Streptococcus pyogenes antigens and corresponding dna fragments

Abstract

The present invention relates to antigens more particularly antigens of Streptococcus pyogenes (also called group A Streptococcus (GAS)) bacterial pathogen which are useful as vaccine component for therapy and/or prophylaxis.

1 .- 30 . (canceled) 
     
     
         31 . An isolated polypeptide, comprising an amino acid sequence having at least 90% identity to a polypeptide having an amino acid sequence comprising amino acids 34-339 of SEQ ID NO.:10, wherein the isolated polypeptide further comprises one or more amino acids from secretory sequence of SEQ ID NO.:47 and is capable of inducing an immune response that generates an antibody that specifically binds to a polypeptide or an epitope bearing portion of a polypeptide having an amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO.:10 from  Streptococcus pyogenes.    
     
     
         32 . The isolated polypeptide of  claim 31 , wherein the isolated polypeptide comprises:
 (a) an amino acid sequence having at least 95% identity to the polypeptide having an amino acid sequence comprising amino acids 34-339 of SEQ ID NO.:10, wherein the isolated polypeptide further comprises one or more amino acids from secretory sequence of SEQ ID NO.:47, or   (b) an amino acid sequence comprising amino acids 34-339 of SEQ ID NO.:10, wherein the isolated polypeptide further comprises one or more amino acids from secretory sequence of SEQ ID NO.:47.   
     
     
         33 . A method for diagnosing a  Streptococcus pyogenes  infection in a host, comprising:
 (a) contacting a biological sample from the host with the isolated polypeptide of  claim 31  to form a mixture; and   (b) detecting a specifically bound polypeptide in the mixture, wherein the specifically bound polypeptide indicates a presence of an antibody.   
     
     
         34 . A method of inducing an immune response in a host, comprising administering an immunogenically effective amount of the isolated polypeptide of  claim 31  to the host. 
     
     
         35 . The method of  claim 34 , wherein the host is a human or a non-human mammal. 
     
     
         36 . A kit for diagnosis of a  Streptococcus pyogenes  infection, comprising the isolated polypeptide of  claim 31 . 
     
     
         37 . A pharmaceutical composition, comprising the isolated polypeptide of  claim 31  and a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier, diluent, or adjuvant. 
     
     
         38 . A method for treatment of a  Streptococcus pyogenes  infection, comprising administering a therapeutic amount of the pharmaceutical composition of  claim 37  to a host. 
     
     
         39 . The method of  claim 38 , wherein the host is a human or a non-human mammal.