U.S. patent application number 10/999363 was filed with the patent office on 2005-05-05 for fusion proteins comprising carriers that can induce a dual immune response.
Invention is credited to Campos, Manuel, Durtschi, Becky A., Martinod, Serge, Yule, Terecita D..
Application Number | 20050095258 10/999363 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 22390397 |
Filed Date | 2005-05-05 |
United States Patent
Application |
20050095258 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Campos, Manuel ; et
al. |
May 5, 2005 |
Fusion proteins comprising carriers that can induce a dual immune
response
Abstract
The subject invention provides a fusion protein for producing a
dual immune response in a vertebrate, which fusion protein
comprises: (a) a first proteinaceous portion analogous to all or
part of a peptide endogenously synthesized within the vertebrate,
the activity of which peptide is to be inhibited within the
vertebrate, and which proteinaceous portion by itself is incapable
of eliciting an effective immunoinhibitory response in said
vertebrate; connected to (b) a second proteinaceous portion
analogous to all or part of an immunogen from a pathogen, which
pathogen is capable of pathogenically infecting the vertebrate; the
portion (b) causing the vertebrate's immune system to recognize the
portion (a) and produce a response that: (i) inhibits the activity
of the peptide endogenously synthesized within the vertebrate; and
(ii) protects the vertebrate from infection by the pathogen, when
the vertebrate is vaccinated with an effective amount of the fusion
protein. The subject invention also provides fusion proteins which
comprise a proteinaceous portion (b) that is a carrier that is
analogous to all or part of a BHV-1 antigen, which fusion proteins
induce in a vertebrate vaccinated with an effective amount of such
fusion protein an immune response that inhibits the activity of a
peptide as recited in (a), above.
Inventors: |
Campos, Manuel; (Stonington,
CT) ; Yule, Terecita D.; (Norwich, CT) ;
Martinod, Serge; (Groton, CT) ; Durtschi, Becky
A.; (Ledyard, CT) |
Correspondence
Address: |
KOHN & ASSOCIATES PLLC
30500 NORTHWESTERN HWY
STE 410
FARMINGTON HILLS
MI
48334
US
|
Family ID: |
22390397 |
Appl. No.: |
10/999363 |
Filed: |
November 29, 2004 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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10999363 |
Nov 29, 2004 |
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09506078 |
Feb 16, 2000 |
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60120454 |
Feb 17, 1999 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
424/192.1 ;
435/320.1; 435/325; 435/69.7; 530/350; 536/23.5 |
Current CPC
Class: |
C07K 2319/00 20130101;
C07K 19/00 20130101; A61K 39/0006 20130101; A61P 31/22 20180101;
C07K 14/005 20130101; A61K 38/00 20130101; C07K 7/23 20130101; C07K
16/26 20130101; A61K 39/00 20130101; C12N 2710/16722 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
424/192.1 ;
435/069.7; 435/320.1; 435/325; 530/350; 536/023.5 |
International
Class: |
A61K 039/00; C07H
021/04; C12P 021/04; C07K 014/47 |
Claims
What is claimed is:
1. A fusion protein for producing a dual immune response in a
vertebrate, which fusion protein comprises: (a) a first
proteinaceous portion analogous to all or part of a peptide
endogenously synthesized within the vertebrate, the activity of
which peptide is to be inhibited within the vertebrate, and which
proteinaceous portion by itself is incapable of eliciting an
effective immunoinhibitory response in said vertebrate; connected
to (b) a second proteinaceous portion analogous to all or part of
an immunogen from a pathogen, which pathogen is capable of
pathogenically infecting the vertebrate; the portion (b) causing
the vertebrate's immune system to recognize the portion (a) and
produce a response that: (i) inhibits the activity of the peptide
endogenously synthesized within the vertebrate; and (ii) protects
the vertebrate from infection by the pathogen, when the vertebrate
is vaccinated with an effective amount of the fusion protein.
2. A fusion protein according to claim 1 comprising a portion (a)
analogous to all or part of a GnRH peptide and a portion (b)
analogous to all or part of a BHV-1 antigen.
3. A fusion protein for producing an immune response in a
vertebrate, which fusion protein comprises: (a) a first
proteinaceous portion analogous to all or part of a peptide the
activity of which is to be inhibited within the vertebrate, and
which proteinaceous portion by itself is incapable of eliciting an
effective immunoinhibitory response in said vertebrate; connected
to (b) a second proteinaceous portion analogous to all or part of a
BHV-1 antigen; the second proteinaceous portion (b) causing the
vertebrate's immune system to recognize the first proteinaceous
portion (a) and produce an immune response capable of inhibiting
the activity of the peptide within the vertebrate when the
vertebrate is vaccinated with an effective amount of the fusion
protein.
4. A fusion protein according to claim 3 comprising a portion (a)
analogous to all or part of a GnRH peptide.
5. A fusion protein according to claim 3 wherein portion (b) is
analogous to all or part of BHV-1 gD.
6. A polynucleotide molecule comprising a nucleotide sequence
encoding a fusion protein according to claim 1 or 3.
7. A vector comprising a polynucleotide molecule according to claim
6.
8. A vector according to claim 7, suitable for in vitro expression
of the fusion protein.
9. A vector according to claim 7, suitable for in vivo expression
of the fusion protein.
10. A transformed cell comprising a polynucleotide molecule
comprising a nucleotide sequence encoding a fusion protein
according to claim 1 or 4.
11. A dual-function vaccine which comprises a fusion protein
according to claim 1, a vector according to claim 7, or a
transformed cell according to claim 10 in an amount effective to
inhibit the activity of the peptide from which portion (a) of the
fusion protein is derived and to protect against infection by the
pathogen from which portion (b) of the fusion protein is derived in
a vertebrate which endogenously synthesizes the peptide and which
can be pathogenically infected by the pathogen, along with a
carrier acceptable for pharmaceutical or veterinary use.
12. A dual-function vaccine for inhibiting GnRH activity in cattle
and for protecting cattle against BHV-1 infection which comprises a
fusion protein according to claim 2, a vector according to claim 7,
or a transformed cell according to claim 10 in an amount effective
to inhibit GnRH activity and protect cattle against BHV-1
infection, along with a carrier acceptable for pharmaceutical or
veterinary use.
13. A vaccine for inhibiting the activity of a peptide in a
vertebrate which comprises a fusion protein according to claim 3, a
vector according to claim 7, or a transformed cell according to
claim 10 in an amount effective to inhibit the activity of the
peptide, along with a carrier acceptable for pharmaceutical or
veterinary use.
14. A method for inhibiting the activity of an
endogenously-synthesized peptide in a vertebrate and for protecting
the vertebrate from a pathogenic infection which comprises
immunizing the vertebrate with an amount of a vaccine according to
claim 11, which amount is effective to inhibit the activity of the
peptide and to protect against infection by the pathogen.
15. A method for inhibiting sexual characteristics in a cow and for
protecting the cow against BHV-1 infection which comprises
immunizing the cow with an amount of a vaccine according to claim
12, which amount is effective to inhibit sexual characteristics and
protect against BHV-1 infection.
16. A method for inhibiting the activity of a peptide in a
vertebrate which comprises immunizing the vertebrate with an amount
of a vaccine according to claim 13, which amount is effective to
inhibit the activity of the peptide.
17. A method for inhibiting sexual characteristics in a vertebrate
which comprises immunizing the vertebrate with an amount of a
vaccine according to claim 13, wherein the fusion protein, vector,
or transformed cell in said vaccine comprises an amino acid
sequence analogous to or encodes an amino acid sequence analogous
to all or part of a GnRH peptide, which amount of vaccine is
effective to inhibit sexual characteristics.
Description
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0001] The present invention is in the field of animal and human
health, and is directed to fusion proteins useful in vaccine
compositions.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] The vertebrate immune system comprises an intricate system
of cells, secreted factors, and responses for protecting an
organism from pathogenic infection by microbes, viruses, toxins,
and other pathogens and irritants. Certain molecules, however,
comprise epitopes which do not induce an effective immune response
in a vertebrate because of their small size and/or because they are
endogenously synthesized within the vertebrate and are therefore
not perceived as "foreign" by the vertebrate's immune system.
Methods for producing antibodies against certain peptides which are
normally non-immunogenic, such as hormones, are desirable because
immunoregulation of the activity of such peptides within the
organism can thereby be achieved.
[0003] Hormone peptides have been combined with various carrier
peptides in fusion proteins to elicit an effective immune response
against the hormone when an organism is vaccinated with the fusion
protein. The carrier portion causes the organism's immune system to
recognize and generate antibodies against the hormone peptide which
it would not otherwise generate.
[0004] U.S. Pat. No. 5,403,586 to Russell-Jones et al., for
example, relates to fusion proteins which comprise an analog of
gonadotropin releasing hormone (GnRH), also known as luteinizing
hormone releasing hormone (LHRH), and a TraTp analog, wherein the
presence of the TraTp analog in the fusion protein helps trigger
the production of anti-GnRH antibodies. TraTp is an outer membrane
lipoprotein produced by certain strains of E. coli, as described in
U.S. Pat. No. 5,403,586, above.
[0005] U.S. Pat. No. 5,422,110 to Potter et al. relates to carrier
systems that include chimeric proteins which comprise a leukotoxin
polypeptide fused to a selected antigen. The leukotoxin functions
to increase the immunogenicity of the antigen. Selected antigens
that are disclosed therein include GnRH, somatostatin (SRIF), and
rotavirus viral protein 4 (VP4).
[0006] WO 90/02187 relates to fusion proteins which comprise an
antigenic, hydrophilic portion, such as Hepatitis B surface antigen
(HBsAg), and a peptide, such as GnRH, which alone is not
substantially antigenic.
[0007] GnRH is a decapeptide endogenously produced, mainly in the
hypothalamus. It is highly conserved among vertebrate species. In
mammals, the GnRH gene encodes the decapeptide
glu-his-trp-ser-tyr-gly-le- u-arg-pro-gly with subsequent
post-translational modification of the N and C termini to
pyroglutamic acid and glycinamide, respectively, producing
(pyro)-glu-his-trp-ser-tyr-gly-leu-arg-pro-gly-NH.sub.2. GnRH has
been shown to play a critical role in the regulation of
reproductive functions in all major vertebrates by regulating the
production and release of follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) and
luteinizing hormone (LH) from the pituitary gland. Because FSH and
LH play a role in spermatogenesis and ovulation, as well as
steroidogenesis, vaccines that result in the production of
antibodies against GnRH lead to the suppression of reproductive
function (fertility) in both males and females, and should also
control secondary sexual characteristics such as gender-related
behavior. In males, LH regulates steroidogenesis in Leydig cells.
Thus, active immunization of males against GnRH leads to testicular
atrophy and a decrease in testosterone production and testicular
function, (Ladd, A. et al., 1994, Biol. Reprod. 51:1076-1083; Ladd
A., 1993, Am. J. Reprod. Immunol. 29:189-194). A GnRH vaccine has
been approved by the United States Food and Drug Administration as
an investigational new drug for the treatment of prostate cancer
(Ladd A., 1993, above). The development of a GnRH
immuno-contraceptive is a useful alternative to surgical
sterilization in animals, and has the added advantage of being
reversible, since spermatogenesis and fertility can return to
normal by simply allowing anti-GnRH titers to decline (Ladd, A. et
al., 1989, J. Reprod. Immunol. 15:85-101). However, since GnRH is a
small self peptide and has a short half-life (WO 90/02187, Mar. 8,
1990), it is only weakly immunogenic, even when injected with a
powerful adjuvant. For example, a significant proportion of animals
are not able to mount an effective antibody response against GnRH
when administered in Freund's complete adjuvant. In order to
generate a significant antibody response, GnRH must therefore be
conjugated, chemically or recombinantly, to a carrier protein.
[0008] None of the aforementioned references, however, teach or
suggest using a carrier which triggers an immunoinhibiting response
against itself.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0009] The subject invention provides a fusion protein for
producing a dual immune response in a vertebrate, which fusion
protein comprises: (a) a first proteinaceous portion analogous to
all or part of a peptide endogenously synthesized within the
vertebrate, the activity of which peptide is to be inhibited within
the vertebrate, and which proteinaceous portion by itself is
incapable of eliciting an effective immunoinhibitory response in
said vertebrate; connected to (b) a second proteinaceous portion
analogous to all or part of an immunogen from a pathogen, which
pathogen is capable of pathogenically infecting the vertebrate; the
portion (b) causing the vertebrate's immune system to recognize the
portion (a) and produce a response that: (i) inhibits the activity
of the peptide endogenously synthesized within the vertebrate; and
(ii) protects the vertebrate from infection by the pathogen, when
the vertebrate is vaccinated with an effective amount of the fusion
protein.
[0010] The subject invention further provides, in a second aspect,
a fusion protein for producing an immune response in a vertebrate,
which fusion protein comprises: (a) a first proteinaceous portion
analogous to all or part of a peptide, the activity of which
peptide is to be inhibited within the vertebrate, and which
proteinaceous portion by itself is incapable of eliciting an
effective immunoinhibitory response in said vertebrate; connected
to (b) a second proteinaceous portion analogous to all or part of a
Bovine Herpes Virus Type-1 (BHV-1) antigen; the second
proteinaceous portion (b) causing the vertebrate's immune system to
recognize the first proteinaceous portion (a) and produce an immune
response capable of inhibiting the activity of the peptide within
the vertebrate when the vertebrate is vaccinated with an effective
amount of the fusion protein.
[0011] The subject invention further provides fusion proteins as
recited in the preceding two paragraphs which are recombinant
fusion proteins.
[0012] The subject invention further provides a polynucleotide
molecule comprising a nucleotide sequence encoding a fusion protein
of the present invention.
[0013] The subject invention further provides a vector which
comprises a polynucleotide molecule comprising a nucleotide
sequence which encodes a fusion protein of the present
invention.
[0014] The subject invention further provides a transformed cell
comprising a polynucleotide molecule comprising a nucleotide
sequence encoding a fusion protein of the present invention.
[0015] The subject invention further provides a dual-function
vaccine which comprises an amount of a fusion protein as set forth
above comprising: (a) a first proteinaceous portion analogous to
all or part of a peptide endogenously synthesized within a
vertebrate, the activity of which peptide is to be inhibited within
the vertebrate, and which proteinaceous portion by itself is
incapable of eliciting an effective immunoinhibitory response in
said vertebrate; connected to (b) a second proteinaceous portion
analogous to all or part of an immunogen from a pathogen, which
pathogen is capable of pathogenically infecting the vertebrate; the
portion (b) capable of causing the vertebrate's immune system to
recognize the portion (a) and produce a response that: (i) inhibits
the activity of the peptide endogenously synthesized within the
vertebrate; and (ii) protects the vertebrate from infection by the
pathogen, said fusion protein being present in the dual-function
vaccine in an amount effective to inhibit the activity of the
peptide from which portion (a) is derived and to protect the
vertebrate from infection by the pathogen from which portion (b) is
derived, said dual-function vaccine further comprising a carrier
acceptable for pharmaceutical or veterinary use.
[0016] The subject invention further provides a method for
inhibiting the activity of an endogenously-synthesized peptide in a
vertebrate and for protecting the vertebrate from a pathogenic
infection, which method comprises immunizing the vertebrate with a
vaccine as recited in the preceding paragraph in an amount
effective to inhibit the activity of the peptide and to protect
against infection by the pathogen.
[0017] The subject invention further provides a vaccine for
inhibiting the activity of a peptide in a vertebrate which
comprises a fusion protein as set forth above which comprises: (a)
a first proteinaceous portion analogous to all or part of a
peptide, the activity of which peptide is to be inhibited within
the vertebrate, and which proteinaceous portion by itself is
incapable of eliciting an effective immunoinhibitory response in
said vertebrate; connected to (b) a second proteinaceous portion
analogous to all or part of a BHV-1 antigen; the second
proteinaceous portion (b) being capable of causing the vertebrate's
immune system to recognize the first proteinaceous portion (a) and
to produce a response that inhibits the activity of the peptide
within the vertebrate, the fusion protein being present in the
vaccine in an amount effective to inhibit the activity of the
peptide in the vertebrate, and the vaccine further comprising a
carrier acceptable for pharmaceutical or veterinary use.
[0018] The subject invention further provides a method for
inhibiting the activity of a peptide in a vertebrate which
comprises immunizing the vertebrate with a vaccine as recited in
the preceding paragraph in an amount effective to inhibit the
peptide.
[0019] The subject invention further provides a method of making
polyclonal antibodies directed against a peptide that is
endogenously synthesized in a vertebrate which comprises
vaccinating such a vertebrate with an antibody-inducing amount of a
fusion protein of the present invention, or a vector or transformed
cell comprising a polynucleotide molecule comprising a nucleotide
sequence encoding such a fusion protein, which fusion protein
comprises a portion (a) analogous to all or part of a peptide
endogenously synthesized within the vertebrate; obtaining serum
containing polyclonal antibodies from the vaccinated vertebrate;
and isolating from the serum polyclonal antibodies which bind to
the endogenously-synthesized peptide; thereby making polyclonal
antibodies directed against the peptide.
[0020] The subject invention further provides polyclonal antibodies
directed against an endogenously-synthesized peptide made according
to the method recited in the preceding paragraph.
[0021] The subject invention further provides a method of making a
monoclonal antibody directed against a peptide that is endogenously
synthesized in a vertebrate which comprises vaccinating such a
vertebrate with an antibody-inducing amount of a fusion protein of
the present invention, or vector or transformed cell comprising a
polynucleotide molecule comprising a nucleotide sequence encoding
such a fusion protein, which fusion protein comprises a portion (a)
analogous to all or part of a peptide endogenously synthesized
within the vertebrate; and isolating a spleen cell from the
vaccinated vertebrate which spleen cell excretes a monoclonal
antibody that specifically binds to the endogenously-synthesized
peptide; thereby making a monoclonal antibody directed against the
peptide.
[0022] The subject invention further provides monoclonal antibodies
directed against an endogenously-synthesized peptide made according
to the method recited in the preceding paragraph.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES
[0023] FIG. 1: Constructs of gD/GnRH fusions: fusion proteins
constructed according to the subject invention are depicted. gD in
these constructs is mature (the signal sequence has been removed)
and truncated (the transmembrane domain and remaining 3' sequence
has been removed). GnRH is in tetrameric form.
[0024] FIG. 2: A GnRH-tetramer clone, constructed by fusing the C
termini of annealed GnRH oligonucleotides (set forth in SEQ ID NOS:
7 and 8) to the GnRH sequence (annealed oligonucleotides set forth
in SEQ ID NOS: 9 and 10) in dimer clone 98BS/GnR. Flanking
sequences from plasmid pBS KS+(Stratagene) and cloning sites
therein, are also depicted. This nucleotide sequence is set forth
in SEQ ID NO: 14. The encoded amino acid sequence (SEQ ID NO: 15)
is also shown.
[0025] FIG. 3 (FIG. 3A-3C): Nucleotide sequence (SEQ ID NO: 16)
encoding BHV-1 gD within clone FlgD/Pots207nco(#79), as well as the
encoded polyaminoacid gD sequence (SEQ ID NO: 17). Nucleotides 3-56
encode the signal sequence; nucleotides 1092-1169 encode the
transmembrane domain. Nucleotides 57-1259 encode mature gD, and
nucleotides 57-1076 encode truncated mature gD. "Gly" represents
regions of glycosylation. Vector sequences flanking the gD coding
sequence are shown.
[0026] FIG. 4 (FIG. 4A-4C): Alignment report (DNA alignment)
comparing BHV-1 gD from clone FlgD/Pots207nco(#79) (gD/Pots, top
sequence) and BHV-1 gD having GenBank Accession No. M59846 (bottom
sequence) (Tikoo et al., 1990, above) (GenBank DNA sequence
database of the U.S. National Center for Biotechnology Information
(NCBI, Bethesda, Md.)). Clustal method with weighted residue weight
table was used for this report. "TM" stands for transmembrane
domain. Boxed residues in the FlgD/Pots207nco(#79) clone are those
that differ from residues in M59846. M59846 DNA is SEQ ID NO:
18.
[0027] FIG. 5: Amino acid alignment between gD/Pots (bottom
sequence) and M59846 (top sequence). Clustal method with PAM250
residue weight table was used. Residues in gD/Pots which differ
from residues in M59846 are boxed. M59846 is SEQ ID NO: 19.
[0028] FIG. 6: (FIG. 6A-6C): pQE-tmgD. Nucleotide coding sequence
for the tmgD, flanked by plasmid pQE-31 sequences, including a
sequence encoding a 6.times.HIS tag, which is expressed connected
to the tmgD (SEQ ID NO: 20). The amino acid sequence of the tmgD
with the connected 6.times.HIS tag is also shown (SEQ ID NO:
21).
[0029] FIG. 7 (FIG. 7A-7C): Nucleotide coding sequence and flanking
sequences for plasmid pQE-GnRH:gD (SEQ ID NO: 22). Amino acid
sequence of the 4GnRH-tmgD fusion protein, including a 6.times.HIS
tag, is also shown (SEQ ID NO: 23).
[0030] FIG. 8 (FIG. 8A-8C): pQE-gD:GnRH. Nucleotide coding sequence
and plasmid flanking sequences are shown (SEQ ID NO: 24). The amino
acid sequence of the tmgD-4GnRH, with a 6.times.HIS tag, is also
shown (SEQ ID NO: 25).
[0031] FIG. 9 (FIG. 9A-9C): pQE-GnRH:gD:GnRH. Nucleotide coding
sequence and plasmid flanking sequences are shown (SEQ ID NO: 26).
The amino acid sequence of the 4GnRH-tmgD4GnRH, with a 6.times.HIS
tag, is also shown (SEQ ID NO: 27).
[0032] FIG. 10: Comparison of expression products from bacterial
vector pQE constructs. "A" is pQE-tmgD, "B" is pQE-gD:GnRH, "C" is
pQE-GnRH:gD, and "D" is pQE-GnRH:gD:GnRH. The amino acids which
link the gD portions, the GnRH tetramers, and the 6.times.HIS tags
are depicted in this figure.
[0033] FIG. 11 (FIG. 11A-11B): Nucleotide sequence (SEQ ID NO: 28)
from plasmid pCMV-tgD encoding a truncated gD, and deduced amino
acid sequence (SEQ ID NO: 29) of the truncated gD expression
product including the signal sequence.
[0034] FIG. 12 (FIG. 12A-12B): Nucleotide sequence (SEQ ID NO: 30)
from plasmid pCMV-gD:GnRH (ATCC Accession No. 203370) encoding a
tgD-4GnRH fusion protein, with deduced amino acid sequence (SEQ ID
NO: 31) of the fusion protein product including signal
sequence.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0035] Fusion Proteins
[0036] In a first aspect, the subject invention provides fusion
proteins that induce in a vertebrate a dual immune response that
both inhibits the activity of a peptide endogenously synthesized by
the vertebrate and also inhibits a pathogenic infection in the
vertebrate. The inhibition of the endogenously-synthesized peptide
is obtained by connecting a first proteinaceous portion which is
analogous to all or part of the endogenously-synthesized peptide to
a carrier, the carrier being a proteinaceous portion analogous to
all or part of an immunogen from a pathogen capable of
pathogenically infecting the vertebrate. In addition to functioning
as a carrier (i.e. enhancing an immune response against the analog
of the endogenously-synthesized peptide or part thereof), the
portion analogous to the immunogen or immunogen part from the
pathogen also induces a response against itself in the vertebrate
and thus protects the vertebrate from infection by the
pathogen.
