Cath2 derivatives

Abstract

The present invention provides new derivatives of CATH2 or CMAP27, one of the cathelicidins. These derivatives comprise N-terminally truncated peptides, cyclic peptides, D-amino acid variants of CATH2 and its truncated derivatives, inverso and retroinverso CATH2 derivatives. These derivatives are useful as anti-infectives, in vaccines, and especially for in ovo applications. Further, for the above derivatives and also for the already known C-terminally truncated derivatives new immunoactivating functions have been described that are particularly advantageous for prophylactic treatments.

1 . N-terminally truncated, Inverso or Retroinverso CMAP27-derivative. 
     
     
         2 . (canceled) 
     
     
         3 . A method for in ovo vaccination of poultry or for increasing the weight of poultry by in ovo vaccination comprising administering a CMAP27 derivative, wherein said CMAP27 derivative is selected from the group of C-terminally truncated CMAP27 derivatives, N-terminally truncated CMAP27 derivatives, D-amino acid CMAP27-derivatives, cyclic CMAP27-derivatives, inverso and retroinverso CMAP27-derivatives. 
     
     
         4 . A method for activating the immune response of an animal or human comprising providing said animal or human with a CMAP27 derivative, wherein said CMAP27 derivative is selected from the group of C-terminally truncated CMAP27 derivatives, N-terminally truncated CMAP27 derivatives, D-amino acid CMAP27-derivatives, cyclic CMAP27-derivatives, inverso and retroinverso CMAP27-derivatives 
     
     
         5 . Method according to  claim 4 , wherein the activation of the immune response is chosen from enhanced Toll-like receptor activation by increased DNA uptake, endotoxin neutralization, stimulation of cytokine/chemokine production by immune cells, direct chemotaxis, enhanced phagocytosis and stimulation of the proliferation and differentiation of immune cells. 
     
     
         6 . Immunologic composition comprising a CMAP27 derivative as claimed in  claim 1 . 
     
     
         7 . A method of preventing an infectious disease in a subject comprising administering to said subject a vaccine comprising a CMAP27 derivative according to  claim 1 . 
     
     
         8 . A method for treating bacterial infection in a subject comprising administering a CMAP27 derivative according to  claim 1 . 
     
     
         9 . A method for increasing weight in an animal comprising administering a CMAP27 derivative according to  claim 1  to said animal. 
     
     
         10 . (canceled) 
     
     
         11 . The method according to  claim 3 , wherein the poultry is chicken.