Vaccinia virus polypeptides

Abstract

This document provides methods and materials related to polypeptides present in a vaccinia virus (e.g., polypeptides that can be isolated from naturally processed and presented class I polypeptides originating from vaccinia virus, a member of the Orthopoxvirus family). For example, methods for generating a vaccine comprising one or more of vaccinia virus polypeptides disclosed herein for preventing or treating Orthopoxvirus infection are provided. In addition, kits related to the use of vaccinia polypeptides are provided.

1 . An isolated polypeptide, wherein the amino acid sequence of said polypeptide is as set forth in any one of SEQ ID NOs:1-83. 
     
     
         2 . A composition comprising at least one isolated polypeptide selected from the group consisting of SEQ ID NOs:1-82 and 83 and at least one polypeptide selected from the group consisting of SEQ ID NOs:84-115 and 116. 
     
     
         3 . The composition of  claim 2 , wherein said composition further comprises an adjuvant. 
     
     
         4 . A method of preventing or treating variola virus infection in a subject, wherein said method comprises administering to said subject a composition comprising an adjuvant and at least one polypeptide, wherein the amino acid sequence of said polypeptide is as set forth in any one of SEQ ID NOs:1-83. 
     
     
         5 . The method of  claim 4 , wherein said subject is a human. 
     
     
         6 . A vaccine comprising at least one isolated polypeptide, wherein the amino acid sequence of said polypeptide is as set forth in any one of SEQ ID NOs:1-83. 
     
     
         7 . The vaccine of  claim 6 , wherein said vaccine comprises at least one polypeptide selected from the group consisting of SEQ ID NOs:84-115 and 116. 
     
     
         8 . The vaccine of  claim 6 , wherein said vaccine comprises an adjuvant. 
     
     
         9 . A method of enhancing the immune response in a subject to a vaccine, wherein said method comprises administering an agent capable of increasing the expression of a transporter associated with antigen processing in said subject, wherein said vaccine comprises at least one isolated polypeptide, wherein the amino acid sequence of said polypeptide is as set forth in any one of SEQ ID NOs:1-83. 
     
     
         10 . The method of  claim 9 , wherein said transporter is TAP1, TAP2, or Tapasin. 
     
     
         11 . A method of inducing an immune response against at least one isolated polypeptide selected from the group consisting of SEQ ID NOs:1-82 and 83, wherein said method comprises administering said polypeptide to a subject in an amount effective to induce an immune response against said polypeptide. 
     
     
         12 . The method of  claim 11 , wherein said polypeptide is administered in combination with a polypeptide selected from the group consisting of SEQ ID NOs: 84-115 and 116. 
     
     
         13 . The method of  claim 11 , wherein said polypeptide is administered in combination with a pharmaceutically acceptable excipient, carrier, diluent, or vehicle. 
     
     
         14 . The method of  claim 11 , wherein said method comprises administering to said subject an agent capable of increasing expression of a TAP molecule. 
     
     
         15 . The method of  claim 11 , wherein said immune response is a cell mediated immune response. 
     
     
         16 . The method of  claim 15 , wherein said cell mediated immune response is a cell mediated cytolytic immune response. 
     
     
         17 . The method of  claim 15 , wherein said cell mediated immune response is a class I-restricted T cell response. 
     
     
         18 . A kit comprising (a) at least one polypeptide selected from the group consisting of SEQ ID NOs:1-82 and 83, and (b) an adjuvant. 
     
     
         19 . The kit of  claim 18 , wherein said kit comprises at least two polypeptides selected from said group. 
     
     
         20 . The kit of  claim 18 , wherein said kit comprises at least one polypeptide selected from the group consisting of SEQ ID NOs:84-115 and 116.