[0037] Since two major causes of economic loss in feedlot cattle in
the United States and in range-fed cattle globally are bovine
respiratory disease (BRD) caused by BHV-1 infection and sexual and
aggressive behavior, a product that will simultaneously treat BRD
and also inhibit secondary sexual characteristics, e.g.,
aggression, would improve carcass quality and productivity by
eliminating or reducing these infectious and endocrine causes of
production losses in cattle. Thus, as one embodiment of the present
invention, glycoprotein D (gD), which is an immunogen from BHV-1,
was selected as a carrier to combine with a GnRH peptide in a
fusion protein in order to regulate GnRH activity in cattle while
simultaneously providing protection against BRD.
[0038] Certain proteinaceous portions that are analogs to an
immunogen from a pathogen or part of an immunogen from a pathogen,
such as the BHV-1 glycoprotein analogs described herein, have not
previously been disclosed or suggested as carriers. Thus, a second
aspect of the subject invention provides a fusion protein for
producing an immune response in a vertebrate, which fusion protein
comprises as a carrier a proteinaceous portion analogous to all or
part of a BHV-1 antigen. In this second aspect, the vertebrate need
not be a vertebrate which is capable of being pathogenically
infected by BHV-1; the BHV-1 antigen analog simply acts as a
carrier that induces an immune response inhibiting the activity of
proteinaceous portion (a).
[0039] Thus, if a fusion protein of this invention comprises, for
example, a portion (a) analogous to all or part of a GnRH peptide,
and a portion (b) analogous to all or part of a BHV-1 antigen, such
a fusion protein will produce a dual immune response in cattle, but
will also be useful in other vertebrate species for inhibiting GnRH
activity without protecting against BHV-1 infection, as such other
species are not pathogenically infected by BHV-1.
[0040] For purposes of this invention, "fusion protein" means a
molecule comprising a plurality of proteinaceous portions connected
together. Thus, fusion proteins of this invention include chemical
conjugates (chemically connected portion (a) and (b)) and
recombinant fusion proteins. A fusion protein according to this
invention comprises a proteinaceous portion (a) and a proteinaceous
portion (b), by which is meant that the molecule may comprise at
least one portion (a) and at least one portion (b), but can
comprise more than one portion (a) and/or more than one portion
(b). The portions (a) and (b) can be connected linearly. If
multiple portions of (a) and/or (b) are present, then the portions
can be connected linearly, or they can be connected in a branched
manner, for example with one of the portions (a) or (b) centrally
located in the molecule and with other portions (a) or (b) multiply
connected to the central portion. Other patterns of connection
which can be ascertained by those of ordinary skill in the art are
included within the subject invention, as long as at least one
portion (a) and one portion (b) are present in the fusion
proteins.
[0041] The portions (a) and (b) can be positioned with respect to
one another so as to optimize an effective immune response against
the portion (a), as well as the portion (b) if desired. Such
positioning can be ascertained by methods known to those of
ordinary skill in the art. For example a fusion protein as
described herein can be tested by Western blot with antibodies
against (a) and/or (b) to determine if portions (a) and/or (b) are
positioned so as to optimize binding of antibodies specific
thereto.
[0042] The portions of the subject fusion proteins can be connected
by means including chemical connections and recombinant
connections. A "chemical connection" involves creating a chemical
intermediate from one proteinaceous portion, and reacting the
intermediate with another proteinaceous portion. For example, a
"chemical connection" can involve forming a direct covalent bond
between an organic group of one proteinaceous portion, such as
portion (a), and an organic group of the other proteinaceous
portion, e.g. portion (b), provided the portions have organic
groups which are able to react under appropriate reaction
conditions to form such a covalent bond. As another example, one of
the proteinaceous portions, such as portion (a), can be derivatized
to form an intermediate that contains substituents that will react
with (b) portions. A "recombinant connection" involves ligating a
nucleic acid encoding one proteinaceous portion to a nucleic acid
encoding another proteinaceous portion, and expressing a protein
therefrom in an appropriate expression system. Chemical connections
and recombinant connection are known in the art and are described
in further detail herein.
[0043] The term "carrier" as used herein (except when in the phrase
"pharmaceutically acceptable carrier", "carrier acceptable for
pharmaceutical of veterinary use", and like phrases, or as
otherwise indicated) means a molecule which elicits or enhances an
immune response against a second molecule when connected
thereto.
[0044] The term "analogous to" as used herein to describe portions
of a fusion protein, unless otherwise indicated, means "having the
same or substantially the same structure as", for example, having
the same or substantially the same amino acid sequence. For
example, a proteinaceous portion which is analogous to a peptide
endogenously synthesized by a vertebrate has the same or
substantially the same amino acid sequence as the
endogenously-synthesized peptide. "Substantially the same amino
acid sequence" means a polyaminoacid sequence otherwise having the
amino acid sequence of the endogenously synthesized peptide, but in
which one or more amino acid residues have been deleted, added, or
substituted with a different amino acid residue, where the
resulting polyaminoacid molecule is useful in practicing the
present invention. A polyaminoacid molecule is useful in practicing
the present invention if it can result in a specific immune
response when in the fusion protein product. Amino acid
substitution will preferably be conservative substitutions which
are well-known in the art. Rules for making such substitutions
include those described by Dayhof, M. D., 1978, Nat. Biomed. Res.
Found., Washington, D.C., Vol. 5, Sup. 3, among others.
[0045] When a portion (a) or portion (b) of a fusion protein of the
present invention is referred to herein as being "derived from" a
peptide or pathogen, this means that the portion is analogous to
all or part of the peptide or all or part of an immunogen (or
antigen) from the pathogen, respectively.
[0046] "Part of" a peptide, antigen, or immunogen for purposes of
this invention, unless otherwise indicated, is any part such that
the resulting polyaminoacid molecule is useful in practicing the
present invention. This means that the part must be sufficient to
elicit an immune response against the pathogen from which (b) is
derived and/or the peptide from which (a) is derived. Ascertaining
such parts is within the ordinary skill in the art. In a preferred
embodiment, the part of the peptide, antigen or immunogen comprises
at least 60%, more preferably 70%, and even more preferably at
least 90% of the amino acid sequence of the particular peptide,
antigen or immunogen. The actual percentage of the peptide,
antigen, or immunogen is less important than is including in the
part those amino acid residues which will elicit an immune response
against (b) and/or (a).
[0047] The terms "immunogen" and "antigen" as used herein mean a
molecule which is able to trigger an effective immune response in a
particular vertebrate or vertebrate species. Immunogens useful for
the subject invention are proteinaceous molecules, i.e., molecules
comprised of a sequence of amino acids, but which can also include
non-protein groups, e.g., carbohydrate moieties.
[0048] The term "immune response" for purposes of this invention
means the production of antibodies and/or cells (such as T
lymphocytes) that are directed specifically or indirectly against,
or assist in the decomposition or inhibition of, a particular
epitope or particular epitopes. An "effective immune response" is
an immune response that, regarding portion (a), is directed against
one or more epitopes so as to inhibit the activity of a peptide
endogenously synthesized in the vaccinated vertebrate; and,
regarding portion (b), is directed against one or more epitopes of
a pathogen so as to protect against the pathogen in the vaccinated
vertebrate. "Triggering an immune response" and like phrases as
used herein mean inducing and/or enhancing an immune response in a
vertebrate in response to vaccination. Phrases such as "inhibition
of infection" and "protection from infection" refer not only to the
absolute prevention of infection, but also to any detectable
reduction in the degree or rate of infection by such a pathogen, or
any detectable reduction in the severity of the disease or any
symptom or condition resulting from infection by the pathogen in
the vaccinated animal as compared to an unvaccinated animal. A
response which inhibits infection may be induced in animals which
have not previously been infected with the pathogen and/or are not
infected with the pathogen at the time of vaccination. Such phrases
are intended also to include inhibiting the rate or degree of
infection in an animal already infected with the pathogen at the
time of vaccination.
[0049] The term "dual immune response" as used herein means an
effective immune response as defined above which inhibits the
activity of more than one peptide, and preferably two different
peptides, for example an endogenously-synthesized hormone peptide
and a viral peptide.
[0050] A "dual-function vaccine", as used herein, means a vaccine
which can produce an immune response in a vertebrate vaccinated
therewith that is directed against more than one peptide, and
preferably two different peptides, within the vertebrate, for
example a hormone endogenously synthesized by the vertebrate and a
viral peptide of a virus which pathogenically infects the
vertebrate.
[0051] The phrase "endogenously-synthesized peptide", as used
herein and unless otherwise indicated, means a peptide which is
synthesized by a vertebrate as part of the vertebrate's metabolic
functioning. Examples of endogenously-synthesized peptides include,
but are not limited to, hormones and enzymes.
[0052] "Inhibiting the activity of a peptide" and like phrases used
herein mean interfering with the peptide's ability to perform its
normal function, for example its ability to catalyze a biochemical
reaction (if the peptide is an enzyme), to trigger a biophysical
response (if the peptide is a hormone), or to participate in viral
infectivity or replication (if the peptide is a viral peptide). The
phrases "amount effective to inhibit the activity of the peptide
from which portion (a) is derived", "amount effective to inhibit
GnRH activity", and the like, refer to that amount of fusion
protein capable of inducing an immune response which is sufficient
to interfere with the peptide's ability to perform its function,
such as preventing GnRH from stimulating or reducing the ability of
GnRH to stimulate the release of LH or FSH, or interfering with a
surface protein of a virus so that it is unable to infect cells,
thereby inhibiting replication and infection by the virus. An
effective amount may be administered as either a single dose of a
vaccine or multiple doses of a vaccine.
[0053] As used herein, the phrases "amount effective to inhibit
infection by the pathogen from which (b) is derived", "amount
effective to inhibit BHV-1 infection", "amount effective to protect
against infection", and the like, refer to that amount of fusion
protein or vaccine capable of protecting a vertebrate from
infection as defined above. An effective amount may be administered
as either a single dose of a vaccine or multiple doses of a
vaccine.
[0054] A "vertebrate", as used herein, refers to any species having
a backbone or spinal column, namely fish, amphibians, reptiles,
birds, and mammals. Examples of vertebrates which can benefit from
the vaccine of the subject invention include, but are not limited
to, humans, chickens, pigs, dogs, cats cows, goats, sheep and
horses, among others. Preferably, the vertebrate is a mammal.
[0055] The term "pathogenically infecting" as used herein refers to
the ability of a pathogen to infect a vertebrate in a manner or to
a degree that results in a detectable diseased condition in the
vertebrate. BHV-1, for example, pathogenically infects cattle but
not humans.
[0056] Peptides that can be used as a source for preparing a
portion (a) of a fusion protein of the present invention include,
but are not limited to the following: 1) cholecystokinen (Eng. J.
et al., 1990, Regul. Pept. 30(1):15-9); a fusion protein of the
present invention comprising a portion (a) analogous to all or part
of cholecystokinen can be used to promote appetite in a vertebrate;
2) vasoactive intestinal peptide (Nilsson, A., 1975, FEBS Lett.
60(2):322-6), inhibition of which causes a decrease in prolactin
secretion which in turn discourages brooding behavior in chickens,
thus resulting in increased egg production; 3) growth hormone and
growth hormone fragments (Seeburg, P. H. et al., 1983, DNA
2(1):37-45); a fusion protein enhancing the activity of growth
hormone can promote growth in an animal; 4) growth hormone
releasing hormone and fragments thereof (Gubler, U. et al., 1983,
Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. U.S.A. 80(14), 43114314); antibodies may
also enhance the growth promoting activity of growth hormone
releasing hormone; 5) gastrin (Dimaline, R. et al., 1986, FEBS
Lett. 205(2):318-22; Kim, S. J. et al., 1991, DNA Seq. 1(3):181-7;
Kariya, Y. et al., 1986, Gene 40(1-3):345-52) and gastrin releasing
peptide (Spindel, E. R. et al., 1986, Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA
83(1):19-23); a fusion protein inhibiting gastrin and/or gastrin
releasing peptide activity is useful, inter alia, in inhibiting
gastric secretions, and therefore in treating ulcers; treating
stomach, small intestine and/or colon cancer; and in promoting
appetite; 6) IgE peptides (Batista, F. D. et al., 1995, Nucleic
Acids Res. 23(23):4805-11); fusion proteins inhibiting IgE are
useful for alleviating and/or preventing allergies, especially
allergic skin reactions; 7) an angiotensin peptide, including
angiotensin peptides 1, II, III, and IV (U.S. Pat. No. 5,612,360 to
Boyd et al.; U.S. Pat. No. 5,599,663 to Vaughan; U.S. Pat. No.
5,629,292 to Rodgers and DiZerega; U.S. Pat. No. 5,635,359 to
Brunner and Nussberger); a fusion protein inhibiting the activity
of an angiotensin peptide is useful for treating, e.g.,
hypertension in a mammal; 8) myostatin (Kambadur, R. et al., 1997,
Genome Res. 7(9):910-6); inhibiting myostatin activity enhances
skeletal muscle growth in an animal, without harming meat quality,
and therefore can be desirable for increasing meat production in an
animal; 9) inhibin or fragments thereof (U.S. Pat. No. 5,786,179 to
Kousoulas et al.; U.S. Pat. No. 5,665,568 to Mason and Seeburg); a
fusion protein that inhibits the activity of inhibin can be used to
treat infertility due to irregular production of follicle
stimulating hormone in a female animal; 10) somatostatin (U.S. Pat.
No. 5,422,110, above; Shen, L. P. et al., 1982, Proc. Natl. Acad.
Sci. USA 79(15):4575-9; Su, C. J. et al., 1988, Mol. Endocrinol.
2(3):209-16); a fusion protein inhibiting somatostatin is useful,
e.g., for stimulating growth; and 11) cytokine peptides such as
tumor necrosis factor (U.S. Pat. No. 5,795,967 to Aggarwal et al.)
and interlukin-1 (Masaaki, Y. et al., JP 1994073095-A 1 (Mar. 15,
1994)); inhibiting cytokine activity in an animal can alleviate
immune-potentiated inflammation, for example inflammation
associated with allergies. The preceding peptides, their amino acid
sequences and physiological actions, are well known in the art. The
aforementioned publications describing these peptides are hereby
incorporated by reference in their entireties.
[0057] Examples of immunogens from which proteinaceous portions
useful for portion (b) can be derived include, but are not limited
to, the following immunogens: 1) OmpW (U.S. Provisional Patent
Application No. 60/105,285, filed Oct. 22, 1998; encoded by plasmid
pER418 present in host cells of strain Pz418 deposited with the
American Type Culture Collection (otherwise known as the ATCC
(Manassas, Va., USA) under ATCC Accession No. 98928; SEQ ID NO:44
(deduced amino acid sequence of OmpW)); OmpA1 (U.S. Provisional
Patent Application No. 60/105,285, encoded by plasmid pER419
present in host cells of strain Pz419 deposited with the ATCC under
ATCC Accession No. 98929; SEQ ID NO:45 (deduced amino acid sequence
of OmpA1)); OmpA2 (U.S. Provisional Patent Application No.
60/105,285; encoded by plasmid pER420 present in host cells Pz420
deposited with the ATCC under the designation ATCC Accession No.
98930; SEQ ID NO:46 (deduced amino acid sequence of OmpA2)); Om1A
serotype 1 and serotype 5 (U.S. Pat. No. 5,441,736 to Gerlach et
al.); all from Actinobacillus pleuropneumonia; a proteinaceous
portion analogous to all or part of OmpW, OmIA5 or OmpA can be used
as a carrier in a fusion protein according to the present invention
while simultaneously providing swine with protection against
porcine pleuropneumonia (caused by A. pleuropneumonia infection);
2) hepatitis B surface antigen (Hsiung et al., 1984, J. Mol. Appl.
Gen. 2:497); a proteinaceous portion analogous to all or part of a
hepatitis B surface antigen can be used as a carrier in a fusion
protein of the present while at the same time providing protection
in humans against hepatitis B infection; 3) an RTX ("repeat in
toxin") toxin from Actinobacillus pleuropneumonia (Frey, J. et al.,
1991, Infect. Immun. 59(9), 3026-32); a proteinaceous portion
analogous to all or part of an RTX toxin as a carrier in a fusion
protein of the present invention can simultaneously provide
immunoprotection against Actinobacillus pleuropneumonia in swine
and cattle; 4) P subunit of E. coli heat labile enterotoxin (Leong,
J. et. al., 1985, Infect. Immun. 48(1):73-7; Inoue, T. et al.,
1993, FEMS Microbiol. Lett 108(2):157-61); a portion analogous to
all or part of .beta. subunit of E. coli heat labile enterotoxin
can serve as a carrier that also provides immunoprotection against
E. coli in swine and cattle; 5) E. coli antigens K88 pilus or K99
pilus (Bakker, D. et al., 1992, J. Bacteriol 174(20):6350-8;
Simons, B. L. et al., 1990, FEMS Microbiol. Lett 55(102):107-12); a
proteinaceous portion analogous to all or part of K88 pilus antigen
or K99 pilus antigen as a carrier in a fusion proteins of this
invention can provide protection against enteric E. coli disease in
swine and cattle; 6) p68 antigen of B. bronchiseptica (WO 9115571-A
5 (Oct. 17, 1991)); a proteinaceous portion analogous to all or
part of p68 antigen can be used as a carrier in a fusion protein of
the present invention and can provide protection against bordetella
infection ("kennel cough" disease) in canines; 7) glycoprotein 53
from bovine viral diarrhea (BVD) virus (Fritzemeier, J. et al.,
1997, Arch. Virol. 142(7):1335-50); a portion analogous to all or
part of glycoprotein 53 can serve as a carrier in a fusion protein
and also provide protection from fatal mucosal disease in cattle;
8) viral proteins 1 and 2 of parvovirus (Xie, A. and Chapman, M.
S., 1996, J. Mol. Biol. 264:497); a proteinaceous portion analogous
to all or part of viral protein 1 or viral protein 2 from
parvovirus can serve as a carrier in a fusion protein of the
present invention and simultaneously protect swine, dogs and cats
from parvovirus infection; 9) a coronavirus spike protein (Kokubu,
T. et al., 1998, Journal of the Japan Veterinary Medical
Association 51:252-55; Lewis, E. L., 1996, Bristol University
Thesis (Bristol University (Clifton, Bristol, UK)); Britton, P. et
al., 1991, Virus Res. 21(3):181-98); a portion analogous to all or
part of a coronavirus spike protein can be used as a carrier in a
fusion protein and also provides protection against Coronavirus
infection in cattle, swine, dogs, and cats; 10) a bacterial
iron-regulated outer membrane protein (Gerlach, G. F. et al., 1992,
Infect. Immunol. 60(8):3253-61; Thompson, S. A. et al., 1993, Mol.
Microbiol. 9(1):85-96); a portion analogous to all or part of such
a membrane protein can be used as a carrier that also provides
immunoprotection against Actinobacillus pleuropneumonia and/or
meningitis in swine, cattle and poultry; 11) rabies G protein
(Shinichi, S. et al., JP 1989171489-A 1 (Jul. 6, 1989)); a
proteinaceous portion analogous to all or part of rabies G protein
can be used as a carrier in a fusion protein and will also
simultaneously provide protection in cats, dogs, and wildlife
against rabies; 12) Streptococcus uberis plasminogen activating
protein (Leigh, J. A., 1993, WO 9314209); a proteinaceous portion
analogous to all or part of Streptococcus uberis plasminogen
activating protein is useful as a carrier and also will provide
treatment and/or protection against mastitis in dairy cows; 13)
influenza virus hemagglutinin protein (Hovanec, D. L. and Air, G.
M., 1984, Virology 139(2):384-92) and influenza virus nucleocapsid
protein (Lindstrom, S. E. et al., 1998, J. Virol. 72(10):8021-31);
a portion analogous to all or part of either of these proteins can
be used as a carrier in a fusion protein of this invention and will
simultaneously provide immunoprotection against influenza in
humans, swine, and poultry; 14) tetanus toxoid (Fairweather, N. F.
et al, 1986, J. Bacteriol. 165(1):21-7; Niemann, H., 1986, EMBO J.
5(10):2495-502); a proteinaceous portion analogous to all or part
of tetanus toxoid can be used as a carrier in a fusion protein that
will also provide protection in humans, horses, and cattle against
tetanus; 15) pertussis toxoid (Nicosia, A. et al., 1986, Proc.
Natl. Acad. Sci. USA 83(13):4631-5); a proteinaceous portion
analogous to all or part of pertussis toxoid can serve as a carrier
in a fusion protein and will provide immunoprotection against
pertussis in humans; 16) a herpes virus glycoprotein (Gompels, U.
A. et al., 1992, DNA Seq. 3(1):25-39; Misra, V. et al., 1988,
Virology 166:542-9; Whitbeck, J. C., et al., 1988, J. Virol.
62:3319-27; Fitzpatrick, D. R. et al., 1989, Virology 173:46-57); a
proteinaceous portion analogous to all or part of a herpes virus
glycoprotein can serve as a carrier in a fusion protein of this
invention and can function also in the fusion protein to provide
immunoprotection from herpes in humans and cattle; 17)
enterohemorrhagic E. coli intimin protein (Jerse, A. E. et al.,
1990, Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA 87(20):7839-43); a portion
analogous to all or part of enterohemorrhagic E. coli intimin
protein can function as a carrier and also provide protection
against hemorrhagic disease in species including humans and cattle;
18) VP2 (Cao, Y. C. et al., 1995, Ping Tu Hsuch Pao 11(3):23441); a
portion analogous to all or part of VP2 can function as a carrier
and can also provide immunoprotection against infectious bursa
disease in poultry; and 19) F and G proteins of respiratory
syncitial virus (Schrijver, R. S. et al., 1997, Archives of
Virology 142(11):2195-2210; Furze, J. M. et al., 1997, Virology
231(1):48-58); a proteinaceous portion analogous to all or part of
F protein or G protein can act as a carrier and will also provide
immunoprotection against Bovine Respiratory Syncytial Virus in
cattle. The preceding immunogens and their amino acid sequences are
known in the art. The aforementioned publications describing the
preceding immunogens are hereby incorporated by reference in their
entireties.
[0058] Different proteinaceous portions (a) and (b), each portion
analogous to all or part of a peptide or immunogen described in one
of the preceding paragraphs or another known peptide or immunogen,
can be combined according to the present invention to form a fusion
protein specifically designed for a particular vertebrate, e.g,. a
cow, pig, chicken, or human, or a particular category of
vertebrates, e.g., mammals or primates, to inhibit the activity of
a particular peptide in the vertebrate while simultaneously
protecting the vertebrate from infection by a certain pathogen.
