Non-splicing variants of gp350/220

Abstract

Compositions comprising gp350 variant DNA and amino acid sequences are provided, as are vectors and host cells containing such sequences. Also provided is a process for producing homogeneous gp350 protein recombinantly and in the absence of production of gp220 protein, pharmaceutical compositions containing such protein and prophylactic treatments making use of such proteins.

1 . An isolated DNA molecule comprising a nucleotide sequence encodes a homogeneous gp350 protein. 
     
     
         2 . The DNA molecule of  claim 1  further characterized by having a nucleotide sequence in which at least one native nucleotide encoding serine at position 501 of  FIG. 1  is replaced with a non-native nucleotide and in which at least one native nucleotide encoding glycine at position 698 is replaced with a non-native nucleotide. 
     
     
         3 . The DNA molecule of  claim 1  further characterized by encoding an amino acid sequence having a deletion of at least 8 amino acids in the transmembrane region of said homogeneous gp350 protein. 
     
     
         4 . The DNA molecule of  claim 3  wherein said nucleotide sequence encodes a homogeneous gp350 protein further comprises an amino acid sequence selected from the group consisting of
 (a) amino acid 19 through amino acid 862 of  FIG. 1 ; 
 (b) amino acid 1 through amino acid 862 of  FIG. 1 ; 
 (c) amino acid 19 through amino acid 862 and amino acid 882 through amino acid 907 of  FIG. 1 ; and 
 (d) amino acid 1 through amino acid 862 and amino acid 882 through amino acid 907 of  FIG. 1 . 
 
     
     
         5 . A vector comprising a DNA sequence of  claim 1 . 
     
     
         6 . A host cell transformed with a DNA sequence of  claim 1  in operative association with an expression control sequence capable of directing replicated and expression of said DNA sequence. 
     
     
         7 . A process for producing a homogenous gp350 protein comprising culturing a host cell of  claim 6  in a suitable culture medium and isolating said homogeneous gp350 protein from said cell. 
     
     
         8 . A homogeneous gp350 protein, made according to the process of  claim 7 . 
     
     
         9 . A homogeneous gp350 protein encoded by a polynucleotide, wherein one or more of the native nucleotides encoding the donor splice site and acceptor splice site are replaced with substitute nucleotide(s) from said native nucleotide(s) which preserves the encoded amino acid sequence encoded at said donor and acceptor sites. 
     
     
         10 . A pharmaceutical composition comprising the homogeneous gp350 protein of  claim 8  or  claim 9  in admixture with a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier. 
     
     
         11 . A method of prophylactic treatment of a EBV-related disease or condition comprising administering to a patient the pharmaceutical composition of  claim 10  in an amount sufficient to stimulate an immune response in said patient.