

Abstract

An isolated nucleic acid molecule is disclosed, including a nucleotide sequence selected from the nucleotide sequence of (a) Ljungan virus 87-012, (b) Ljungan virus 145SL, (c) Ljungan virus 174F, and (d) a fragment of nucleotide sequences (a)-(c). Also disclosed are polypeptides encoded by the isolated nucleic acid, which are useful in preparing vaccines and antibodies to prevent or inhibit conditions caused by Ljungan virus, including diabetes.

1 - 30 . (canceled) 
     
     
         31 . An isolated nucleic acid molecule comprising a nucleotide sequence selected from the group consisting of: (a) the nucleotide sequence as shown in  FIG. 7 ; (b) the nucleotide sequence as shown in  FIG. 8 ; (c) the nucleotide sequence as shown in  FIG. 9 ; and (d) a fragment of a nucleotide sequence of (a)-(c). 
     
     
         32 . A polypeptide encoded by the nucleic acid molecule according to  claim 31 . 
     
     
         33 . An antibody that specifically binds the polypeptide according to  claim 32 . 
     
     
         34 . The antibody according to  claim 33  which is mononclonal. 
     
     
         35 . A vaccine comprising a component selected from: (a) a polypeptide according to  claim 32  and (b) an antibody according to  claim 33 . 
     
     
         36 . A method for treating or preventing Ljungan virus infection and diabetes comprising administering a composition selected from: (a) a polypeptide according to  claim 32 ; (b) an antibody according to  claim 33 ; and (c) a vaccine according to  claim 35 .