[0059] As an example, GnRH is a reproductive system hormone
synthesized by cattle. Inhibiting GnRH activity in cattle will
provide a beneficial reduction in expression of sexual
characteristics such as aggressive behavior. Since BHV-1
pathogenically infects cattle, an immunogen from BHV-1 can be used
as a carrier with GnRH Thus, in one embodiment, a portion (a)
analogous to all or part of a GnRH peptide and a portion (b)
analogous to all or part of an immunogen from BHV-1 are connected
to provide a fusion protein that induces a dual immune response in
cattle that both inhibits GnRH activity and protects against BHV-1
infection.
[0060] In another non-limiting example, the subject invention
provides a fusion protein wherein portion (a) is analogous to all
or part of a growth hormone, and wherein portion (b) is analogous
to all or part of a BHV-1 antigen. Such a fusion protein is useful
to regulate growth in cattle while providing a protective immune
response against BHV-1.
[0061] In another example, portion (a) is analogous to all or part
of an IgE peptide and portion (b) is analogous to all or part of
p68 antigen of B. bronchiseptica. The resulting fusion protein is
useful for treating or preventing allergies, especially allergic
skin reactions, in dogs while providing a protective immune
response against bordetella.
[0062] In still another example, portion (a) is analogous to all or
part of cholecystokinen and portion (b) is analogous to all or part
of OmpW, Om1A serotype 1, Om1A serotype 5, Omp A1, or OmpA2 from
Actinobacillus pleuropneumonia. Such a fusion protein is useful for
encouraging appetite in swine while simultaneously providing a
protective immune response against porcine pleuropneumonia.
[0063] The proteinaceous portions (a) and (b) for the fusion
proteins of the invention can be obtained according to methods
known in the art. For example, either or both of portion (a) or
portion (b) can be obtained by purification from natural sources.
Alternatively, either or both of portion (a) or portion (b) can be
obtained by synthetically linking amino acids together.
Alternatively, either or both of portion (a) or portion (b) can be
recombinantly synthesized using well-known recombinant techniques
from a polynucleotide molecule comprising a nucleotide sequence
encoding the portion (a) or the portion (b). Preferably, a
polynucleotide molecule comprising a nucleotide sequence encoding
portion (a) is ligated to a polynucleotide molecule comprising a
nucleotide sequence encoding portion (b), so that the entire fusion
protein is synthesized recombinantly.
[0064] Recombinant techniques within the ordinary skill in the art
can be utilized to prepare polynucleotide molecules that encode
portions (a) and (b) of the subject fusion proteins. Such
techniques are described, among other places, in Maniatis, et al.,
1989, Molecular Cloning, A Laboratory Manual, Cold Spring Harbor
Laboratory Press, Cold Spring Harbor, N.Y.; Ausubel, et al., 1989,
Current Protocols in Molecular Biology, Greene Publishing
Associates & Wiley Interscience, NY; Sambrook, et al., 1989,
Molecular Cloning: A Laboratory Manual, 2d ed., Cold Spring Harbor
Laboratory Press, Cold Spring Harbor, N.Y.; Innis et al., (eds),
1995, PCR Strategies, Academic Press, Inc., San Diego; and Erlich
(ed), 1992, PCR Technology, Oxford University Press, New York; all
of which are incorporated herein by reference.
[0065] The amino acid sequences of many hormone peptides are well
known in the art. Some known hormone peptides are described above.
As another example, the amino acid sequence of GnRH is known in the
art (see, e.g., Ladd, A., 1993, above). The amino acid sequence of
GnRH is also provided herein (SEQ ID NO: 13). Alternatively, if the
amino acid sequence of a hormone is not known, it may be determined
using standard techniques, such as by performing repeated Edman
degradation cycles on a purified protein fraction followed by amino
acid analysis using HPLC (high pressure liquid chromatography)
(see, e.g., U.S. Pat. No. 5,422,110, above). Likewise, a
proteinaceous portion which is the same or substantially the same
as an immunogen from a pathogen can be obtained according to
standard techniques, from a known amino acid sequence or by
ascertaining the amino acid sequence as described above. A
proteinaceous portion that is substantially the same as an
immunogen from a pathogen can be determined, for example, by
comparing the amino acid content of the proteinaceous portion to
the known amino acid content of the immunogen, or by performing a
sequence alignment comparing the proteinaceous portion to the
immunogen amino acid sequence, using known techniques.
[0066] Examples of BHV-1 antigens from which proteinaceous portion
(b) can be derived include, but are not limited to, BHV-1 gB, BHV-1
gC, and BHV-1 gD (also known in the art as BHV-1gl, glil and glV,
respectively). Methods for obtaining proteinaceous portions which
are analogous to all or part of such antigens are described above.
For example, U.S. Pat. No. 5,151,267 to Babiuk et al. discloses the
nucleotide sequences and deduced amino acid sequences of BHV-1 gl,
gIII, and glV. See, also, U.S. Pat. No. 5,585,264 to Babiuk et al.
In addition, U.S. Pat. No. 5,545,523 to Batt et al. discloses
BHV-1-specific oligonucleotides useful in the amplification of
BHV-1 gI and gIV gene sequences. Furthermore, methods of purifying
BHV-1 glycoproteins from virus-infected cell cultures have been
described (Babiuk, L. A. et al., 1987 Virology 159:57-66). The
amino acid sequence of full length BHV-1 gD as published in Tikoo
et al., 1990, above, is provided herein (see FIG. 5 and SEQ ID NO:
19). Expression of full length mature BHV-1 gD has been performed
in baculovirus, adenovirus, vaccinia virus and E. coli systems (van
Drunen Littel-van den Hurk,. S. et al., 1993, Vaccine 11:25-35).
The disclosures and teachings of the aforementioned patents and
publications are incorporated herein by reference. Another example
of a BHV-1 gD antigen which is useful, in whole or in part, for a
fusion protein of the subject invention is the BHV-1 gD
polyaminoacid encoded by clone, FlgD/Pots207nco(#79) (see FIG. 3
and SEQ ID NO: 17).
[0067] Although any part of a BHV-1 antigen which is able to
stimulate an immune response that inhibits the peptide from which
portion (a) is derived and, as in the first aspect of the
invention, an immune response that protects a cow from BHV-1
infection can be used in the fusion proteins of this invention,
examples of preferred parts of BHV-1 gD which can be used in this
invention are truncated gD (tgD), mature gD (mgD), and truncated
mature gD (tmgD). Truncated gD (tgD) refers to a gD protein wherein
the transmembrane domain, optionally with downstream and/or
upstream nucleotides, has been completely or partially removed. The
transmembrane domain for gD is known in the art as a particular
polyaminoacid region of gD of generally highly hydrophobic amino
acids. The transmembrane domain of gD/Pots, BHV-1 gD encoded by
clone FlgD/Pots207nco(#79), is depicted in FIG. 3. The
transmembrane domain for gD/Pots starts at amino acid 364 (valine)
and ends at amino acid 389 (tyrosine). Mature gd refers to a gD
protein which has no signal sequence at the amino-terminal end. The
signal sequence of full length gD/Pots is depicted in FIG. 3. In
another embodiment, the proteinaceous portion (b) of the fusion
protein of the subject invention can comprise a heterologous signal
sequence attached to the amino terminal end of the protein.
Alternatively, portion (b) can comprise no signal sequence. In one
embodiment of the invention, portion (b) is analogous to a BHV-1 gD
which is both truncated and mature (tmgD). An example of a
truncated mature gD antigen is provided in SEQ ID NO: 35. An
example of truncated gD antigen that is not mature is provided in
SEQ ID NO: 29.
[0068] As used herein, "tgD" refers to a BHV-1 gD protein which is
truncated as described above, "mgD" refers to a BHV-1 gD protein
which is mature as described above, and "tmgD" refers to a BHV-1 gD
protein which is both truncated and mature.
[0069] The term "GnRH peptide" means, unless otherwise indicated, a
molecule having the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 13. In one
embodiment, the subject fusion proteins comprise multiple portions
(a) analogous to a GnRH peptide. In preferred embodiments, the
fusion proteins of this invention comprise one or more portions
analogous to four GnRH peptides consecutively linked, i.e., one or
more portions analogous to a GnRH tetramer. In a preferred
embodiment, a fusion protein of the present invention comprises a
4GnRH portion. As used herein, "4GnRH" refers to a GnRH tetramer
having four GnRH peptides consecutively linked in the same
amino-terminal/carboxy-terminal orientation. Preferably, the fusion
proteins of the subject invention comprise one or more GnRH
tetramers, each tetramer having the amino acid sequence shown in
SEQ ID NO: 15.
[0070] Hyphenated expressions provided herein and containing the
terms "4GnRH", "tmgD", "tgD", and "mgD" (as defined above) indicate
fusion proteins which comprise polyaminoacid portions corresponding
to the terms linked from left to right in the order indicated, the
left end corresponding to the amino terminal end of the fusion
protein and the right end corresponding to the carboxy terminal end
of the fusion protein. The polyaminoacid portions can be directly
linked to one another or they can be linked indirectly, i.e. the
portions can be separated by one or more (for example from 1 to 10,
preferably from 1 to 3) amino acids. Thus, "tmgD-4GnRH" refers to a
fusion protein having a truncated mature gD portion connected,
directly or indirectly, to a 4GnRH portion, the carboxy terminal
end of the truncated mature gD portion being linked (directly or
indirectly) to the amino terminal end of the 4GnRH. As another
example, "tgD-4GnRH" refers to a fusion protein having the amino
terminal end of 4GnRH portion connected to the carboxy terminal end
of a truncated gD antigen which is not mature. As another example,
"4GnRH-tmgD-4GnRH" refers to a 4GnRH portion having a carboxyl end
linked to the amino end of a tmgD portion, which tmgD portion in
turn is linked by its carboxyl end to the amino end of a second
4GnRH portion. Fusion proteins of the subject invention include,
but are not limited to, the examples of fusion proteins described
in this paragraph. Another example of a fusion protein of this
invention is tmgD-4GnRH. In any of the aforementioned examples, the
portions can be linked directly or indirectly.
[0071] As discussed above, proteinaceous portions (a) and (b) can
be connected chemically by means of chemical linkers and techniques
which are well known in the art. As an example, certain amino acids
on a portion (a) or (b), for example on a gD analog (b) portion,
may be chemically activated with a reagent, such as iodoacetamide.
Remaining portions (a) or (b), for example GnRH monomers and/or
multimers, may be added. In this example, terminally incorporated
cysteine residues on GnRH react with activated lysine residues on
the gD analog. This reaction results in fusion proteins according
to the subject invention which comprise a central gD analog portion
having multiple GnRH analogs connected thereabout at several lysine
residues. In another example, portions (b) analogous to a BHV-1
antigen may be combined together with portions (a) analogous to
GnRH monomers or multimers in the presence of
ethyl-dimethylaminopropylcarbodiimide (EDAC) and N-hydroxy
succinimide (NHS) (see Bernatowics, M. and Matsueda, G., 1986,
Analytical Biochemistry 155:95-102). This reaction also results in
a central portion (b) analogous to all or part of a BHV-1 antigen
with multiple portions (a) analogous to GnRH monomers or multimers
chemically connected thereabout. The chemically synthesized fusion
proteins of the present invention can also optionally be chemically
modified to comprise substituents other than amino acids, for
example carbohydrate substituents, using known techniques. Other
chemical techniques for combining proteinaceous portions, either
with multiple attachments to a proteinaceous center or linear
linkages of proteinaceous portions, can be used to chemically
synthesize fusion proteins of the present invention using known
techniques. Techniques for preparing chemically-synthesized fusion
proteins of the present invention are described, among other
places, in Dunn and Pennington, 1994, Methods in Molecular Biology,
Vol. 26, Chap. 10 (Humana Press Inc.), which is incorporated herein
by reference.
[0072] The subject invention also provides recombinant fusion
proteins as described above. Examples of recombinant fusion
proteins according to the present invention include the recombinant
fusion protein encoded by the plasmid pCMV-gD:GnRH the plasmid
pQE-gD:GnRH, the recombinant fusion protein encoded by the plasmid
pQE-GnRH:gD:GnRH, and the recombinant fusion protein encoded by the
plasmid pQE-GnRH:gD. Cells containing these plasmids have been
deposited with the American Type Culture Collection (ATCC Manassas,
Va., USA); they have been assigned accession numbers 203370, 98953,
98955, and 98954, respectively. Another example of a recombinant
fusion protein of the subject invention, is the recombinant fusion
protein expressed by the baculovirus construct Bac-gD:GnRH.
Bac-gD:GnRH has also been deposited with the ATCC and has been
assigned ATCC accession number VR-2633. The aforementioned pQE
plasmids and baculovirus construct are particularly useful for in
vitro expression of fusion proteins. The plasmid pCMV-gD:GnRH is
particularly useful for in vivo expression.
[0073] Recombinant fusion proteins according to this invention may
optionally comprise portions which assist in purifying the fusion
proteins from the reaction medium pursuant to in vitro
transcription and translation. An example of a polyaminoacid
sequence which can assist in purification of a recombinant protein
from the medium is a 6.times.HIS tag. The phrase "6.times.HIS tag"
is used interchangeably in this application with "6.times.HIS
leader". The sequence of the 6.times.HIS tag encoded by the vector
pQE-31 is provided in SEQ. ID NO: 37. Proteins comprising a
6.times.HIS tag can be purified from the media by passing the media
through a nickel column such as Ni-NTA column from Qiagen
(Chatsworth, Calif.). Another example of a portion that can assist
in purifying recombinant fusion proteins of this invention pursuant
to in vitro expression is the FLAG.TM. epitope tag (International
Biotechnologies Inc., New Haven, Conn.) which is a hydrophilic
marker peptide. The gene encoding the FLAG.TM. epitope tag can be
inserted by standard techniques into a polynucleotide molecule
comprising a nucleotide sequence encoding a fusion protein of this
invention at a point corresponding, e.g., to the amino or carboxyl
terminus of the fusion protein. A fusion protein expressed
therefrom can then be detected and affinity-purified using
commercially available anti-FLAG.TM. antibodies.
[0074] Other means of purifying recombinant proteins expressed in
vitro are well-known in the art and can be used to purify the
recombinant fusion proteins of the subject invention. Such methods
are described, among other places, in Marshak, D. R., et al., 1996,
Strategies for Protein Purification and Characterization: a
Laboratory Course Manual, Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press, Cold
Spring Harbor, N.Y.
[0075] Once a fusion protein of the present invention has been
obtained, it can be characterized if desired by standard methods,
including by SDS-PAGE, size exclusion chromatography, amino acid
sequence analysis, etc. The fusion protein can be further
characterized using hydrophilicity analysis (see, e.g., Hopp and
Woods, 1981, Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA 78:3824), or analogous
software algorithms, to identify hydrophobic and hydrophilic
regions. Structural analysis can be carried out to identify regions
of the fusion protein that assume specific secondary structures.
Biophysical methods such as X-ray crystallography (Engstrom, 1974,
Biochem. Exp. Biol. 11: 7-13), computer modeling (Fletterick and
Zoller (eds), 1986, in: Current Communications in Molecular
Biology, Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory, Cold Spring Harbor, N.Y.),
and nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) can be used to map and study
potential sites of interaction between the polypeptide and other
putative interacting proteins/receptors/molecules such as
antibodies.
[0076] Polynucleotide Molecules and Vectors Encoding Fusion
Proteins
[0077] The subject invention further provides a polynucleotide
molecule comprising a nucleotide sequence encoding a fusion protein
of the present invention. Examples of such polynucleotide molecules
include, but are not limited to, a polynucleotide molecule
comprising the nucleotide sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 34,
which encodes a 4GnRH-tmgD fusion protein; a polynucleotide
molecule comprising the nucleotide sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO:
40, which encodes a 4GnRH-tmgD-4GnRH fusion protein; and a
polynucleotide molecule comprising the nucleotide sequence set
forth in SEQ ID NO:41, which encodes a tmgD-4GnRH fusion
protein.
[0078] The subject invention also provides cloning and expression
vectors comprising a polynucleotide molecule comprising a
nucleotide sequence encoding a fusion protein of the invention. The
term "vector", as used herein, means a unit comprising genetic
information (in the form of polynucleotide sequences), which
information is able to express polyaminoacids and/or program the
replication of the unit when appropriate conditions and resources
(e.g. amino acids, nucleotides, and transcription factors) are
present. Examples of such units include viruses, plasmids, and
cosmids.
[0079] As used herein, the terms "nucleotide sequence", "coding
sequence", "polynucleotide", "polynucleotide sequence", and the
like, refer to both DNA and RNA sequences, which can either be
single-stranded or double-stranded, and can include one or more
prokaryotic sequences, eukaryotic sequences, cDNA sequences,
genomic DNA sequences, including exons and introns, and chemically
synthesized DNA and RNA sequences.
[0080] Production and manipulation of polynucleotide molecules of
the subject invention comprising nucleotide sequences encoding
portions (a) and (b) of the subject fusion proteins are within the
ordinary skill in the art and can be carried out according to
recombinant techniques described, among other places, in Maniatis,
et al., above; Ausubel, et al., above; Sambrook, et al., above;
Innis et al., above; and Erlich, above. Nucleotide sequences
encoding many hormone peptides and viral antigen peptides are known
in the art, and such information can be used to prepare coding
regions for the proteinaceous portions (a) and (b). Such sequences
are provided, among other places, in the references cited above
describing immunogens and peptides useful in the present invention.
Alternatively, the nucleotide sequences of peptides and viral
antigens can be deduced using known methods in molecular
biology.
[0081] Nucleotide sequences encoding portion (a) and/or portion (b)
can be synthetically prepared. The desired sequence can be prepared
from overlapping oligonucleotides. See, e.g., Edge, 1981, Nature
292:756; Nambair et al., 1984 Science 223:1299; Jay et al., 1984,
J. Biol. Chem. 259:6311; and U.S. Pat. No. 5,422,110, above.
[0082] As another example, the amino acid sequence of a peptide or
antigen can be used to design probes for identifying the gene
encoding the peptide or antigen in a genomic library. In this
method, oligonucleotide probes are prepared encoding a portion of
the amino acid sequence of the peptide or antigen. The
oligonucleotide probes are used to screen a suitable DNA library
for genes encoding the peptide or the antigen. Generally, the DNA
library which is screened is a library prepared from genomic DNA or
genomic RNA (cDNA) from an appropriate source, such as from a cell
or tissue expressing the peptide or from a virus encoding the
antigen. Techniques for isolating genes in this manner are
well-known in the art.
[0083] Nucleotide sequences homologous to sequences obtained as
described herein to encode immunogens or peptides can also be
utilized in the present invention. For purposes of the subject
invention, a second nucleotide sequence is "homologous" to a first
nucleotide sequence when it encodes the same protein, peptide, or
other polyaminoacid as the first nucleotide sequence, or when it
encodes a polyaminoacid that is sufficiently similar to the
polyaminoacid encoded by the first nucleotide sequence so as to be
useful in practicing the present invention. Since the genetic code
is degenerate, a homologous nucleotide sequence can include any
number of "silent" base changes, i.e. nucleotide substitutions that
nonetheless encode the same polyaminoacid. A homologous nucleotide
sequence can further contain non-silent mutations, i.e. base
substitutions, deletions, or additions resulting in amino acid
differences in the encoded polyaminoacid, so long as the sequence
of the polyaminoacid remains useful for practicing the present
invention. A second nucleotide sequence that is homologous to a
first nucleotide sequence is preferably one that hybridizes to the
complement of the first nucleotide sequence under moderately
stringent conditions, i.e., hybridization to filter-bound DNA in
0.5 M NaHPO.sub.4, 7% sodium dodecyl sulfate. (SDS), 1 mM EDTA at
65.degree. C., and washing in 0.2.times.SSC/0.1% SDS at 42.degree.
C. (see Ausubel et al., above). More preferably, homologous
nucleotide sequences hybridized to one another under highly
stringent conditions, i.e., hybridization to filter-bound DNA in
0.5 M NaHPO.sub.4, 7% SDS, 1 mM EDTA at 65.degree. C., and washing
in 0.1.times.SSC/0.1% SDS at 68.degree. C. (Ausubel et al.,
above).
[0084] After having obtained polynucleotide molecules comprising
nucleotide sequences encoding portions (a) and (b), these
polynucleotide molecules can be ligated together using suitable
enzymes and known techniques to form a polynucleotide molecule
comprising a nucleotide sequence encoding a fusion protein of this
invention.
[0085] Examples of coding sequences useful in constructing
polynucleotide molecules comprising sequences encoding fusion
proteins of the present invention, and vectors comprising such
polynucleotide molecules, include, but are not limited to, the
sequence presented in SEQ ID NO: 16, which encodes the BHV-1 gD
antigen FlgD/Pots expressed by clone FlgD/Pots207nco(#79), set
forth in SEQ ID NO: 17; the sequence presented in SEQ ID NO: 18,
which encodes M59846 BHV-1 gD, set forth in SEQ ID NO: 19; the
sequence presented in SEQ ID NO: 28, which encodes a truncated gD
antigen that is not mature, set forth in SEQ ID NO: 29; and the
sequence presented in SEQ ID NO: 36, which encodes a truncated
mature gD, set forth in SEQ ID NO: 35. An example of a nucleotide
sequence that encodes a GnRH monomer is set forth in SEQ ID NO: 33.
An example of a sequence which encodes a GnRH tetramer, namely the
GnRH tetramer having the amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID
NO: 15, is set forth in SEQ ID NO: 32.
[0086] In one embodiment, a vector of the subject invention is
suitable for in vitro expression of a fusion protein, such as a
plasmid which is capable of transfecting a host cell such as a
bacterial cell and expressing the fusion protein in the bacterial
cell. Examples of plasmid vectors include plasmids, such as
recombinant pQE plasmids, capable of transfecting bacteria and
expressing the fusion proteins of this invention. Examples of some
prokaryotic expression vector plasmids into which a polynucleotide
molecule comprising a nucleotide sequence encoding a fusion protein
of the invention can be inserted include pQE-50 and pQE-31 (Qiagen,
Chatsworth, Calif.), pUC8, pUC9, pBR322 and pBR 239 (Biorad
Laboratories, Richmond, Calif.), pPL and pKK223 (Pharmacia,
Piscataway, N.J.). Other plasmids known in the art can also be used
to prepare vectors comprising a polynucleotide molecule comprising
a nucleotide sequence encoding a fusion protein of this invention,
and such plasmids can be ascertained by those of ordinary skill.
Preferred plasmids which are capable of expressing fusion proteins
of the invention in vitro include pQE-gD:GnRH (ATCC Accession No.
98953), pQE-GnRH:gD:GnRH (ATCC Accession No. 98955), and
pQE-GnRH:gD (ATCC Accession No. 98954). These plasmids are able to
express fusion proteins of this invention in E. coli bacteria.
[0087] In another embodiment, a vector of the subject invention is
a plasmid suitable for in vivo expression of a fusion protein.
Plasmids which are able to transfect eukaryotic cells, and which
can be used to construct vectors of the subject invention, can be
ascertained by those of ordinary skill in the art. Such plasmids
can comprise sequences and encode elements which assist in the in
vivo expression and processing of the fusion proteins in a
vaccinated vertebrate. For example, a plasmid of the present
invention can comprise a eukaryotic promoter sequence. As another
example, a plasmid of the present invention can comprise a sequence
encoding a signal attached to the expressed fusion protein, which
signal results in the transportation of the expressed fusion
protein to the cell membrane and excretion of the fusion protein
from the cell into the vaccinated vertebrate's circulatory system.
An example of a plasmid which can be used to construct vectors of
the subject invention capable of expressing fusion proteins in vivo
is pCMV (Clontech, Inc., Palo Alto, Calif.). Other typical
eukaryotic expression plasmids that can be engineered to comprise a
polynucleotide molecule comprising a nucleotide sequence encoding a
fusion protein of the present invention include an inducible
mammalian expression system and the cytomegalovirus
promoter-enhancer-based systems (Promega, Madison, WE; Stratagene,
La Jolla, Calif.; Invitrogen). Other plasmids useful for preparing
vectors expressing fusion proteins of the subject invention in vivo
can be ascertained by those of ordinary skill in the art. A
preferred example of a plasmid of the subject invention capable of
in vivo expression of a fusion protein is pCMV-gD:GnRH which has
been deposited with the ATCC (ATCC Accession No. 203370).
[0088] Vectors of the subject invention also include recombinant
viruses which comprise a polynucleotide molecule comprising a
nucleotide sequence encoding a fusion protein of the present
invention. Such viruses can be prepared according to techniques
known in the art. They may, for example, be prepared from
bacteriophage, the resulting recombinant bacteriophage being useful
for expressing and producing the subject fusion proteins in vitro
in bacteria. Examples of bacteriophage which can be used to prepare
vectors of this invention include T4, T7, .phi.X174, G4, M13, and
fd. Other bacteriophage useful for the subject invention may be
ascertained by those of ordinary skill in the art.
[0089] Recombinant viruses capable of transfecting insect cells or
yeast cells can also be constructed for in vitro expression and
production of fusion proteins of this invention in insect cells and
yeast cells, respectively. In this regard, another example of a
vector which can be used for in vitro production of the fusion
proteins of this invention is a recombinant virus based on a
baculovirus. In preferred embodiments, the subject invention
provides baculovirus vectors which express tmgD-4GnRH,
4GnRH-tmgD4GnRH, or 4GnRH-tmgD. In a preferred embodiment of this
invention, the vector is the baculovirus vector Bac-gD:GnRH, which
expresses a tmgD-4GnRH fusion protein. Bac-gD:GnRH has been
deposited with the ATCC (ATCC Accession No. VR-2633).
[0090] Recombinant viruses capable of infecting and expressing the
subject fusion proteins in eukaryotic cells, such as avian or
mammalian cells, including viruses for both in vitro and in vivo
expression of the fusion proteins in eukaryotic cells, can also be
constructed according to techniques well known in the art. Examples
of viruses from which such recombinant viruses can be prepared
include poxviruses, such as vaccinia virus, and adenovirus. Both
recombinant vaccinia virus and recombinant adenovirus can be used
for either in vitro or in vivo expression. Other viruses suitable
for expression in eukaryotic cells can be ascertained by those of
ordinary skill in the art.
[0091] In another embodiment, a vector of the subject invention is
a "transfer vector" comprising a polynucleotide molecule comprising
a nucleotide sequence encoding a fusion protein of the subject
invention. A transfer vector is a plasmid comprising a sequence
encoding a peptide, which plasmid can infect a suitable host cell,
such as a suitable insect or mammalian cell, in an in vitro
co-infection process with a virus, causing the host cell to produce
a recombinant virus, which recombinant virus is itself a vector
that is capable of expressing the peptide encoded by the plasmid in
a suitable expression system. Preparation of transfer vectors for
in vitro production of recombinant virus is well known in the art,
and plasmids which are useful for preparing transfer vectors
according to this subject invention can be ascertained by those of
ordinary skill in the art. Examples of plasmids suitable for
preparing transfer vectors include, but are not limited to,
pBacPAK8 and pBacPAK 9 (Clontech, Inc.). A preferred transfer
vector for preparing a viral vector encoding a fusion protein of
the subject invention is the transfer vector pBacHISgD:GnRH.
[0092] The nucleotide sequence which encodes a fusion protein of
the present invention can be ligated to and placed under the
control of various nucleotide elements, such as signal sequences,
inducible and non-inducible promoters, ribosome binding sites for
bacterial expression, and operators. Such elements permit the
nucleotide sequence to be transcribed, either in vivo or in vitro,
in a host cell transfected with a vector comprising the
polynucleotide molecule, and accordingly to be cloned or expressed
in the host cell. Regulatory sequences and enhancer sequences can
also be included in the polynucleotide molecules of the invention.
The coding sequences are placed in "operative association" with the
elements that are included in the polynucleotide molecules, which
means that their placement and orientation is such that
transcription of the coding sequences can occur. Such placement is
within the ordinary skill in the art.
[0093] Regulatory elements of polynucleotide molecules of the
present invention can vary in their strength and specificities.
Depending on the host/vector system to be utilized, any of a number
of suitable transcription and translation elements can be used. For
instance, when cloning in mammalian cell systems, promoters
isolated from the genome of mammalian cells, e.g., mouse
metallothionein promoter, or from viruses that grow in these cells,
vaccinia virus 7.5K promoter or Moloney murine sarcoma virus long
terminal repeat, can be used. Promoters obtained by recombinant DNA
or synthetic techniques can also be used to provide for
transcription of the inserted sequence. In addition, expression
from certain promoters can be elevated in the presence of
particular inducers, e.g., zinc and cadmium ions for
matallothionein promoters. Non-limiting examples of transcriptional
regulatory regions or promoters include, for bacteria, the
.beta.-gal promoter, the T7 promoter, the T5 promoter, the TAC
promoter, .lambda. left and right promoters, trp and lac promoters,
trp-lac fusion promoters, etc.; for yeast, glycolytic enzyme
promoters, such as ADH-I and -II promoters, GPK promoter, PGI
promoter, TRP promoter, etc.; and for mammalian cells, SV40 early
and late promoters, adenovirus major late promoters, among
others.
[0094] Specific initiation signals can also be used for translation
of inserted coding sequences. These signals typically include an
ATG initiation codon and adjacent sequences. In cases where the
polynucleotide molecule of the present invention includes its own
initiation codon and adjacent sequences are inserted into the
appropriate expression vector, no additional translation control
signals may be needed. However, in cases where only a portion of a
coding sequence is inserted, exogenous translational control
signals, including the ATG initiation codon, may be required. These
exogenous translational control signals and initiation codons can
be obtained from a variety of sources, both natural and synthetic.
Furthermore, the initiation codon must be in phase with the reading
frame of the coding regions to ensure in-frame translation of the
entire insert.
[0095] Vectors of this invention can also include repressor genes
and operators, which regulate the transcription of mRNA. Examples
of operators which can be included in the subject vectors include
the lac operator sequence. Other operators are known in the art,
and can be included in the vectors of this invention.
[0096] Expression vectors can also contain a polynucleotide
molecule of this invention which is further engineered to contain
polylinker sequences that encode specific protease cleavage sites
so that the expressed fusion protein can be released from expressed
vector sequences by treatment with a specific protease. For
example, the fusion protein vector can include a nucleotide
sequence encoding a thrombin or factor Xa cleavage site, among
others.
[0097] Expression vectors of the subject invention can also
comprise nucleotide sequences that encode a polyaminoacid that can
assist in purification of a fusion protein from media following
expression. An example of such a nucleotide sequence is a
nucleotide sequence encoding a 6.times.HIS tag, such as the
nucleotide sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 38.
[0098] Transformed Cells for Expressing Fusion Proteins
[0099] The subject invention also provides transformed cells which
comprise a polynucleotide molecule comprising a nucleotide sequence
encoding a fusion protein as described herein. Cells useful for
transformation for this invention include bacterial cells, yeast
cells, mammalian cells, insect cells, and plant cells. Transformed
cells of this invention can be prepared by transfecting a cell with
a vector comprising a polynucleotide molecule comprising a
nucleotide sequence encoding the fusion protein as described
above.
[0100] Host cells useful in practicing the subject invention can be
eukaryotic or prokaryotic. Such transformed host cells include, but
are not necessarily limited to, microorganisms, such as bacteria,
transformed with a recombinant bacteriophage or plasmid; yeast
transformed with a recombinant vector; animal cells, such as
mammalian cells, infected with a recombinant virus vector, e.g.,
adenovirus or vaccinia virus, among others; and insect cells
transformed with a recombinant virus vector, e.g. a baculovirus
vector.
[0101] For expression and harvesting of fusion proteins in vitro,
bacterial cells can be used as host cells. For example, a strain of
E. coli can be used, such as, e.g., the DH5a strain available from
the ATCC, Rockville, Md., USA (ATCC Accession No. 31343) or from
Stratagene (La Jolla, Calif.) or the BL21 strain available from
microorganism depositories such as the ATCC. Eukaryotic host cells,
including yeast cells and vertebrate cells, e.g., from a mouse,
hamster, cow, monkey, or human cell line, among others, can also be
utilized effectively. Examples of eukaryotic host cells that can be
used to express a fusion protein of the invention include Chinese
hamster ovary (CHO) cells (e.g., ATCC Accession No. CCL-61), NIH
Swiss mouse embryo cells NIHI3T3 (e.g., ATCC Accession No.
CRL-1658), and Madin-Darby bovine kidney (MDBK) cells (ATCC
Accession No. CCL-22).
[0102] Other cells that are particularly useful for in vitro
expression and harvesting of fusion proteins of this invention are
cells which possess a system for glycosylation of amino acids of
proteins. Some examples of cells that have a glycosylation system
are insect cells, mammalian cells and yeast cells. Systems from
different cell types can provide different patterns of
glycosylation for a fusion protein of the invention.
[0103] The recombinant vector of the invention is preferably
transformed or transfected into one or more host cells of a
substantially homogeneous culture of cells. The vector can be
introduced into host cells in accordance with known techniques,
such as, e.g., by protoplast transformation, calcium phosphate
precipitation, calcium chloride treatment, microinjection,
electroporation, transfection by contact with a recombined virus,
liposome-mediated transfection, DEAE-dextran transfection,
transduction, conjugation, or microprojectile bombardment, among
others. Selection of transformants can be conducted by standard
procedures, such as by selecting for cells expressing a selectable
marker, e.g., antibiotic resistance, associated with the
recombinant expression vector.
[0104] Once an expression vector is introduced into the host cell,
the integration and maintenance of the polynucleotide sequence
encoding a fusion protein of the present invention, either in the
host cell genome or episomally, can be confirmed by standard
techniques, e.g., by Southern hybridization analysis, restriction
enzyme analysis, PCR analysis including reverse transcriptase PCR
(rt-PCR), or by immunological assay to detect the expected fusion
protein product. Host cells containing a polynucleotide coding
sequence and/or expressing a fusion protein of the present
invention can be identified by any of at least four general
approaches that are well-known in the art, including: (i) DNA-DNA,
DNA-RNA, or RNA-antisense RNA hybridization; (ii) detecting the
presence of "marker" gene functions; (iii) assessing the level of
transcription as measured by the expression of specific mRNA
transcripts in the host cell; or (iv) detecting the presence of
mature polypeptide product, e.g., by immunoassay, as known in the
art.
[0105] Once a polynucleotide sequence encoding a fusion protein of
the present invention has been stably introduced into an
appropriate cell, the transformed cell can be clonally propagated,
and the resulting cells can be grown under conditions conducive to
the maximum production of the encoded fusion protein. Such
conditions typically include growing transformed cells to high
density. Where the expression vector comprises an inducible
promoter, appropriate induction conditions such as, e.g.,
temperature shift, exhaustion of nutrients, addition of gratuitous
inducers (e.g., analogs of carbohydrates, such as
isopropyl-.beta.-D-thio- galactopyranoside (IPTG)), accumulation of
excess metabolic by-products, or the like, are employed as needed
to induce expression.
[0106] Where the recombinantly-expressed fusion protein is retained
inside the host cells, the cells are harvested and lysed, and the
product is purified from the lysate under extraction conditions
known in the art to minimize protein degradation such as, e.g., at
4.degree. C., or in the presence of protease inhibitors, or both.
Where the recombinantly-expressed fusion protein is secreted from
the host cells, the exhausted nutrient medium can simply be
collected and the fusion protein isolated therefrom.
[0107] The recombinantly-expressed fusion protein can be purified
from cell lysates or culture medium, as necessary, using standard
methods, including but not limited to one or more of the following
methods: ammonium sulfate precipitation, size fractionation, ion
exchange chromatography, HPLC, density centrifugation, and affinity
chromatography. The recombinantly-expressed fusion protein can be
detected based, e.g., on size, or reactivity with a
fusion-protein-specific antibody, or by the presence of a fusion
tag, e.g. a 6.times.HIS tag. The present invention encompasses
recombinantly-expressed fusion protein in an unpurified state, as
secreted into the culture fluid or as present in a cell lysate, as
well as partially or substantially purified recombinant fusion
protein, all being useful for practicing the present invention.
[0108] Vaccines, Including Dual-Function Vaccines, and Methods
Using Same
[0109] Fusion protein, vectors, and transformed cells of the
present invention can be used to prepare dual-function vaccines to
induce an immunoinhibitory response in a vertebrate against the
peptide to which portion (a) of the subject fusion proteins is
analogous, while simultaneously protecting against infection by the
pathogen from which portion (b) is derived. Such vaccines are also
useful in a vertebrate solely for inhibiting a peptide to which
portion (a) is analogous.
[0110] Thus, in one aspect, this invention provides a dual-function
vaccine which comprises a fusion protein as described above, or a
vector or a transformed cell comprising a polynucleotide molecule
comprising a nucleotide sequence encoding such a fusion protein, in
an amount effective to inhibit the activity of the peptide from
which portion (a) is derived and to protect against infection by
the pathogen from which portion (b) is derived in a vertebrate
which endogenously synthesizes the peptide and which can be
pathogenically infected by the pathogen, along with a carrier
acceptable for pharmaceutical or veterinary use.
[0111] In a preferred embodiment, the subject invention provides a
dual-function vaccine for inhibiting GnRH activity in cattle while
simultaneously protecting cattle from BHV-1 infection, which
comprises a fusion protein according to the subject invention, or a
vector or transformed cell comprising a polynucleotide molecule
comprising a nucleotide sequence encoding such a fusion protein,
wherein portion (a) of the fusion protein is analogous to all or
part of a GnRH peptide and wherein portion (b) is analogous to all
or part of a BHV-1 antigen, the fusion protein being present in an
amount effective to inhibit GnRH activity in cattle and to also
protect cattle from BHV-1 infection, along with a carrier
acceptable for veterinary use.
[0112] The subject invention also provides a method for inhibiting
the activity of an endogenously-synthesized peptide in a vertebrate
and for protecting the vertebrate from a pathogenic infection which
comprises immunizing the vertebrate with an amount of a
dual-function vaccine as described above, which amount is effective
to inhibit the activity of the peptide and to protect against
infection by the pathogen. In a preferred embodiment, the subject
invention provides a method for inhibiting sexual characteristics
and for protecting against BHV-1 infection in a cow, which
comprises vaccinating the cow with a dual-function vaccine as
described above comprising a fusion protein comprising a portion
(a) analogous to all or part of a GnRH peptide and a portion (b)
analogous to all or part of a BHV-1 antigen, or vector or
transformed cell comprising a polynucleotide molecule comprising a
nucleotide sequence encoding such a fusion protein, in an amount
effective to inhibit sexual characteristics and protect against
BHV-1 infection.
[0113] In vaccines which comprise a fusion protein of the invention
wherein portion (b) is analogous to all or part of a BHV-1 antigen,
the vertebrate which is vaccinated need not be a vertebrate which
BHV-1 is capable of pathogenically infecting. In such vertebrates,
portion (b) simply acts as a carrier to induce an immune response
inhibiting the peptide to which it is connected.
[0114] Thus, the subject invention also provides a vaccine for
inhibiting the activity of a peptide in a vertebrate which
comprises a fusion protein of the invention wherein portion (a) is
analogous to all or part of a peptide and portion (b) is analogous
to all or part of a BHV-1 antigen, or a vector or transformed cell
comprising a polynucleotide molecule comprising a nucleotide
sequence encoding such a fusion protein, in an amount effective to
inhibit the activity of the peptide, along with a carrier
acceptable for pharmaceutical or veterinary use.
[0115] In a preferred embodiment, the invention provides a vaccine
for inhibiting the activity of GnRH in a vertebrate which comprises
a fusion protein wherein portion (a) is analogous to all or part of
a GnRH peptide and portion (b) is analogous to all or part of a
BHV-1 antigen, or vector or transformed cell comprising a
polynucleotide molecule comprising a nucleotide sequence encoding
such a fusion protein, in an amount effective to inhibit GnRH
activity, along with a carrier acceptable for pharmaceutical or
veterinary use.
[0116] The subject invention also provides a method for inhibiting
the activity of a peptide, including, but not limited to, the
hormone GnRH, in a vertebrate, which comprises immunizing the
vertebrate with an amount of the above described vaccine comprising
a fusion protein, or a vector or transformed cell comprising a
polynucleotide molecule comprising a nucleotide sequence encoding
such a fusion protein, which fusion protein comprises a
proteinaceous portion analogous to all or part of a BHV-1 antigen
as a carrier, which amount is effective to inhibit the activity of
the peptide.
[0117] The subject invention also provides a method for inhibiting
sexual characteristics in a vertebrate, preferably a mammal, which
comprises immunizing the vertebrate with an amount of a vaccine
comprising a fusion protein comprising a portion (a) analogous to
all or part of a GnRH peptide and a portion (b) analogous to all or
part of a BHV-1 antigen, or a vector or transformed cell comprising
a polynucleotide molecule comprising a nucleotide sequence encoding
such a fusion protein, which amount is effective to inhibit sexual
characteristics. The vertebrate need not be a member of the bovine
species, but can be any vertebrate in which GnRH is endogenously
synthesized, such as a sheep, pig, horse, goat, dog, cat, or
human.
[0118] "Sexual characteristics" refers to those characteristics in
a vertebrate associated with the vertebrate's gender and/or the
vertebrate's ability to reproduce, which characteristics are
induced, either in whole or in part, either directly or indirectly,
by GnRH. Such characteristics are ascertainable by those of
ordinary skill in the art. In male cattle, examples of inhibition
of such sexual characteristics include repression of aggressive
behavior, suppression of testosterone production, reduced libido,
regression of the accessory sex glands (including prostates and
seminal vesicles), diminution in the testicular volume, and
reduction or cessation of spermatogenesis. In female cattle,
inhibition of such sexual characteristics include failure to
ovulate and infertility, regression of the reproductive tract, and
abortion. In one embodiment, GnRH is inhibited in either a male or
a female vertebrate such that the sexual characteristics which are
inhibited include a functional reproductive system, the present
invention thus providing a form of contraception.
[0119] The subject invention also provides a method for inhibiting
abnormal cell growth in prostate tissue in a male vertebrate,
preferably in a mammal, which comprises immunizing the vertebrate
with an amount of a vaccine comprising a fusion protein, or a
vector or transformed cell comprising a polynucleotide molecule
comprising a nucleotide sequence encoding such a fusion protein,
which fusion protein comprises a portion (a) analogous to all or
part of a GnRH peptide and a portion (b) analogous to all or part
of a BHV-1 antigen, which amount is effective to inhibit abnormal
prostate cell growth.
[0120] Vaccines of the present invention can be formulated
following accepted convention to include acceptable carriers for
animals, including humans, such as standard buffers, stabilizers,
diluents, preservatives, and/or solubilizers, and can also be
formulated to facilitate sustained release. Diluents include water,
saline, dextrose, ethanol, glycerol, and the like. Additives for
isotonicity include sodium chloride, dextrose, mannitol, sorbitol,
and lactose, among others. Stabilizers include albumin, among
others. Other suitable vaccine vehicles and additives, including
those that are particularly useful in formulating modified live
vaccines, are known or will be apparent to those skilled in the
art. See, e.g., Remington's Pharmaceutical Science, 18th ed., 1990,
Mack Publishing, which is incorporated herein by reference.
[0121] Vaccines of the present invention can further comprise one
or more additional immunomodulatory components such as, e.g., an
adjuvant or cytokine, cholera toxin (CT) or heat labile toxin (LT)
among others. Non-limiting examples of adjuvants that can be used
in the vaccine of the present invention include the RIBI adjuvant
system (Ribi Inc., Hamilton, Mont.), alum, mineral gels such as
aluminum hydroxide gel, oil-in-water emulsions, water-in-oil
emulsions such as, e.g., Freund's complete and incomplete
adjuvants, Block copolymer (CytRx, Atlanta Ga.), QS-21 (Cambridge
Biotech Inc., Cambridge Mass.), SAF-M (Chiron, Emeryville Calif.),
AMPHIGEN.RTM. adjuvant, saponin, Quil A or other saponin fraction,
monophosphoryl lipid A, and Avridine lipid-amine adjuvant.
Non-limiting examples of oil-in-water emulsions useful in the
vaccine of the invention include modified SEAM62 and SEAM 1/2
formulations. Modified SEAM62 is an oil-in-water emulsion
containing 5% (v/v) squalene (Sigma), 1% (v/v) SPAN.RTM. 85
detergent (ICI Surfactants), 0.7% (v/v) TWEEN.RTM. 80 detergent
(ICI Surfactants), 2.5% (v/v) ethanol, 200 .mu.g/ml Quil A, 100
.mu.g/ml cholesterol, and 0.5% (v/v) lecithin. Modified SEAM 1/2 is
an oil-in-water emulsion comprising 5% (v/v) squalene, 1% (v/v)
SPAN.RTM. 85 detergent, 0.7% (v/v) Tween 80 detergent, 2.5% (v/v)
ethanol, 100 .mu.g/ml Quil A, and 50 .mu.g/ml cholesterol. Other
immunomodulatory agents that can be included in the vaccine
include, e.g., one or more interleukins, interferons, or other
known cytokines. Where the vaccine comprises live transformed
cells, the adjuvant is preferably selected based on the ability of
the resulting vaccine formulation to maintain at least some degree
of viability of the live transformed cells.
[0122] A vaccine comprising transformed cells of the present
invention can be prepared by standard techniques, for example using
an aliquot of culture fluid containing said transformed cells,
either free in the medium or residing in mammalian host cells, or
both, that can be administered directly, or in concentrated form,
to the subject. Alternatively, modified live transformed cells can
be combined with a carrier acceptable for pharmaceutical or
veterinary use, with or without an immunomodulatory agent, selected
from those known in the art and appropriate to the chosen route of
administration, where at least some degree of viability of the live
cells in the vaccine composition is maintained. Such methods are
known in the art.
[0123] Where a vaccine of this invention comprises live transformed
cells, the vaccine can be stored cold or frozen. Where the vaccine
composition comprises a fusion protein, vector, or inactivated
transformed cells of the present invention, the vaccine may be
stored frozen, or in lyophilized form to be rehydrated prior to
administration using an appropriate diluent.
[0124] Vaccines of the present invention can optionally be
formulated for sustained release of the fusion protein. Examples of
such sustained release formulations include fusion protein in
combination with composites of biocompatible polymers, such as,
e.g., poly(lactic acid), poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid),
methylcellulose, hyaluronic acid, collagen and the like. The
structure, selection and use of degradable polymers in drug
delivery vehicles have been reviewed in several publications,
including A. Domb et al., 1992, Polymers for Advanced Technologies
3: 279-292, which is incorporated herein by reference. Additional
guidance in selecting and using polymers in pharmaceutical
formulations can be found in the text by M. Chasin and R. Langer
(eds), 1990, "Biodegradable Polymers as Drug Delivery Systems" in:
Drugs and the Pharmaceutical Sciences, Vol. 45, M. Dekker, NY,
which is also incorporated herein by reference. Alternatively, or
additionally, the fusion protein, vector, or transformed cells can
be microencapsulated to improve administration and efficacy.
Methods for microencapsulating antigens are well-known in the art,
and include techniques described, e.g., in U.S. Pat. No. 3,137,631;
U.S. Pat. No. 3,959,457; U.S. Pat. No. 4,205,060; U.S. Pat. No.
4,606,940; U.S. Pat. No. 4,744,933; U.S. Pat. No. 5,132,117; and
International Patent Publication WO 95/28227, all of which are
incorporated herein by reference.
[0125] Liposomes can also be used to provide for the sustained
release of fusion protein, vector, or transformed cell. Details
concerning how to make and use liposomal formulations can be found
in, among other places, U.S. Pat. No. 4,016,100; U.S. Pat. No.
4,452,747; U.S. Pat. No. 4,921,706; U.S. Pat. No. 4,927,637; U.S.
Pat. No. 4,944,948; U.S. Pat. No. 5,008,050; and U.S. Pat. No.
5,009,956, all of which are incorporated herein by reference.
[0126] An effective amount of any of the above-described vaccines
can be determined by conventional means, starting with a low dose
of fusion protein, vector, or transformed cell and then increasing
the dosage while monitoring the effects. An effective amount may be
obtained after a single administration of a vaccine or after
multiple administrations of a vaccine. Known factors may be taken
into consideration when determining an optimal dose per animal.
These include the species, size, age and general condition of the
animal, the presence of other drugs in the animal, and the like.
The actual dosage is preferably chosen after consideration of the
results from other animal studies.
[0127] One method of detecting whether adequate immune response has
been achieved is to determine seroconversion and antibody titer in
the animal after vaccination. The timing of vaccination and the
number of boosters, if any, will preferably be determined by a
qualified scientist or veterinarian based on analysis of all
relevant factors, some of which are described above.
[0128] The effective dose amount of fusion protein, vector, and
transformed cell of the present invention can be determined using
known techniques, taking into account factors that can be
determined by one of ordinary skill in the art such as the weight
of the animal to be vaccinated. The dose amount of fusion protein
of the present invention in a vaccine of the present invention
preferably ranges from about 1 .mu.g to about 10 mg, more
preferably from about 50 .mu.g to about 1 mg, and most preferably
from about 100 .mu.g to about 0.5 mg. The dose amount of a vector
of the present invention in a vaccine of the present invention
preferably ranges from about 50 .mu.g to about 1 mg. The dose
amount of transformed cells of the present invention in a vaccine
of the present invention preferably ranges from about
1.times.10.sup.3 to about 1.times.10.sup.5 cells/ml, and more
preferably from about 1.times.10.sup.5 to about 1.times.10.sup.7
cells/ml. A suitable dosage size ranges from about 0.5 ml to about
10 ml, and more preferably from about 1 ml to about 5 ml.
[0129] Where inhibiting abnormal cell growth in prostate is
concerned, an effective amount of any of the above-described
vaccines can be determined by conventional means, starting with a
low dose of fusion protein, vector, or transformed cell and then
increasing the dosage while monitoring the effects. Known factors
can be taken into consideration when determining an optimal dose
per animal. Some factors are described above.
[0130] "Abnormal cell growth" means cell growth which is
independent of normal regulatory mechanisms (e.g., loss of contact
inhibition). This includes the abnormal growth of: (1) malignant
prostate tumor cells, such as prostate carcinoma cells, (2) benign
cells of other proliferative disorders in prostate tissue, and (3)
any other unregulated cell growth in prostate tissue associated
with GnRH activity. "Inhibiting prostate carcinoma growth" and like
phrases as used herein mean slowing, halting, and/or reversing
abnormal cell growth in prostate tissue.
[0131] The present invention further provides a method of preparing
a vaccine comprising a fusion protein as described above, which
method comprises combining an effective amount of a fusion protein
of the present invention, with a carrier acceptable for
pharmaceutical or veterinary use.
[0132] Antibodies
[0133] The subject invention further provides a method of making
polyclonal antibodies directed against a peptide that is
endogenously synthesized in a vertebrate which comprises
vaccinating such a vertebrate with an antibody-inducing amount of a
fusion protein of the present invention, or a vector or transformed
cell comprising a polynucleotide molecule comprising a nucleotide
sequence encoding such a fusion protein, which fusion protein
comprises a portion (a) analogous to all or part of a peptide
endogenously synthesized within the vertebrate; obtaining serum
containing polyclonal antibodies from the vaccinated vertebrate;
and isolating from the serum polyclonal antibodies which bind to
the endogenously-synthesized peptide; thereby making polyclonal
antibodies directed against the peptide. Methods for obtaining
serum from a vaccinated vertebrate and for isolating specific
polyclonal antibodies therefrom are known in the art. In a
preferred embodiment, the fusion protein comprises a portion (a)
analogous to all or part of a GnRH peptide, and the peptide against
which polyclonal antibodies are made is GnRH. The subject invention
further provides polyclonal antibodies directed against an
endogenously-synthesized peptide made according to this method. In
a preferred embodiment, the polyclonal antibodies are directed
against GnRH.
[0134] The subject invention further provides a method of making a
monoclonal antibody directed against a peptide that is endogenously
synthesized in a vertebrate which comprises vaccinating such a
vertebrate with an antibody-inducing amount of a fusion protein of
the present invention, or vector or transformed cell comprising a
polynucleotide molecule comprising a nucleotide sequence encoding
such a fusion protein, which fusion protein comprises a portion (a)
analogous to all or part of a peptide endogenously synthesized
within the vertebrate; and isolating a spleen cell from the
vaccinated vertebrate which spleen cell excretes a monoclonal
antibody that specifically binds to the endogenously-synthesized
peptide; thereby making a monoclonal antibody directed against the
peptide. In a preferred embodiment, the fusion protein comprises a
portion (a) analogous to all or part of a GnRH peptide, and the
peptide against which the monoclonal antibody is made is GnRH. The
subject invention further provides monoclonal antibodies directed
against an endogenously-synthesized peptide made according to this
method. In a preferred embodiment, the monoclonal antibodies are
directed against GnRH.
[0135] Methods for isolating spleen cells from a vaccinated animal
which excrete a specific monoclonal antibody for purposes of making
a monoclonal antibody are known in the art. Such methods include,
but are not limited to, the hybridoma technique originally
described by Kohler and Milstein (Nature, 1975, 256: 495-497); the
human B-cell hybridoma technique (Kosbor et al., 1983, Immunology
Today 4:72; Cote et al., 1983, Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA 80:
2026-2030); and the EBV-hybridoma technique (Cole, et al., 1985,
Monoclonal Antibodies and Cancer Therapy, Alan R. Liss, Inc., pp.
77-96). These publications are incorporated herein by
reference.
[0136] Techniques for the production of monoclonal antibodies and
antibody fragments are additionally described, among other places,
in Harlow and Lane, 1988, Antibodies: A Laboratory Manual, Cold
Spring Harbor Laboratory, and in J. W. Goding, 1986, Monoclonal
Antibodies: Principles and Practice, Academic Press, London, which
are incorporated herein by reference.
[0137] The following examples are provided to merely illustrate
aspects of the subject invention. They are not intended, and should
not be construed, to limit the invention set forth in the claims
and more fully described herein.
EXAMPLES
Example 1
Plasmids Expressing gD/GnRH Fusion Proteins
[0138] Construction of pQE-tmgD: The plasmid FlgD/Pots207nco(#79)
(encoding a full-length gD, hereinafter "gD/Pots") was digested
with NcoI/XbaI and the resulting 1.26 kb fragment was cloned into
the corresponding sites of pUC21, generating the plasmid pUC-FLgD.
The complete sequence of the NcoI/XbaI fragment in the plasmid
pUC-FLgD was determined on both DNA strands using Sanger
fluorescent dideoxy chain termination sequencing technology. FIG. 3
shows the sequence results and characteristics. The nucleotide
sequence encoding gD/Pots is included in SEQ ID NO: 16.
[0139] DNA alignment between gD/Pots and published BHV-IgD (GenBank
Accession No. M59846) shows 94.7% homology with the majority of the
mismatches occurring 3' of the transmembrane domain (FIG. 4).
[0140] Amino acid alignment between gD/Pots and M59846 shows four
amino acid differences, one of which is located in the signal
sequence and the other three in or around the transmembrane domain
(FIG. 5).
[0141] The signal sequence for the gD protein was removed in order
to facilitate expression of the protein in E. coli. The signal
sequence removal was carried out by digesting pUC-FLgD plasmid DNA
with Nco I/Hind III and filling in the ends with the Klenow
fragment of DNA Polymerase I. The resulting DNA fragment was
gel-purified and ligated. Colonies were screened for a shift in
mobility of a Sph I/Sac I fragment that would indicate deletion of
the 50 bp fragment. Two positive clones were selected and sequenced
across the Nco I/Hind III deletion region. All clones were shown to
have the correct sequence. Clone #1 was designated pUC-MgD was
chosen for further manipulation.
[0142] The mature gD sequence was subcloned into an E. coli
expression vector, for production of the protein on a large scale
basis. To this end, a 1.07 kb Sph I/Sac I fragment from pUC-MgD
containing the mature gD sequence (truncated at the 3' end to
exclude the transmembrane domain) was subcloned into the
corresponding sites of pQE-31 (Qiagen). (pQE-31 uses the phage T5
promoter and two lac operator sequences for greater repression
before induction of expression with IPTG. pQE-31 also contains an
N-terminal 6.times.HIS tag fusion for purification purposes.) The
resulting clones were screened for the 1.07 kb SphI/SacI fragment.
One positive clone, designated pQE-tmgD, was selected for
preparation of further plasmids, infra. pQE-tmgD encodes an
N-terminal 6.times.HIS tag fused to a truncated mature gD (tmgD)
sequence, terminated by a vector-encoded stop codon following the
Sac I site. The junction regions of the gD sequence and the plasmid
backbone were sequenced to verify the integrity of the insert, and
were found to be correct. The sequence encoding the tmgD (not
including the 6.times.HIS tag) in pQE-tmgD is set forth in SEQ ID
NO: 36. The amino acid sequence of the tmgD encoded by pQE-tmgD
(without the 6.times.HIS tag) is set forth in SEQ ID NO: 35:
[0143] Construction of GnRH-tetramer clones: Twelve different
oligonucleotides (sense and complementary (reverse) strands)
encoding GnRH (monomers and dimers) having different terminal DNA
sequences were prepared. These twelve oligonucleotides are provided
in SEQ ID NOS: 1-0.12.
[0144] Oligonucleotides 9 and 10 were annealed and cloned into the
BamHI/XhoI sites of pBS KS+(Stratagene), generating p98BS/GnRH. A
plasmid encoding a GnRH tetramer was constructed from plasmid
p98BS/GnRH by adding annealed oligonuceotides 7 and 8 at the Sma
I/Xho I sites. A reconstruction of the full length tetramer was
necessary because sequence analysis of 5 separate clones showed
that all had base changes in the synthetic primer region. A clone
containing the full length tetramer with the correct sequence was
constructed by replacing a 106 bp Eag I fragment from one mutant
clone with the corresponding fragment from a clone lacking base
changes in this region. One of the resulting reconstructed clones
was sequenced and found to have the correct DNA sequence encoding
the GnRH tetramer. This clone contained one sequence difference
from the predicted nucleotide sequence for the GnRH tetramer
construct. The change is an additional G, 3' and outside the GnRH
coding region, and, therefore, does not affect the coding region
for GnRH. (The additional G was present in the clone used for the
reconstruction, and is likely to be due to an error in the
synthetic primer sequence.) This clone was designated p9897-R. A
portion of p9897-R, including the sequence encoding the GnRH
tetramer, is shown in FIG. 2. The sequence encoding the GnRH
tetramer is set forth in SEQ ID NO: 32. The amino acid sequence of
the GnRH tetramer encoded by p9897-R is set forth in SEQ ID NO:
33.
[0145] A PCR was employed using primers P14-S1 (SEQ ID NO:42) and
P14-A138 (SEQ ID NO: 43) with template DNA from plasmid p9897-R to
generate a 138 bp fragment containing the GnRH tetramer PCR
fragment having a 3' stop codon and synthetic 5' SacI and 3'
HindIII ends. The PCR fragment was cloned into the pGEM-T EASY
vector (Promega, Madison, Wis.), generating p9897 S/d3. The clone
was sequenced and found to have the correct sequence. The clone,
p9897 S/d3, provides a source for a GnRH tetramer coding sequence
with SacI and HindIII ends for future cloning into pQE vectors.
[0146] Construction of pQE-gD:GnRH: A 126 bp SacI/HindIII fragment
from p9897 S/d3 containing the GnRH tetramer was cloned into the
corresponding sites of plasmid pQE-tmgD. Colonies were screened for
the presence of the 126 bp SacI/HindIII fragment and a 1165 bp
BamHI/HindIII fragment indicating proper orientation of insert. The
junction regions adjacent to the cloning sites were analyzed by DNA
sequencing and found to be correct. The nucleotide sequence
encoding tmgD4GnRH, including the 6.times.HIS tag, and plasmid
flanking sequences are set forth in SEQ ID NO: 24. The amino acid
sequence of the tmgD-4GnRH encoded by pQE-gD:GnRH is set forth in
SEQ ID NO: 25. As described above, tmgD-4GnRH is a fusion construct
wherein a GnRH tetramer is fused to the carboxy terminus of
truncated mature gD.
[0147] Construction of pQE-GnRH:gD: The GnRH tetramer coding
sequence in p9897-R was cleaved with BamHI/NcoI, the ends blunted
by filling in with Klenow, and the 132 bp fragment was gel
purified. A mature gD vector fragment (i.e. without the signal
sequence) was prepared by cleavage from pUC-FLgD with NcoI/HindIII,
blunting the ends by filling in with Klenow, and gel purifying the
4.4 kb fragment. After ligation with the 132 bp fragment from
p9897-R and transformation, clones were screened for the
regeneration of the 5' BamH I and Nco I sites resulting from
ligation in the correct orientation. Additional screening for the
generation of an -400 bp Nde I fragment confirmed the correct
structure: The construct was sequenced across the GnRH/gD junctions
to confirm the correct sequence. This construct, designated
pUC-GnRH:gD, contains a GnRH tetramer sequence fused to the amino
terminus of a mature full-length gD sequence in a pUC vector.
[0148] An 1161 bp GnRH tetramer/truncated mature gD fusion sequence
was obtained by digesting pUC-GnRH:gD with Sph I and Sac 1
restriction enzymes. This 1161 bp fragment was cloned into the
corresponding sites of pQE-31, generating pQE-GnRH:gD. Clones were
screened for the 1161 bp Sph Il/Sac I fragment, and for the correct
pattern of Nde I fragments (380 bp, 2.0, 2.2 kb).
[0149] The nucleotide sequence encoding 4GNRH-tmgD, including the
6.times.HIS tag, and plasmid flanking sequences are set forth in
SEQ ID NO: 22. The amino acid sequence of the 4GnRH-tmgD encoded by
pQE-GnRH:gD is set forth in SEQ ID NO: 23.
[0150] Construction of pQE-GnRH:gD:GnRH: The 126 bp Sac I/Hind III
fragment from p9897 S/d3 was subcloned into the corresponding sites
of plasmid pQE-GnRH:gD, generating pQE-GnRH:gD:GnRH. Clones were
screened for the 126 bp Sac I/Hind III fragment, as well as for the
correct pattern of Nde I fragments.
[0151] pQE-GnRH:gD:GnRH encodes a 4GnRH-tmgD-4GnRH fusion protein.
As described above, 4GnRH-tmgD4GnRH comprises a truncated mature gD
having a GnRH tetramer fused at both the amino and carboxy termini.
The nucleotide coding sequence and flanking sequences from
pQE-GnRH:gD:GnRH are provided in SEQ ID NO: 26. The amino acid
sequence of the 4GnRH-tmgD-4GnRH encoded by pQE-GnRH:gD:GnRH,
including the 6.times.HIS tag is set forth in SEQ ID NO: 27.
[0152] Comparison of expression products from bacterial expression
vector pQE constructs:
[0153] All four constructs contained a tmgD derived from clone
FlgD/Pots207nco(#79), which included amino acids 19 through 358 of
FlgD/Pots207nco(#79).
[0154] All four constructs contained an amino terminal pQE-HIS
leader sequence (a 6.times.HIS tag) denoted by amino acid
designation: MRGSHHHHHHTDPHA (SEQ ID NO: 37). The coding sequence
for the 6.times.HIS tag is set forth in SEQ ID NO:38.
[0155] All four constructs had a 2 or 3 amino acid linker after the
6.times.HIS leader sequence.
[0156] All GnRH products were derived from GnRH tetramer clone
p9897-R.
[0157] The pQE-GnRH:gD and pQE-GnRH:gD:GnRH clones contained a
three amino acid linker (SMS) between the amino terminal GnRH
tetramer and the tmgD sequence.
[0158] The pQE-gD and pQE-GnRH:gD clones contained an extra ten
amino acids at the carboxy terminal end of tmgD from the vector
sequence as an artifact from cloning.
[0159] The pQE-gD:GnRH and pQE-GnRH:gD:GnRH clones contained a one
amino acid (proline) linker between tmgD and GnRH carboxy
fusion.
[0160] See FIG. 10 for an illustration of each of the pQE
constructs.
Example 2
Expression of GnRH/gD Fusion Proteins by Transformed Bacterial
Cells
[0161] All of the pQE constructs described in Example 1, above,
were transformed into E. coli DH5.alpha.-F'IQ cells for expression.
For induction of expression, cells were grown to an OD600 of
0.7-0.9 in a 2 liter baffled culture flask in 2xYT broth containing
100 .mu.g/ml Ampicillin and 25 .mu.g/ml Kanamycin, then induced
with 1-2 mM IPTG and incubated for 4 hours at 37 degrees Celsius.
Average OD.sub.600 readings at harvest time were 1.3. Expression of
all four constructs was confirmed by Western blot analysis.
Example 3
Formulation of Fusion Protein Vaccines and Immunization of Mice
[0162] Vaccine Assembly: Fusion proteins from pQE-tmgD (as a
control), pQE-GnRH:gD, pQE-GnRH:gD:GnRH, and pQE-gD:GnRH were
concentrated from inclusion body preparations by preparative
electrophoresis on 9% polyacrylamide gels. Bands cut from SDS PAGE
gels were dissolved in 25 mM Tris, pH 8.3, 192 mM glycine and 0.1%
SDS (w/v). The equivalent of 10%1 g gD/mouse dose was adjuvanted
with SEAM1 (Squalene Emulsion Adjuvant Metabolizable) emulsion (10
.mu.g QuilA/100 .mu.l dose). Vaccine formulations were stored at
4.degree. C. SEAM1 is 5% squalene, 0.1% Vitamin E acetate, 1% Span
85, 0.70% Tween 80, 2 mg/ml QuilA, and 400 .mu.l/ml
cholesterol.
[0163] Mice: BALB/c males were used in the study after they were 8
weeks of age (10/group). Mice were initially housed in groups of
10, however, controls were subsequently moved to individual cages
to prevent fighting.
[0164] Immunization: Mice were immunized subcutaneously with 10
.mu.g fusion protein in 100 .mu.L adjuvant, described above. Three
immunizations were given at study days 0, 20, and 41.
[0165] Anti-GnRH antibodies by ELISA: Serum samples were collected
at study days 0, 20, 31, 41, 55, 62, 69, and 146 and were evaluated
for anti GnRH antibody titers in a peptide ELISA (enzyme linked
immunoadsorbant assay). A biotinylated GnRH peptide (Biotin-GnRH)
(0.1 .mu.g/mL in 25 mM Tris, 0.15 M NaCl at pH 7.6) consisting of
the natural sequence plus a 4 amino acid linker (CAGAEHWSYGLRPG),
purified by HPLC on a reverse phase column, was adsorbed to avidin
coated plates and incubated at room temperature for 2 hours. Excess
peptide was removed by washing plates four times with the wash
buffer (25 mM Tris, 0.15M NaCl, 0.05% Tween-20 and 0.05% BSA
(bovine serum albumin) fraction V). Then, five-fold serial
dilutions of positive control, negative and unknown mouse sera in
diluent (25 mM Tris, 0.15 M NaCl, 0.05% BSA) (100 .mu.l/well) were
added to the peptide coated wells and incubated for 30 minutes at
room temperature. Plates were washed four times in wash buffer and
then rabbit anti mouse IgG (IgG specific)-horseradish peroxidase
(Zymed, California) was added to each well (1:4,000, 100
.mu.l/well). After incubation for 30 minutes at room temperature
the bound antibody was detected with 3,3'5,5'-tetramethyl benzidine
substrate (Kierkegaard & Perry, cat#50-76-04) (100 .mu.l/well,
15 minutes in the dark) and the reaction was halted with the
addition of 50 .mu.l/well of 0.18 M H.sub.2SO.sub.4. Absorbance at
450 nm was measured with a Molecular Devices microplate reader. To
calculate antibody titers, a positive control curve is generated
and titers of unknown samples are extrapolated from the curve using
computer software.
[0166] BHV-1 gD ELISA: Serum samples were collected at study days
0, 20, 31, 41, 55, 62, 69, and 146 and were evaluated for anti gD
BHV-1 antibody titers by ELISA. Purified recombinant gD BHV-1
expressed from MDBK (Madin Darby Bovine Kidney) cells (1 .mu.g/mL
in Dulbecco's PBS+0.01% thimerosal, 100 .mu.L/well) was adsorbed
onto microtiter plates for 18-24 hours at 4.degree. C. Excess
protein was washed from wells then unbound sites in wells were
blocked by incubating for 2 hours at 37.degree. C. with 300 .mu.l
of 1% PVA (polyvinyl acetate) in DPBS (Dulbecco's phosphate
buffered saline) with 0.01% thimerosol. Serum samples (positive and
negative control and unknown serum) were diluted 1:50, then
serially by 4-fold dilutions in 1% PVA in DPBS with 0.01%
thimerosol and 100% added to each well. The assay was incubated 45
minutes at 37.degree. C. Plates were washed four times with
distilled H.sub.2O, then HRP (horse radish peroxidase) goat
anti-mouse (1:10000 in 1% PVA in DPBS with 0.01% thimerosol, 100
.mu.l/well, KP+L) was added and plates were incubated 30 minutes at
37.degree. C. Wells were washed four times with distilled H.sub.2O
then the assay was developed with ABTS (2,2'-azino-di(3-ethyl-be-
nzthiazoline sulfonate (6) substrate (100 .mu.l/well, RT, 15 min).
The reaction was read at 405/490 nm on an ELISA reader. Titers were
calculated using the Forecast method in EXCEL.TM. (Microsoft,
Redmond, Wash.) using 0.5 OD as a cutoff and using 2 dilutions
above 0.5 and 1 dilution below the 0.5 OD to extrapolate
titers.
[0167] Testosterone Concentrations: Serum samples from study days
0, 41 and 69 were evaluated for testosterone concentrations. The
assay was a human testosterone radioimmunoassay using antibody that
cross-reacts with murine testosterone. Human testosterone standards
are used in the assay. The murine samples tend to run at the lower
end of the human testosterone standard curve, leading to a wider
variability in normal values. The sensitivity of the assay is 0.02
ng/mL.
[0168] Necropsy and Histopathology: Animals were sacrificed at
study day 146. Testes, epididymides and prostate with seminal
vesicle were removed and weighed prior to fixation of tissues in
Bouin's fixative [75 mL picric acid (saturated solution); 25 mL
formalin (37%); 5 mL acetic acid (4.76%)]. Tissues were fixed for
48 hours then rinsed in 50% ethanol:H.sub.2O. Tissues were stored
in fresh 50% ethanol prior to analysis. Tissues were processed and
embedded in paraffin and 5 .mu.m sections cut and stained with
hematoxylin and eosin. Each organ was evaluated for inflammation,
atrophy, and spermatogonial degeneration. Scores were assigned
based on the level of aspermatogenesis, atrophy, or other lesions.
Weights were scored as a percentage of the mean weight in the
normal control group. A cumulative score was assigned to each
animal.
[0169] Results:
[0170] Anti-gD antibody responses: All mice that were immunized
with gD or a gD-containing fusion protein generated anti-gD ELISA
antibodies, regardless of whether gD was expressed in procaryotic
(i.e. E. coli expressed carboxyl, amino or carboxyl-amino fusion
protein) or eucaryotic expression systems (i.e. MDBK expressed
protein).
[0171] Anti-GnRH antibody responses: A hierarchy of anti-GnRH
titers were induced by the different fusion proteins: tmgD-4GnRH
(i.e. having a GnRH tetramer at the carboxy end of the protein)
generated the highest titers followed by 4GnRH-tmgD-4GnRH, while
the lowest titers were induced in the 4GnRH-tmgD immunized. In all
groups anti-GnRH titers peaked after the second immunization and
remained at plateau for greater than 2 months.
[0172] All (9 of 9) mice immunized with the tmgD4GnRH made antibody
responses to GnRH when measured by peptide ELISA, although 2/9 mice
were low responders. There were 3/10 nonresponders in the
4GnRH-tmgD group and 1/9 nonresponders in the 4GnRH-tmgD-4GnRH. All
the GnRH nonresponders were gD responders.
[0173] Effect of anti-GnRH antibodies on the male reproductive
system: To determine whether induction of anti-GnRH antibodies
would abrogate GnRH function we evaluated testosterone levels
before and after GnRH immunization. At necropsy, reproductive tract
tissues were weighed then submitted for gross and histological
examination. The normal ranges of testosterone concentrations in
mice varied widely as measured using the human testosterone
radioimmunoassay. However, mice immunized with tmgD-4GnRH had
significantly lower mean testosterone concentrations when compared
to normal controls or other treatment groups. The prostate, testes
and epididymides of tmgD-4GnRH immunized mice were significantly
atrophied when gross tissue weight and histological examination of
sperm development was evaluated. Mice immunized with
4GnRH-tmgD-4GnRH were less affected when compared to normal
controls.
Example 4
Baculovirus Constructs Encoding gD/GnRH Fusion Proteins
[0174] Construction of pBacHISgD:LH and bac-gD:GnRH: pQE-gD:GnRH
(see Example 1) was digested with Hind III, the site blunt-ended by
Klenow treatment, and subsequently digested with EcoRI. An
approximate 1.2 kb fragment which contained the tmgD4GnRH coding
sequence was gel purified and cloned into STUI/EcoRI digested
transfer vector pBacPAK9 plasmid (Clontech, Inc.), forming
pBacHISgD:LH. (The transfer vector contains sequences compensating
for replication deficiency in a replication deficient
baculovirus.)
[0175] Sf21 insect cells were co-transfected with pBacHISgD:LH and
replication deficient baculovirus viral DNA. These transfected Sf21
cells generate a recombinant baculovirus (designated bac-gD:GnRH)
(ATCC Accession No. VR-2633), which encodes a tmgD4GnRH fusion
protein. Recombination (exchange of DNA) between the transfer
vector pBacHISgD:LH and replication deficient baculovirus viral DNA
is mediated by homologous, flanking viral sequences present in
pBacPAK9 which allows for efficient transfer of the entire
expression cassette (sequence encoding tmgD-4GnRH) from
pBacHISgD:LH into viral DNA along with the gene or genes that
complements for replication deficiency.
[0176] Recombinant virus can be purified by plaque assay from
infected Sf21 cells. Repeated cycles of Sf21 cell infection and
plaque assay purification can be performed to obtain greater
concentration of recombinant virus expressing fusion protein for
large scale production of the fusion protein. Expression of the
recombinant constructs was confirmed by Western blot. Infected Sf21
cells can be collected by centrifugation and transferred to
-80.degree. Celsius until processed for recombinant
baculovirus.
[0177] The nucleotide sequence encoding the ORF for the 6.times.HIS
tag, truncated mature gD and GnRH tetramer in bac-gD:GnRH is set
forth in SEQ ID NO: 39. Nucleotides #145 encode a 6.times.HIS tag,
nucleotides #46-1074 encode a truncated mature BHV-1 gD,
nucleotides #1075-1194 encode a GnRH tetramer, and nucleotides
#1195-1197 are a stop codon. The amino acid sequence of the fusion
protein encoded by bac-gD:GnRH is the same as the sequence set
forth in SEQ ID NO: 25.
[0178] Construction of pBacHISMgD: A recombinant baculovirus
construct containing gD was generated as a control. Plasmid
pCMV-MgD (see Example 5, infra) was digested with PacI and ApaI
allowing for the isolation of a 950 bp fragment containing the
majority of the gD gene minus the 5' end. Plasmid pBacHISgD:LH
underwent digestion with PacI and ApaI allowing for the isolation
of a 5.6 kb fragment containing the plasmid backbone and the 5'
portion of gD. Ligation of the 5.6 kb. fragment with the 950 bp
fragment generated plasmid pBacHISMgD containing truncated mature
gD in transfer vector, pBacPAC9.
[0179] Sf21 cells were co-transfected with pBacHISMgD and
replication deficient virus. These transformed Sf21 cells generate
recombinant baculovirus (designated Bac-MgD) which encodes tmgD.
Recombinant virus was purified and stored as described above.
[0180] Expression: Recombinant baculovirus can be obtained from
lysates of infected Sf21 cells. The lysate also contains the fusion
protein expressed by the recombinant virus, and the fusion protein
may be purified from the lysate. For example, after detergent lysis
of the cell pellet, the lysate pellet in the aforementioned example
was solubilized in 8 M urea, 50 mM Tris, pH 7.5 and loaded onto a
Ni NTA column; the tmgD4GnRH was eluted in a pH step gradient. The
lysate, containing both the recombinant baculovirus and fusion
protein, can be stored, for example, at -80.degree. Celsius.
Example 5
Plasmid Suitable for In Vivo Expression of gD/GnRH Fusion
Proteins
[0181] The .beta.-Gal gene from pCMV.beta. vector (Clontech, Inc)
was removed by EcoRV/NotI restriction digest and the resulting NotI
vector fragment was isolated by gel electrophoresis. A synthetic
linker containing multiple cloning sites (MC) with NotI ends was
cloned into this NotI vector fragment creating pCMV-MC.
[0182] A truncated gD gene including the signal sequence was PCR
amplified from FlgD/Pots207nco(#79) using primers that introduced
an EcoRV site at 5' end, a second codon repaired to encode Gln
rather than Glu, a stop codon added after Pro 337 of the coding
sequence, and a KpnI site added at the 3' end. This 1083 bp PCR
fragment was cloned into EcoRV/KpnI digested pGEM-T EASY vector
(Promega, Madison, Wis.), generating pGEM-T-EASY/gD, and
subsequently sequenced by fluorescent di-deoxy termination
chemistry in both directions to ensure integrity of PCR product.
The truncated gD fragment was isolated from the pGEM-T-EASY/gD
clone by EcoRV/KpnI digestion and subcloned into pCMV-MC. The
resulting clone, designated pCMV-gD, was verified by restriction
enzyme analysis.
[0183] To construct pCMV-gD:GnRH (ATCC accession No. 203370),
pQE-gD:GnRH was cleaved with HindIII, blunt ended with Klenow and
then digested with ApaI. The resulting blunt-ended/ApaI 1.05 kb
fragment containing tmgD and GnRH tetramer was isolated. Clone,
pCMV-gD was cleaved with SmaI, followed by ApaI, removing the
truncated gD encoding region. The remaining 3.7 kb pCMV vector
fragment containing the signal sequence for gD was isolated and
used in a ligation reaction with the 1.05 kb fragment containing
tmgD and GnRH tetramer. The resulting clone was designated
pCMV-gD:GnRH. The ORF encoding the tgD-4GnRH, including the signal
sequence, from pCMV-gD:GnRH is set forth in SEQ ID NO: 28. The
amino acid sequence of the tgD-4GnRH, including the signal
sequence, encoded by pCMV-gD:GnRH is set forth in SEQ ID NO:
29.
[0184] All patents, patent applications, and publications cited
above are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety.
[0185] The present invention is not to be limited in scope by the
specific embodiments described herein, which are intended as single
illustrations of individual aspects of the invention, and
functionally equivalent methods and components are within the scope
of the invention. Indeed, various modifications of the invention,
in addition to those shown and described herein will become
apparent to those skilled in the art from the foregoing description
and accompanying drawings. Such modifications are intended to fall
within the scope of the appended claims.
Deposit of Biological Materials
[0186] The following biological material was deposited with the
American Type Culture Collection (ATCC) at 10801 University Blvd.,
Manassas, Va., 20110-2209, USA, on Oct. 22, 1998 and were assigned
the following accession numbers:
1 Accession No. Plasmid plasmid pQE-gD:GnRH 98953 plasmid
pCMV-gD:GnRH 203370 plasmid pQE-GnRH:gD 98954 plasmid
pQE-GnRH:gD:GnRH 98955 Vector baculovirus bac-gD:GnRH VR-2633
[0187] All patents, patent applications, and publications cited
above are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety.
[0188] The present invention is not to be limited in scope by the
specific embodiments described herein, which are intended as single
illustrations of individual aspects of the invention, and
functionally equivalent methods and components are within the scope
of the invention. Indeed, various modifications of the invention,
in addition to those shown and described herein will become
apparent to those skilled in the art from the foregoing description
and accompanying drawings. Such modifications are intended to fall
within the scope of the appended claims.
Sequence CWU 1
1
46 1 33 DNA Artificial Sequence Description of Artificial Sequence
SYNTHETIC OLIGONUCLEOTIDE COMPRISING GNRH CODING SEQUENCE AND
CLONING ENDS 1 catggaacac tggtcttatg gtctgcgtcc ggg 33 2 33 DNA
Artificial Sequence Description of Artificial Sequence SYNTHETIC
OLIGONUCLEOTIDE COMPRISING GNRH CODING SEQUENCE AND CLONING ENDS 2
catggaacac tggtcttatg gtctgcgtcc ggg 33 3 36 DNA Artificial
Sequence Description of Artificial Sequence SYNTHETIC
OLIGONUCLEOTIDE COMPRISING GNRH CODING SEQUENCE AND CLONING ENDS 3
gatctggaac actggtctta tggtctgcgt ccgggc 36 4 36 DNA Artificial
Sequence Description of Artificial Sequence SYNTHETIC
OLIGONUCLEOTIDE COMPRISING GNRH CODING SEQUENCE AND CLONING ENDS 4
gatcgcccgg acgcagacca taagaccagt gttcca 36 5 76 DNA Artificial
Sequence Description of Artificial Sequence SYNTHETIC
OLIGONUCLEOTIDE COMPRISING GNRH CODING SEQUENCE AND CLONING ENDS 5
gatccatgga gcactggtca tatggtctgc gtccgggtga acattggagc tacggtctac
60 gccccgggtc catggc 76 6 76 DNA Artificial Sequence Description of
Artificial Sequence SYNTHETIC OLIGONUCLEOTIDE COMPRISING GNRH
CODING SEQUENCE AND CLONING ENDS 6 tcgagccatg gacccggggc gtagaccgta
gctccaatgt tcacccggac gcagaccata 60 tgaccagtgc tccatg 76 7 71 DNA
Artificial Sequence Description of Artificial Sequence SYNTHETIC
OLIGONUCLEOTIDE COMPRISING GNRH CODING SEQUENCE AND CLONING ENDS 7
ggggaacact ggtcttatgg cttacggccg ggagagcatt ggagttacgg cctccgtcca
60 ggttccatgg c 71 8 75 DNA Artificial Sequence Description of
Artificial Sequence SYNTHETIC OLIGONUCLEOTIDE COMPRISING GNRH
CODING SEQUENCE AND CLONING ENDS 8 tcgagccatg gaacctggac ggaggccgta
actccaatgc tctcccggcc gtaagccata 60 agaccagtgt tcccc 75 9 71 DNA
Artificial Sequence Description of Artificial Sequence SYNTHETIC
OLIGONUCLEOTIDE COMPRISING GNRH CODING SEQUENCE AND CLONING ENDS 9
gatccagagc actggtcata tggtctgcgt ccgggtgaac attggagcta cggtctacgc
60 cccggggatc c 71 10 71 DNA Artificial Sequence Description of
Artificial Sequence SYNTHETIC OLIGONUCLEOTIDE COMPRISING GNRH
CODING SEQUENCE AND CLONING ENDS 10 tcgaggatcc ccggggcgta
gaccgtagct ccaatgttca cccggacgca gaccatatga 60 ccagtgctct g 71 11
68 DNA Artificial Sequence Description of Artificial Sequence
SYNTHETIC OLIGONUCLEOTIDE COMPRISING GNRH CODING SEQUENCE AND
CLONING ENDS 11 ggggaacact ggtcttatgg cttacggccg ggagagcatt
ggagttacgg cctccgtcca 60 ggggatcc 68 12 72 DNA Artificial Sequence
Description of Artificial Sequence SYNTHETIC OLIGONUCLEOTIDE
COMPRISING GNRH CODING SEQUENCE AND CLONING ENDS 12 tcgaggatcc
cctggacgga ggccgtaact ccaatgctct cccggccgta agccataaga 60
ccagtgttcc cc 72 13 10 PRT GNRH AMINO ACID SEQUENCE 13 Glu His Trp
Ser Tyr Gly Leu Arg Pro Gly 1 5 10 14 328 DNA Artificial Sequence
Description of Artificial Sequence part of plasmid p9897-R 14
acgccagggt tttcccagtc acgacgttgt aaaacgacgg ccagtgagcg cgcgtaatac
60 gactcactat agggcgaatt ggagctccac cgcggtggcg gccgctctag
aactagtgga 120 tccagagcac tggtcatatg gtctgcgtcc gggtgaacat
tggagctacg gtctacgccc 180 cggggaacac tggtcttatg gcttacggcc
gggagagcat tggagttacg gcctccgtcc 240 aggttccatg ggctcgaggg
ggggcccggt acccagcttt tgttcccttt agtgagggtt 300 aattgcgcgc
ttggcgtaat atggtcat 328 15 40 PRT Artificial Sequence Description
of Artificial Sequence GnRH tetramer 15 Glu His Trp Ser Tyr Gly Leu
Arg Pro Gly Glu His Trp Ser Tyr Gly 1 5 10 15 Leu Arg Pro Gly Glu
His Trp Ser Tyr Gly Leu Arg Pro Gly Glu His 20 25 30 Trp Ser Tyr
Gly Leu Arg Pro Gly 35 40 16 1259 DNA Bovine herpesvirus 1 gene
(1)..(1259) sequence encoding BHV-1 gD from clone FlgD/Pots207(#79)
16 ccatggaggg gccgacattg gccgtgctgg gcgcgctgct cgccgttgcg
gtaagcttgc 60 ctacacccgc gccgcgggtg acggtatacg tcgacccgcc
ggcgtacccg atgccgcgat 120 acaactacac tgaacgctgg cacactaccg
ggcccatacc gtcgcccttc gcagacggcc 180 gcgagcagcc cgtcgaggtg
cgctacgcga cgagcgcggc ggcgtgcgac atgctggcgc 240 tgatcgcaga
cccgcaggtg gggcgcacgc tgtgggaagc ggtacgccgg cacgcgcgcg 300
cgtacaacgc cacggtcata tggtacaaga tcgagagcgg gtgcgcccgg ccgctgtact
360 acatggagta caccgagtgc gagcccagga agcactttgg gtactgccgc
taccgcacac 420 ccccgttttg ggacagcttc ctggcgggct tcgcctaccc
cacggacgac gagctgggac 480 tgattatggc ggcgcccgcg cggctcgtcg
agggccagta ccgacgcgcg ctgtacatcg 540 acggcacggt cgcctataca
gatttcatgg tttcgctgcc ggccggggac tgctggttct 600 cgaaactcgg
cgcggctcgc gggtacacct ttggcgcgtg cttcccggcc cgggattacg 660
agcaaaagaa ggttctgcgc ctgacgtatc tcacgcagta ctacccgcag gaggcacaca
720 aggccatagt cgactactgg ttcatgcgcc acgggggcgt cgttccgccg
tattttgagg 780 agtcgaaggg ctacgagccg ccgcctgccg ccgatggggg
ttcccccgcg ccacccggcg 840 acgacgaggc ccgcgaggat gaaggggaga
ccgaggacgg ggcagccggg cgggagggca 900 acggcggccc cccaggaccc
gaaggcgacg gcgagagtca gacccccgaa gccaacggag 960 gcgccgaggg
cgagccgaaa cccggcccca gccccgacgc cgaccgcccc gaaggctggc 1020
cgagcctcga agccatcacg caccccccgc ccgcccccgc tacgcccgct cgagctccgg
1080 acgctgtttc ggtttctgtt ggtatcggta tcgctgctgc tgctatcgct
tgcgttgctg 1140 ctgctgctgc tggtgcttac ttcgtttata ttcgtcgtcg
tggtgctggt ccgctgccgc 1200 gtaaaccgaa aaaactgccg gctttcggta
acgttaacta cagtgctctg ccgggttga 1259 17 418 PRT Bovine herpesvirus
1 PEPTIDE (1)..(418) BHV-1gD encoded by clone FlgD/Pots207nco(#79)
17 Met Glu Gly Pro Thr Leu Ala Val Leu Gly Ala Leu Leu Ala Val Ala
1 5 10 15 Val Ser Leu Pro Thr Pro Ala Pro Arg Val Thr Val Tyr Val
Asp Pro 20 25 30 Pro Ala Tyr Pro Met Pro Arg Tyr Asn Tyr Thr Glu
Arg Trp His Thr 35 40 45 Thr Gly Pro Ile Pro Ser Pro Phe Ala Asp
Gly Arg Glu Gln Pro Val 50 55 60 Glu Val Arg Tyr Ala Thr Ser Ala
Ala Ala Cys Asp Met Leu Ala Leu 65 70 75 80 Ile Ala Asp Pro Gln Val
Gly Arg Thr Leu Trp Glu Ala Val Arg Arg 85 90 95 His Ala Arg Ala
Tyr Asn Ala Thr Val Ile Trp Tyr Lys Ile Glu Ser 100 105 110 Gly Cys
Ala Arg Pro Leu Tyr Tyr Met Glu Tyr Thr Glu Cys Glu Pro 115 120 125
Arg Lys His Phe Gly Tyr Cys Arg Tyr Arg Thr Pro Pro Phe Trp Asp 130
135 140 Ser Phe Leu Ala Gly Phe Ala Tyr Pro Thr Asp Asp Glu Leu Gly
Leu 145 150 155 160 Ile Met Ala Ala Pro Ala Arg Leu Val Glu Gly Gln
Tyr Arg Arg Ala 165 170 175 Leu Tyr Ile Asp Gly Thr Val Ala Tyr Thr
Asp Phe Met Val Ser Leu 180 185 190 Pro Ala Gly Asp Cys Trp Phe Ser
Lys Leu Gly Ala Ala Arg Gly Tyr 195 200 205 Thr Phe Gly Ala Cys Phe
Pro Ala Arg Asp Tyr Glu Gln Lys Lys Val 210 215 220 Leu Arg Leu Thr
Tyr Leu Thr Gln Tyr Tyr Pro Gln Glu Ala His Lys 225 230 235 240 Ala
Ile Val Asp Tyr Trp Phe Met Arg His Gly Gly Val Val Pro Pro 245 250
255 Tyr Phe Glu Glu Ser Lys Gly Tyr Glu Pro Pro Pro Ala Ala Asp Gly
260 265 270 Gly Ser Pro Ala Pro Pro Gly Asp Asp Glu Ala Arg Glu Asp
Glu Gly 275 280 285 Glu Thr Glu Asp Gly Ala Ala Gly Arg Glu Gly Asn
Gly Gly Pro Pro 290 295 300 Gly Pro Glu Gly Asp Gly Glu Ser Gln Thr
Pro Glu Ala Asn Gly Gly 305 310 315 320 Ala Glu Gly Glu Pro Lys Pro
Gly Pro Ser Pro Asp Ala Asp Arg Pro 325 330 335 Glu Gly Trp Pro Ser
Leu Glu Ala Ile Thr His Pro Pro Pro Ala Pro 340 345 350 Ala Thr Pro
Ala Arg Ala Pro Asp Ala Val Ser Val Ser Val Gly Ile 355 360 365 Gly
Ile Ala Ala Ala Ala Ile Ala Cys Val Ala Ala Ala Ala Ala Gly 370 375
380 Ala Tyr Phe Val Tyr Ile Arg Arg Arg Gly Ala Gly Pro Leu Pro Arg
385 390 395 400 Lys Pro Lys Lys Leu Pro Ala Phe Gly Asn Val Asn Tyr
Ser Ala Leu 405 410 415 Pro Gly 18 1405 DNA Bovine herpesvirus 1
gene (1)..(1405) BHV-1 gD from GenBank Accession No. M59846. 18
gggccgcagc cccggctggg tatatatccc cgacgggcga ctagagatac actcgccccg
60 cgcggctgct gcgagcgggc gaacatgcaa gggccgacat tggccgtgct
gggcgcgctg 120 ctcgccgttg cggtgagctt gcctacaccc gcgccgcggg
tgacggtata cgtcgacccg 180 ccggcgtacc cgatgccgcg atacaactac
actgaacgct ggcacactac cgggcccata 240 ccgtcgccct tcgcagacgg
ccgcgagcag cccgtcgagg tgcgctacgc gacgagcgcg 300 gcggcgtgcg
acatgctggc gctgatcgca gacccgcagg tggggcgcac gctgtgggaa 360
gcggtacgcc ggcacgcgcg cgcgtacaac gccacggtca tatggtacaa gatcgagagc
420 gggtgcgccc ggccgctgta ctacatggag tacaccgagt gcgagcccag
gaagcacttt 480 gggtactgcc gctaccgcac acccccgttt tgggacagct
tcctggcggg cttcgcctac 540 cccacggacg acgagctggg actgattatg
gcggcgcccg cgcggctcgt cgagggccag 600 taccgacgcg cgctgtacat
cgacggcacg gtcgcctata cagatttcat ggtttcgctg 660 ccggccgggg
actgctggtt ctcgaaactc ggcgcggctc gcgggtacac ctttggcgcg 720
tgcttcccgg cccgggatta cgagcaaaag aaggttctgc gcctgacgta tctcacgcag
780 tactacccgc aggaggcaca caaggccata gtcgactact ggttcatgcg
ccacgggggc 840 gtcgttccgc cgtattttga ggagtcgaag ggctacgagc
cgccgcctgc cgccgatggg 900 ggttcccccg cgccacccgg cgacgacgag
gcccgcgagg atgaagggga gaccgaggac 960 ggggcagccg ggcgggaggg
caacggcggc cccccaggac ccgaaggcga cggcgagagt 1020 cagacccccg
aagccaacgg aggcgccgag ggcgagccga aacccggccc cagccccgac 1080
gccgaccgcc ccgaaggctg gccgagcctc gaagccatca cgcacccccc gcccgccccc
1140 gctacgcccg cggcccccga cgccgtgccg gtcagcgtcg ggatcggcat
tgcggctgcg 1200 gcgatcgcgt gcgtggccgc cgccgccgcc ggcgcgtact
tcgtctatac gcgccggcgc 1260 ggtgcgggtc cgctgcccag aaagccaaaa
aagctgccgg cctttggcaa cgtcaactac 1320 agcgcgctgc ccgggtgagc
ggcctaggcc ctcccccgac cgcccccttt gctcctagcc 1380 ccggctcctg
ccgagccgcg cgggg 1405 19 417 PRT Bovine herpesvirus 1 PEPTIDE
(1)..(417) BHV-1 gD encoded by GenBank Accession No. M59846. 19 Met
Gln Gly Pro Thr Leu Ala Val Leu Gly Ala Leu Leu Ala Val Ala 1 5 10
15 Val Ser Leu Pro Thr Pro Ala Pro Arg Val Thr Val Tyr Val Asp Pro
20 25 30 Pro Ala Tyr Pro Met Pro Arg Tyr Asn Tyr Thr Glu Arg Trp
His Thr 35 40 45 Thr Gly Pro Ile Pro Ser Pro Phe Ala Asp Gly Arg
Glu Gln Pro Val 50 55 60 Glu Val Arg Tyr Ala Thr Ser Ala Ala Ala
Cys Asp Met Leu Ala Leu 65 70 75 80 Ile Ala Asp Pro Gln Val Gly Arg
Thr Leu Trp Glu Ala Val Arg Arg 85 90 95 His Ala Arg Ala Tyr Asn
Ala Thr Val Ile Trp Tyr Lys Ile Glu Ser 100 105 110 Gly Cys Ala Arg
Pro Leu Tyr Tyr Met Glu Tyr Thr Glu Cys Glu Pro 115 120 125 Arg Lys
His Phe Gly Tyr Cys Arg Tyr Arg Thr Pro Pro Phe Trp Asp 130 135 140
Ser Phe Leu Ala Gly Phe Ala Tyr Pro Thr Asp Asp Glu Leu Gly Leu 145
150 155 160 Ile Met Ala Ala Pro Ala Arg Leu Val Glu Gly Gln Tyr Arg
Arg Ala 165 170 175 Leu Tyr Ile Asp Gly Thr Val Ala Tyr Thr Asp Phe
Met Val Ser Leu 180 185 190 Pro Ala Gly Asp Cys Trp Phe Ser Lys Leu
Gly Ala Ala Arg Gly Tyr 195 200 205 Thr Phe Gly Ala Cys Phe Pro Ala
Arg Asp Tyr Glu Gln Lys Lys Val 210 215 220 Leu Arg Leu Thr Tyr Leu
Thr Gln Tyr Tyr Pro Gln Glu Ala His Lys 225 230 235 240 Ala Ile Val
Asp Tyr Trp Phe Met Arg His Gly Gly Val Val Pro Pro 245 250 255 Tyr
Phe Glu Glu Ser Lys Gly Tyr Glu Pro Pro Pro Ala Ala Asp Gly 260 265
270 Gly Ser Pro Ala Pro Pro Gly Asp Asp Glu Ala Arg Glu Asp Glu Gly
275 280 285 Glu Thr Glu Asp Gly Ala Ala Gly Arg Glu Gly Asn Gly Gly
Pro Pro 290 295 300 Gly Pro Glu Gly Asp Gly Glu Ser Gln Thr Pro Glu
Ala Asn Gly Gly 305 310 315 320 Ala Glu Gly Glu Pro Lys Pro Gly Pro
Ser Pro Asp Ala Asp Arg Pro 325 330 335 Glu Gly Trp Pro Ser Leu Glu
Ala Ile Thr His Pro Pro Pro Ala Pro 340 345 350 Ala Thr Pro Ala Ala
Pro Asp Ala Val Pro Val Ser Val Gly Ile Gly 355 360 365 Ile Ala Ala
Ala Ala Ile Ala Cys Val Ala Ala Ala Ala Ala Gly Ala 370 375 380 Tyr
Phe Val Tyr Thr Arg Arg Arg Gly Ala Gly Pro Leu Pro Arg Lys 385 390
395 400 Pro Lys Lys Leu Pro Ala Phe Gly Asn Val Asn Tyr Ser Ala Leu
Pro 405 410 415 Gly 20 1218 DNA Artificial Sequence Description of
Artificial Sequence Sequence from pQE-tmgD encoding a tmgD. 20
ctcgagaaat cataaaaaat ttatttgctt tgtgagcgga taacaattat aatagattca
60 attgtgagcg gataacaatt tcacacagaa ttcattaaag aggagaaatt
aactatgaga 120 ggatctcacc atcaccatca ccatacggat ccgcatgcca
tgagcttgcc tacacccgcg 180 ccgcgggtga cggtatacgt cgacccgccg
gcgtacccga tgccgcgata caactacact 240 gaacgctggc acactaccgg
gcccataccg tcgcccttcg cagacggccg cgagcagccc 300 gtcgaggtgc
gctacgcgac gagcgcggcg gcgtgcgaca tgctggcgct gatcgcagac 360
ccgcaggtgg ggcgcacgct gtgggaagcg gtacgccggc acgcgcgcgc gtacaacgcc
420 acggtcatat ggtacaagat cgagagcggg tgcgcccggc cgctgtacta
catggagtac 480 accgagtgcg agcccaggaa gcactttggg tactgccgct
accgcacacc cccgttttgg 540 gacagcttcc tggcgggctt cgcctacccc
acggacgacg agctgggact gattatggcg 600 gcgcccgcgc ggctcgtcga
gggccagtac cgacgcgcgc tgtacatcga cggcacggtc 660 gcctatacag
atttcatggt ttcgctgccg gccggggact gctggttctc gaaactcggc 720
gcggctcgcg ggtacacctt tggcgcgtgc ttcccggccc gggattacga gcaaaagaag
780 gttctgcgcc tgacgtatct cacgcagtac tacccgcagg aggcacacaa
ggccatagtc 840 gactactggt tcatgcgcca cgggggcgtc gttccgccgt
attttgagga gtcgaagggc 900 tacgagccgc cgcctgccgc cgatgggggt
tcccccgcgc cacccggcga cgacgaggcc 960 cgcgaggatg aaggggagac
cgaggacggg gcagccgggc gggagggcaa cggcggcccc 1020 ccaggacccg
aaggcgacgg cgagagtcag acccccgaag ccaacggagg cgccgagggc 1080
gagccgaaac ccggccccag ccccgacgcc gaccgccccg aaggctggcc gagcctcgaa
1140 gccatcacgc accccccgcc cgcccccgct acgcccgctc gagctcggta
ccccgggtcg 1200 acctgcagcc aagcttaa 1218 21 367 PRT Artificial
Sequence Description of Artificial Sequence tmgD encoded by
pQE-tmgD. 21 Met Arg Gly Ser His His His His His His Thr Asp Pro
His Ala Met 1 5 10 15 Ser Leu Pro Thr Pro Ala Pro Arg Val Thr Val
Tyr Val Asp Pro Pro 20 25 30 Ala Tyr Pro Met Pro Arg Tyr Asn Tyr
Thr Glu Arg Trp His Thr Thr 35 40 45 Gly Pro Ile Pro Ser Pro Phe
Ala Asp Gly Arg Glu Gln Pro Val Glu 50 55 60 Val Arg Tyr Ala Thr
Ser Ala Ala Ala Cys Asp Met Leu Ala Leu Ile 65 70 75 80 Ala Asp Pro
Gln Val Gly Arg Thr Leu Trp Glu Ala Val Arg Arg His 85 90 95 Ala
Arg Ala Tyr Asn Ala Thr Val Ile Trp Tyr Lys Ile Glu Ser Gly 100 105
110 Cys Ala Arg Pro Leu Tyr Tyr Met Glu Tyr Thr Glu Cys Glu Pro Arg
115 120 125 Lys His Phe Gly Tyr Cys Arg Tyr Arg Thr Pro Pro Phe Trp
Asp Ser 130 135 140 Phe Leu Ala Gly Phe Ala Tyr Pro Thr Asp Asp Glu
Leu Gly Leu Ile 145 150 155 160 Met Ala Ala Pro Ala Arg Leu Val Glu
Gly Gln Tyr Arg Arg Ala Leu 165 170 175 Tyr Ile Asp Gly Thr Val Ala
Tyr Thr Asp Phe Met Val Ser Leu Pro 180 185 190 Ala Gly Asp Cys Trp
Phe Ser Lys Leu Gly Ala Ala Arg Gly Tyr Thr 195 200 205 Phe Gly Ala
Cys Phe Pro Ala Arg Asp Tyr Glu Gln Lys Lys Val Leu 210 215 220 Arg
Leu Thr Tyr Leu Thr Gln Tyr Tyr Pro Gln Glu Ala His Lys Ala 225 230
235 240 Ile Val Asp Tyr Trp Phe Met Arg His Gly Gly Val Val Pro Pro
Tyr 245 250 255 Phe Glu Glu Ser Lys Gly Tyr Glu Pro Pro Pro Ala Ala
Asp Gly Gly 260 265 270 Ser Pro Ala Pro Pro Gly Asp Asp Glu Ala Arg
Glu Asp Glu Gly Glu
275 280 285 Thr Glu Asp Gly Ala Ala Gly Arg Glu Gly Asn Gly Gly Pro
Pro Gly 290 295 300 Pro Glu Gly Asp Gly Glu Ser Gln Thr Pro Glu Ala
Asn Gly Gly Ala 305 310 315 320 Glu Gly Glu Pro Lys Pro Gly Pro Ser
Pro Asp Ala Asp Arg Pro Glu 325 330 335 Gly Trp Pro Ser Leu Glu Ala
Ile Thr His Pro Pro Pro Ala Pro Ala 340 345 350 Thr Pro Ala Arg Ala
Arg Tyr Pro Gly Ser Thr Cys Ser Gln Ala 355 360 365 22 1360 DNA
Artificial Sequence Description of Artificial Sequence portion of
pQE-GnRHgD, including sequence encoding 4GnRH-tmgD. 22 ctcgagaaat
cataaaaaat ttatttgctt tgtgagcgga taacaattat aatagattca 60
attgtgagcg gataacaatt tcacacagaa ttcattaaag aggagaaatt aactatgaga
120 ggatctcacc atcaccatca ccatacggat ccgcatgcca tggatccaga
gcactggtca 180 tatggtctgc gtccgggtga acattggagc tacggtctac
gccccgggga acactggtct 240 tatggcttac ggccgggaga gcattggagt
tacggcctcc gtccaggttc catgagcttg 300 cctacacccg cgccgcgggt
gacggtatac gtcgacccgc cggcgtaccc gatgccgcga 360 tacaactaca
ctgaacgctg gcacactacc gggcccatac cgtcgccctt cgcagacggc 420
cgcgagcagc ccgtcgaggt gcgctacgcg acgagcgcgg cggcgtgcga catgctggcg
480 ctgatcgcag acccgcaggt ggggcgcacg ctgtgggaag cggtacgccg
gcacgcgcgc 540 gcgtacaacg ccacggtcat atggtacaag atcgagagcg
ggtgcgcccg gccgctgtac 600 tacatggagt acaccgagtg cgagcccagg
aagcactttg ggtactgccg ctaccgcaca 660 cccccgtttt gggacagctt
cctggcgggc ttcgcctacc ccacggacga cgagctggga 720 ctgattatgg
cggcgcccgc gcggctcgtc gagggccagt accgacgcgc gctgtacatc 780
gacggcacgg tcgcctatac agatttcatg gtttcgctgc cggccgggga ctgctggttc
840 tcgaaactcg gcgcggctcg cgggtacacc tttggcgcgt gcttcccggc
ccgggattac 900 gagcaaaaga aggttctgcg cctgacgtat ctcacgcagt
actacccgca ggaggcacac 960 aaggccatag tcgactactg gttcatgcgc
cacgggggcg tcgttccgcc gtattttgag 1020 gagtcgaagg gctacgagcc
gccgcctgcc gccgatgggg gttcccccgc gccacccggc 1080 gacgacgagg
cccgcgagga tgaaggggag accgaggacg gggcagccgg gcgggagggc 1140
aacggcggcc ccccaggacc cgaaggcgac ggcgagagtc agacccccga agccaacgga
1200 ggcgccgagg gcgagccgaa acccggcccc agccccgacg ccgaccgccc
cgaaggctgg 1260 ccgagcctcg aagccatcac gcaccccccg cccgcccccg
ctacgcccgc tcgagctcgg 1320 taccccgggt cgacctgcag ccaagcttaa
ttagctgagc 1360 23 411 PRT Artificial Sequence Description of
Artificial Sequence 4GnRH-tmgD encoded by pQE-GnRHgD. 23 Met Arg
Gly Ser His His His His His His Thr Asp Pro His Ala Met 1 5 10 15
Asp Pro Glu His Trp Ser Tyr Gly Leu Arg Pro Gly Glu His Trp Ser 20
25 30 Tyr Gly Leu Arg Pro Gly Glu His Trp Ser Tyr Gly Leu Arg Pro
Gly 35 40 45 Glu His Trp Ser Tyr Gly Leu Arg Pro Gly Ser Met Ser
Leu Pro Thr 50 55 60 Pro Ala Pro Arg Val Thr Val Tyr Val Asp Pro
Pro Ala Tyr Pro Met 65 70 75 80 Pro Arg Tyr Asn Tyr Thr Glu Arg Trp
His Thr Thr Gly Pro Ile Pro 85 90 95 Ser Pro Phe Ala Asp Gly Arg
Glu Gln Pro Val Glu Val Arg Tyr Ala 100 105 110 Thr Ser Ala Ala Ala
Cys Asp Met Leu Ala Leu Ile Ala Asp Pro Gln 115 120 125 Val Gly Arg
Thr Leu Trp Glu Ala Val Arg Arg His Ala Arg Ala Tyr 130 135 140 Asn
Ala Thr Val Ile Trp Tyr Lys Ile Glu Ser Gly Cys Ala Arg Pro 145 150
155 160 Leu Tyr Tyr Met Glu Tyr Thr Glu Cys Glu Pro Arg Lys His Phe
Gly 165 170 175 Tyr Cys Arg Tyr Arg Thr Pro Pro Phe Trp Asp Ser Phe
Leu Ala Gly 180 185 190 Phe Ala Tyr Pro Thr Asp Asp Glu Leu Gly Leu
Ile Met Ala Ala Pro 195 200 205 Ala Arg Leu Val Glu Gly Gln Tyr Arg
Arg Ala Leu Tyr Ile Asp Gly 210 215 220 Thr Val Ala Tyr Thr Asp Phe
Met Val Ser Leu Pro Ala Gly Asp Cys 225 230 235 240 Trp Phe Ser Lys
Leu Gly Ala Ala Arg Gly Tyr Thr Phe Gly Ala Cys 245 250 255 Phe Pro
Ala Arg Asp Tyr Glu Gln Lys Lys Val Leu Arg Leu Thr Tyr 260 265 270
Leu Thr Gln Tyr Tyr Pro Gln Glu Ala His Lys Ala Ile Val Asp Tyr 275
280 285 Trp Phe Met Arg His Gly Gly Val Val Pro Pro Tyr Phe Glu Glu
Ser 290 295 300 Lys Gly Tyr Glu Pro Pro Pro Ala Ala Asp Gly Gly Ser
Pro Ala Pro 305 310 315 320 Pro Gly Asp Asp Glu Ala Arg Glu Asp Glu
Gly Glu Thr Glu Asp Gly 325 330 335 Ala Ala Gly Arg Glu Gly Asn Gly
Gly Pro Pro Gly Pro Glu Gly Asp 340 345 350 Gly Glu Ser Gln Thr Pro
Glu Ala Asn Gly Gly Ala Glu Gly Glu Pro 355 360 365 Lys Pro Gly Pro
Ser Pro Asp Ala Asp Arg Pro Glu Gly Trp Pro Ser 370 375 380 Leu Glu
Ala Ile Thr His Pro Pro Pro Ala Pro Ala Thr Pro Ala Arg 385 390 395
400 Ala Arg Tyr Pro Gly Ser Thr Cys Ser Gln Ala 405 410 24 1360 DNA
Artificial Sequence Description of Artificial Sequence portion of
pQE-gDGnRH, including sequence coding tmgD-4GnRH. 24 ctcgagaaat
cataaaaaat ttatttgctt tgtgagcgga taacaattat aatagattca 60
attgtgagcg gataacaatt tcacacagaa ttcattaaag aggagaaatt aactatgaga
120 ggatctcacc atcaccatca ccatacggat ccgcatgcca tgagcttgcc
tacacccgcg 180 ccgcgggtga cggtatacgt cgacccgccg gcgtacccga
tgccgcgata caactacact 240 gaacgctggc acactaccgg gcccataccg
tcgcccttcg cagacggccg cgagcagccc 300 gtcgaggtgc gctacgcgac
gagcgcggcg gcgtgcgaca tgctggcgct gatcgcagac 360 ccgcaggtgg
ggcgcacgct gtgggaagcg gtacgccggc acgcgcgcgc gtacaacgcc 420
acggtcatat ggtacaagat cgagagcggg tgcgcccggc cgctgtacta catggagtac
480 accgagtgcg agcccaggaa gcactttggg tactgccgct accgcacacc
cccgttttgg 540 gacagcttcc tggcgggctt cgcctacccc acggacgacg
agctgggact gattatggcg 600 gcgcccgcgc ggctcgtcga gggccagtac
cgacgcgcgc tgtacatcga cggcacggtc 660 gcctatacag atttcatggt
ttcgctgccg gccggggact gctggttctc gaaactcggc 720 gcggctcgcg
ggtacacctt tggcgcgtgc ttcccggccc gggattacga gcaaaagaag 780
gttctgcgcc tgacgtatct cacgcagtac tacccgcagg aggcacacaa ggccatagtc
840 gactactggt tcatgcgcca cgggggcgtc gttccgccgt attttgagga
gtcgaagggc 900 tacgagccgc cgcctgccgc cgatgggggt tcccccgcgc
cacccggcga cgacgaggcc 960 cgcgaggatg aaggggagac cgaggacggg
gcagccgggc gggagggcaa cggcggcccc 1020 ccaggacccg aaggcgacgg
cgagagtcag acccccgaag ccaacggagg cgccgagggc 1080 gagccgaaac
ccggccccag ccccgacgcc gaccgccccg aaggctggcc gagcctcgaa 1140
gccatcacgc accccccgcc cgcccccgct acgcccgctc gagctccaga gcactggtca
1200 tatggtctgc gtccgggtga acattggagc tacggtctac gccccgggga
acactggtct 1260 tatggcttac ggccgggaga gcattggagt tacggcctcc
gtccaggttg aagcttaatt 1320 agctgagctt ggactcctgt tgatagatcc
agtaatgacc 1360 25 398 PRT Artificial Sequence Description of
Artificial Sequence tmgD-4GmRH encoded by pQE-gDGnRH. 25 Met Arg
Gly Ser His His His His His His Thr Asp Pro His Ala Met 1 5 10 15
Ser Leu Pro Thr Pro Ala Pro Arg Val Thr Val Tyr Val Asp Pro Pro 20
25 30 Ala Tyr Pro Met Pro Arg Tyr Asn Tyr Thr Glu Arg Trp His Thr
Thr 35 40 45 Gly Pro Ile Pro Ser Pro Phe Ala Asp Gly Arg Glu Gln
Pro Val Glu 50 55 60 Val Arg Tyr Ala Thr Ser Ala Ala Ala Cys Asp
Met Leu Ala Leu Ile 65 70 75 80 Ala Asp Pro Gln Val Gly Arg Thr Leu
Trp Glu Ala Val Arg Arg His 85 90 95 Ala Arg Ala Tyr Asn Ala Thr
Val Ile Trp Tyr Lys Ile Glu Ser Gly 100 105 110 Cys Ala Arg Pro Leu
Tyr Tyr Met Glu Tyr Thr Glu Cys Glu Pro Arg 115 120 125 Lys His Phe
Gly Tyr Cys Arg Tyr Arg Thr Pro Pro Phe Trp Asp Ser 130 135 140 Phe
Leu Ala Gly Phe Ala Tyr Pro Thr Asp Asp Glu Leu Gly Leu Ile 145 150
155 160 Met Ala Ala Pro Ala Arg Leu Val Glu Gly Gln Tyr Arg Arg Ala
Leu 165 170 175 Tyr Ile Asp Gly Thr Val Ala Tyr Thr Asp Phe Met Val
Ser Leu Pro 180 185 190 Ala Gly Asp Cys Trp Phe Ser Lys Leu Gly Ala
Ala Arg Gly Tyr Thr 195 200 205 Phe Gly Ala Cys Phe Pro Ala Arg Asp
Tyr Glu Gln Lys Lys Val Leu 210 215 220 Arg Leu Thr Tyr Leu Thr Gln
Tyr Tyr Pro Gln Glu Ala His Lys Ala 225 230 235 240 Ile Val Asp Tyr
Trp Phe Met Arg His Gly Gly Val Val Pro Pro Tyr 245 250 255 Phe Glu
Glu Ser Lys Gly Tyr Glu Pro Pro Pro Ala Ala Asp Gly Gly 260 265 270
Ser Pro Ala Pro Pro Gly Asp Asp Glu Ala Arg Glu Asp Glu Gly Glu 275
280 285 Thr Glu Asp Gly Ala Ala Gly Arg Glu Gly Asn Gly Gly Pro Pro
Gly 290 295 300 Pro Glu Gly Asp Gly Glu Ser Gln Thr Pro Glu Ala Asn
Gly Gly Ala 305 310 315 320 Glu Gly Glu Pro Lys Pro Gly Pro Ser Pro
Asp Ala Asp Arg Pro Glu 325 330 335 Gly Trp Pro Ser Leu Glu Ala Ile
Thr His Pro Pro Pro Ala Pro Ala 340 345 350 Thr Pro Ala Arg Ala Pro
Glu His Trp Ser Tyr Gly Leu Arg Pro Gly 355 360 365 Glu His Trp Ser
Tyr Gly Leu Arg Pro Gly Glu His Trp Ser Tyr Gly 370 375 380 Leu Arg
Pro Gly Glu His Trp Ser Tyr Gly Leu Arg Pro Gly 385 390 395 26 1441
DNA Artificial Sequence Description of Artificial Sequence portion
of pQE-GnRHgDGnRH, including encoding 4GnRH-tmgD-4GnRH 26
ctcgagaaat cataaaaaat ttatttgctt tgtgagcgga taacaattat aatagattca
60 attgtgagcg gataacaatt tcacacagaa ttcattaaag aggagaaatt
aactatgaga 120 ggatctcacc atcaccatca ccatacggat ccgcatgcca
tggatccaga gcactggtca 180 tatggtctgc gtccgggtga acattggagc
tacggtctac gccccgggga acactggtct 240 tatggcttac ggccgggaga
gcattggagt tacggcctcc gtccaggttc catgagcttg 300 cctacacccg
cgccgcgggt gacggtatac gtcgacccgc cggcgtaccc gatgccgcga 360
tacaactaca ctgaacgctg gcacactacc gggcccatac cgtcgccctt cgcagacggc
420 cgcgagcagc ccgtcgaggt gcgctacgcg acgagcgcgg cggcgtgcga
catgctggcg 480 ctgatcgcag acccgcaggt ggggcgcacg ctgtgggaag
cggtacgccg gcacgcgcgc 540 gcgtacaacg ccacggtcat atggtacaag
atcgagagcg ggtgcgcccg gccgctgtac 600 tacatggagt acaccgagtg
cgagcccagg aagcactttg ggtactgccg ctaccgcaca 660 cccccgtttt
gggacagctt cctggcgggc ttcgcctacc ccacggacga cgagctggga 720
ctgattatgg cggcgcccgc gcggctcgtc gagggccagt accgacgcgc gctgtacatc
780 gacggcacgg tcgcctatac agatttcatg gtttcgctgc cggccgggga
ctgctggttc 840 tcgaaactcg gcgcggctcg cgggtacacc tttggcgcgt
gcttcccggc ccgggattac 900 gagcaaaaga aggttctgcg cctgacgtat
ctcacgcagt actacccgca ggaggcacac 960 aaggccatag tcgactactg
gttcatgcgc cacgggggcg tcgttccgcc gtattttgag 1020 gagtcgaagg
gctacgagcc gccgcctgcc gccgatgggg gttcccccgc gccacccggc 1080
gacgacgagg cccgcgagga tgaaggggag accgaggacg gggcagccgg gcgggagggc
1140 aacggcggcc ccccaggacc cgaaggcgac ggcgagagtc agacccccga
agccaacgga 1200 ggcgccgagg gcgagccgaa acccggcccc agccccgacg
ccgaccgccc cgaaggctgg 1260 ccgagcctcg aagccatcac gcaccccccg
cccgcccccg ctacgcccgc tcgagctcca 1320 gagcactggt catatggtct
gcgtccgggt gaacattgga gctacggtct acgccccggg 1380 gaacactggt
cttatggctt acggccggga gagcattgga gttacggcct ccgtccaggt 1440 t 1441
27 442 PRT Artificial Sequence Description of Artificial Sequence
4GnRH-tmgD-4GnRH encoded by pQE-GnRHgDGnRH 27 Met Arg Gly Ser His
His His His His His Thr Asp Pro His Ala Met 1 5 10 15 Asp Pro Glu
His Trp Ser Tyr Gly Leu Arg Pro Gly Glu His Trp Ser 20 25 30 Tyr
Gly Leu Arg Pro Gly Glu His Trp Ser Tyr Gly Leu Arg Pro Gly 35 40
45 Glu His Trp Ser Tyr Gly Leu Arg Pro Gly Ser Met Ser Leu Pro Thr
50 55 60 Pro Ala Pro Arg Val Thr Val Tyr Val Asp Pro Pro Ala Tyr
Pro Met 65 70 75 80 Pro Arg Tyr Asn Tyr Thr Glu Arg Trp His Thr Thr
Gly Pro Ile Pro 85 90 95 Ser Pro Phe Ala Asp Gly Arg Glu Gln Pro
Val Glu Val Arg Tyr Ala 100 105 110 Thr Ser Ala Ala Ala Cys Asp Met
Leu Ala Leu Ile Ala Asp Pro Gln 115 120 125 Val Gly Arg Thr Leu Trp
Glu Ala Val Arg Arg His Ala Arg Ala Tyr 130 135 140 Asn Ala Thr Val
Ile Trp Tyr Lys Ile Glu Ser Gly Cys Ala Arg Pro 145 150 155 160 Leu
Tyr Tyr Met Glu Tyr Thr Glu Cys Glu Pro Arg Lys His Phe Gly 165 170
175 Tyr Cys Arg Tyr Arg Thr Pro Pro Phe Trp Asp Ser Phe Leu Ala Gly
180 185 190 Phe Ala Tyr Pro Thr Asp Asp Glu Leu Gly Leu Ile Met Ala
Ala Pro 195 200 205 Ala Arg Leu Val Glu Gly Gln Tyr Arg Arg Ala Leu
Tyr Ile Asp Gly 210 215 220 Thr Val Ala Tyr Thr Asp Phe Met Val Ser
Leu Pro Ala Gly Asp Cys 225 230 235 240 Trp Phe Ser Lys Leu Gly Ala
Ala Arg Gly Tyr Thr Phe Gly Ala Cys 245 250 255 Phe Pro Ala Arg Asp
Tyr Glu Gln Lys Lys Val Leu Arg Leu Thr Tyr 260 265 270 Leu Thr Gln
Tyr Tyr Pro Gln Glu Ala His Lys Ala Ile Val Asp Tyr 275 280 285 Trp
Phe Met Arg His Gly Gly Val Val Pro Pro Tyr Phe Glu Glu Ser 290 295
300 Lys Gly Tyr Glu Pro Pro Pro Ala Ala Asp Gly Gly Ser Pro Ala Pro
305 310 315 320 Pro Gly Asp Asp Glu Ala Arg Glu Asp Glu Gly Glu Thr
Glu Asp Gly 325 330 335 Ala Ala Gly Arg Glu Gly Asn Gly Gly Pro Pro
Gly Pro Glu Gly Asp 340 345 350 Gly Glu Ser Gln Thr Pro Glu Ala Asn
Gly Gly Ala Glu Gly Glu Pro 355 360 365 Lys Pro Gly Pro Ser Pro Asp
Ala Asp Arg Pro Glu Gly Trp Pro Ser 370 375 380 Leu Glu Ala Ile Thr
His Pro Pro Pro Ala Pro Ala Thr Pro Ala Arg 385 390 395 400 Ala Pro
Glu His Trp Ser Tyr Gly Leu Arg Pro Gly Glu His Trp Ser 405 410 415
Tyr Gly Leu Arg Pro Gly Glu His Trp Ser Tyr Gly Leu Arg Pro Gly 420
425 430 Glu His Trp Ser Tyr Gly Leu Arg Pro Gly 435 440 28 1079 DNA
Artificial Sequence Description of Artificial Sequence portion of
pCMV-tgD, including sequence encoding a truncated gD 28 gatatcatgc
aggggccgac attggccgtg ctgggcgcgc tgctcgccgt tgcggtaagc 60
ttgcctacac ccgcgccgcg ggtgacggta tacgtcgacc cgccggcgta cccgatgccg
120 cgatacaact acactgaacg ctggcacact accgggccca taccgtcgcc
cttcgcagac 180 ggccgcgagc agcccgtcga ggtgcgctac gcgacgagcg
cggcggcgtg cgacatgctg 240 gcgctgatcg cagacccgca ggtggggcgc
acgctgtggg aagcggtacg ccggcacgcg 300 cgcgcgtaca acgccacggt
catatggtac aagatcgaga gcgggtgcgc ccggccgctg 360 tactacatgg
agtacaccga gtgcgagccc aggaagcact ttgggtactg ccgctaccgc 420
acacccccgt tttgggacag cttcctggcg ggcttcgcct accccacgga cgacgagctg
480 ggactgatta tggcggcgcc cgcgcggctc gtcgagggcc agtaccgacg
cgcgctgtac 540 atcgacggca cggtcgccta tacagatttc atggtttcgc
tgccggccgg ggactgctgg 600 ttctcgaaac tcggcgcggc tcgcgggtac
acctttggcg cgtgcttccc ggcccgggat 660 tacgagcaaa agaaggttct
gcgcctgacg tatctcacgc agtactaccc gcaggaggca 720 cacaaggcca
tagtcgacta ctggttcatg cgccacgggg gcgtcgttcc gccgtatttt 780
gaggagtcga agggctacga gccgccgcct gccgccgatg ggggttcccc cgcgccaccc
840 ggcgacgacg aggcccgcga ggatgaaggg gagaccgagg acggggcagc
cgggcgggag 900 ggcaacggcg gccccccagg acccgaaggc gacggcgaga
gtcagacccc cgaagccaac 960 ggaggcgccg agggcgagcc gaaacccggc
cccagccccg acgccgaccg ccccgaggct 1020 ggccgagcct cgaagccatc
acgcaccccc cgcccgcccc cgctacgccc tgaggtacc 1079 29 353 PRT
Artificial Sequence Description of Artificial Sequence truncated gD
encoded by pCMV-tgD 29 Met Gln Gly Pro Thr Leu Ala Val Leu Gly Ala
Leu Leu Ala Val Ser 1 5 10 15 Leu Pro Thr Pro Ala Pro Arg Val Thr
Val Tyr Val Asp Pro Pro Ala 20 25 30 Tyr Pro Met Pro Arg Tyr Asn
Tyr Thr Glu Arg Trp His Thr Thr Gly 35 40 45 Pro Ile Pro Ser Pro
Phe Ala Asp Gly Arg Glu Gln Pro Val Glu Val 50 55 60 Arg Tyr Ala
Thr Ser Ala Ala Ala Cys Asp Met Leu Ala Leu Ile Ala 65 70 75 80 Asp
Pro Gln Val Gly Arg Thr Leu Trp Glu Ala Val Arg Arg His Ala 85 90
95 Arg Ala Tyr Asn Ala Thr Val
Ile Trp Tyr Lys Ile Glu Ser Gly Cys 100 105 110 Ala Arg Pro Leu Tyr
Tyr Met Glu Tyr Thr Glu Cys Glu Pro Arg Lys 115 120 125 His Phe Gly
Tyr Cys Arg Tyr Arg Thr Pro Pro Phe Trp Asp Ser Phe 130 135 140 Leu
Ala Gly Phe Ala Tyr Pro Thr Asp Asp Glu Leu Gly Leu Ile Met 145 150
155 160 Ala Ala Pro Ala Arg Leu Val Glu Gly Gln Tyr Arg Arg Ala Leu
Tyr 165 170 175 Ile Asp Gly Thr Val Ala Tyr Thr Asp Phe Met Val Ser
Leu Pro Ala 180 185 190 Gly Asp Cys Trp Phe Ser Lys Leu Gly Ala Ala
Arg Gly Tyr Thr Phe 195 200 205 Gly Ala Cys Phe Pro Ala Arg Asp Tyr
Glu Gln Lys Lys Val Leu Arg 210 215 220 Leu Thr Tyr Leu Thr Gln Tyr
Tyr Pro Gln Glu Ala His Lys Ala Ile 225 230 235 240 Val Asp Tyr Trp
Phe Met Arg His Gly Gly Val Val Pro Pro Tyr Phe 245 250 255 Glu Glu
Ser Lys Gly Tyr Glu Pro Pro Pro Ala Ala Asp Gly Gly Ser 260 265 270
Pro Ala Pro Pro Gly Asp Asp Glu Ala Arg Glu Asp Glu Gly Glu Thr 275
280 285 Glu Asp Gly Ala Ala Gly Arg Glu Gly Asn Gly Gly Pro Pro Gly
Pro 290 295 300 Glu Gly Asp Gly Glu Ser Gln Thr Pro Glu Ala Asn Gly
Gly Ala Glu 305 310 315 320 Gly Glu Pro Lys Pro Gly Pro Ser Pro Asp
Ala Asp Arg Pro Glu Gly 325 330 335 Trp Pro Ser Leu Glu Ala Ile Thr
His Pro Pro Pro Ala Pro Ala Thr 340 345 350 Pro 30 1241 DNA
Artificial Sequence Description of Artificial Sequence portion of
pCMV-gDGnRH, including sequence encoding a tgD-4GnRH fusion protein
30 gcggccgcaa gatatcatgc aggggccgac attggccgtg ctgggcgcgc
tgctcgccgt 60 tgcggtaagc ttgcctacac ccgcgccgcg ggtgacggta
tacgtcgacc cgccggcgta 120 cccgatgccg cgatacaact acactgaacg
ctggcacact accgggccca taccgtcgcc 180 cttcgcagac ggccgcgagc
agcccgtcga ggtgcgctac gcgacgagcg cggcggcgtg 240 cgacatgctg
gcgctgatcg cagacccgca ggtggggcgc acgctgtggg aagcggtacg 300
ccggcacgcg cgcgcgtaca acgccacggt catatggtac aagatcgaga gcgggtgcgc
360 ccggccgctg tactacatgg agtacaccga gtgcgagccc aggaagcact
ttgggtactg 420 ccgctaccgc acacccccgt tttgggacag cttcctggcg
ggcttcgcct accccacgga 480 cgacgagctg ggactgatta tggcggcgcc
cgcgcggctc gtcgagggcc agtaccgacg 540 cgcgctgtac atcgacggca
cggtcgccta tacagatttc atggtttcgc tgccggccgg 600 ggactgctgg
ttctcgaaac tcggcgcggc tcgcgggtac acctttggcg cgtgcttccc 660
ggcccgggat tacgagcaaa agaaggttct gcgcctgacg tatctcacgc agtactaccc
720 gcaggaggca cacaaggcca tagtcgacta ctggttcatg cgccacgggg
gcgtcgttcc 780 gccgtatttt gaggagtcga agggctacga gccgccgcct
gccgccgatg ggggttcccc 840 cgcgccaccc ggcgacgacg aggcccgcga
ggatgaaggg gagaccgagg acggggcagc 900 cgggcgggag ggcaacggcg
gccccccagg acccgaaggc gacggcgaga gtcagacccc 960 cgaagccaac
ggaggcgccg agggcgagcc gaaacccggc cccagccccg acgccgaccg 1020
ccccgaaggc tggccgagcc tcgaagccat cacgcacccc ccgcccgccc ccgctacgcc
1080 cgctcgagct ccagagcact ggtcatatgg tctgcgtccg ggtgaacatt
ggagctacgg 1140 tctacgcccc ggggaacact ggtcttatgg cttacggccg
ggagagcatt ggagttacgg 1200 cctccgtcca ggttgaagct gggatactag
tgagcggccg c 1241 31 397 PRT Artificial Sequence Description of
Artificial Sequence tgD-4GnRH fusion protein encoded by pCMV-gDGnRH
31 Met Gln Gly Pro Thr Leu Ala Val Leu Gly Ala Leu Leu Ala Val Ser
1 5 10 15 Leu Pro Thr Pro Ala Pro Arg Val Thr Val Tyr Val Asp Pro
Pro Ala 20 25 30 Tyr Pro Met Pro Arg Tyr Asn Tyr Thr Glu Arg Trp
His Thr Thr Gly 35 40 45 Pro Ile Pro Ser Pro Phe Ala Asp Gly Arg
Glu Gln Pro Val Glu Val 50 55 60 Arg Tyr Ala Thr Ser Ala Ala Ala
Cys Asp Met Leu Ala Leu Ile Ala 65 70 75 80 Asp Pro Gln Val Gly Arg
Thr Leu Trp Glu Ala Val Arg Arg His Ala 85 90 95 Arg Ala Tyr Asn
Ala Thr Val Ile Trp Tyr Lys Ile Glu Ser Gly Cys 100 105 110 Ala Arg
Pro Leu Tyr Tyr Met Glu Tyr Thr Glu Cys Glu Pro Arg Lys 115 120 125
His Phe Gly Tyr Cys Arg Tyr Arg Thr Pro Pro Phe Trp Asp Ser Phe 130
135 140 Leu Ala Gly Phe Ala Tyr Pro Thr Asp Asp Glu Leu Gly Leu Ile
Met 145 150 155 160 Ala Ala Pro Ala Arg Leu Val Glu Gly Gln Tyr Arg
Arg Ala Leu Tyr 165 170 175 Ile Asp Gly Thr Val Ala Tyr Thr Asp Phe
Met Val Ser Leu Pro Ala 180 185 190 Gly Asp Cys Trp Phe Ser Lys Leu
Gly Ala Ala Arg Gly Tyr Thr Phe 195 200 205 Gly Ala Cys Phe Pro Ala
Arg Asp Tyr Glu Gln Lys Lys Val Leu Arg 210 215 220 Leu Thr Tyr Leu
Thr Gln Tyr Tyr Pro Gln Glu Ala His Lys Ala Ile 225 230 235 240 Val
Asp Tyr Trp Phe Met Arg His Gly Gly Val Val Pro Pro Tyr Phe 245 250
255 Glu Glu Ser Lys Gly Tyr Glu Pro Pro Pro Ala Ala Asp Gly Gly Ser
260 265 270 Pro Ala Pro Pro Gly Asp Asp Glu Ala Arg Glu Asp Glu Gly
Glu Thr 275 280 285 Glu Asp Gly Ala Ala Gly Arg Glu Gly Asn Gly Gly
Pro Pro Gly Pro 290 295 300 Glu Gly Asp Gly Glu Ser Gln Thr Pro Glu
Ala Asn Gly Gly Ala Glu 305 310 315 320 Gly Glu Pro Lys Pro Gly Pro
Ser Pro Asp Ala Asp Arg Pro Glu Gly 325 330 335 Trp Pro Ser Leu Glu
Ala Ile Thr His Pro Pro Pro Ala Pro Ala Thr 340 345 350 Pro Ala Arg
Ala Pro Glu His Trp Ser Tyr Gly Leu Arg Pro Gly Glu 355 360 365 His
Trp Ser Tyr Gly Leu Arg Pro Gly Glu His Trp Ser Tyr Gly Leu 370 375
380 Arg Pro Gly Glu His Trp Ser Tyr Gly Leu Arg Pro Gly 385 390 395
32 120 DNA Artificial Sequence Description of Artificial Sequence
sequence encoding a GnRH tetramer 32 gagcactggt catatggtct
gcgtccgggt gaacattgga gctacggtct acgccccggg 60 gaacactggt
cttatggctt acggccggga gagcattgga gttacggcct ccgtccaggt 120 33 30
DNA Artificial Sequence Description of Artificial Sequence sequence
encoding a GnRH monomer 33 gagcactggt catatggtct gcgtccgggt 30 34
1179 DNA Artificial Sequence Description of Artificial Sequence
sequence encoding a 4GnRH-tmgD fusion protein 34 gagcactggt
catatggtct gcgtccgggt gaacattgga gctacggtct acgccccggg 60
gaacactggt cttatggctt acggccggga gagcattgga gttacggcct ccgtccaggt
120 tccatgagct tgcctacacc cgcgccgcgg gtgacggtat acgtcgaccc
gccggcgtac 180 ccgatgccgc gatacaacta cactgaacgc tggcacacta
ccgggcccat accgtcgccc 240 ttcgcagacg gccgcgagca gcccgtcgag
gtgcgctacg cgacgagcgc ggcggcgtgc 300 gacatgctgg cgctgatcgc
agacccgcag gtggggcgca cgctgtggga agcggtacgc 360 cggcacgcgc
gcgcgtacaa cgccacggtc atatggtaca agatcgagag cgggtgcgcc 420
cggccgctgt actacatgga gtacaccgag tgcgagccca ggaagcactt tgggtactgc
480 cgctaccgca cacccccgtt ttgggacagc ttcctggcgg gcttcgccta
ccccacggac 540 gacgagctgg gactgattat ggcggcgccc gcgcggctcg
tcgagggcca gtaccgacgc 600 gcgctgtaca tcgacggcac ggtcgcctat
acagatttca tggtttcgct gccggccggg 660 gactgctggt tctcgaaact
cggcgcggct cgcgggtaca cctttggcgc gtgcttcccg 720 gcccgggatt
acgagcaaaa gaaggttctg cgcctgacgt atctcacgca gtactacccg 780
caggaggcac acaaggccat agtcgactac tggttcatgc gccacggggg cgtcgttccg
840 ccgtattttg aggagtcgaa gggctacgag ccgccgcctg ccgccgatgg
gggttccccc 900 gcgccacccg gcgacgacga ggcccgcgag gatgaagggg
agaccgagga cggggcagcc 960 gggcgggagg gcaacggcgg ccccccagga
cccgaaggcg acggcgagag tcagaccccc 1020 gaagccaacg gaggcgccga
gggcgagccg aaacccggcc ccagccccga cgccgaccgc 1080 cccgaaggct
ggccgagcct cgaagccatc acgcaccccc cgcccgcccc cgctacgccc 1140
gctcgagctc ggtaccccgg gtcgacctgc agccaagct 1179 35 340 PRT
Artificial Sequence Description of Artificial Sequence a truncated
mature BHV-1 gD 35 Leu Pro Thr Pro Ala Pro Arg Val Thr Val Tyr Val
Asp Pro Pro Ala 1 5 10 15 Tyr Pro Met Pro Arg Tyr Asn Tyr Thr Glu
Arg Trp His Thr Thr Gly 20 25 30 Pro Ile Pro Ser Pro Phe Ala Asp
Gly Arg Glu Gln Pro Val Glu Val 35 40 45 Arg Tyr Ala Thr Ser Ala
Ala Ala Cys Asp Met Leu Ala Leu Ile Ala 50 55 60 Asp Pro Gln Val
Gly Arg Thr Leu Trp Glu Ala Val Arg Arg His Ala 65 70 75 80 Arg Ala
Tyr Asn Ala Thr Val Ile Trp Tyr Lys Ile Glu Ser Gly Cys 85 90 95
Ala Arg Pro Leu Tyr Tyr Met Glu Tyr Thr Glu Cys Glu Pro Arg Lys 100
105 110 His Phe Gly Tyr Cys Arg Tyr Arg Thr Pro Pro Phe Trp Asp Ser
Phe 115 120 125 Leu Ala Gly Phe Ala Tyr Pro Thr Asp Asp Glu Leu Gly
Leu Ile Met 130 135 140 Ala Ala Pro Ala Arg Leu Val Glu Gly Gln Tyr
Arg Arg Ala Leu Tyr 145 150 155 160 Ile Asp Gly Thr Val Ala Tyr Thr
Asp Phe Met Val Ser Leu Pro Ala 165 170 175 Gly Asp Cys Trp Phe Ser
Lys Leu Gly Ala Ala Arg Gly Tyr Thr Phe 180 185 190 Gly Ala Cys Phe
Pro Ala Arg Asp Tyr Glu Gln Lys Lys Val Leu Arg 195 200 205 Leu Thr
Tyr Leu Thr Gln Tyr Tyr Pro Gln Glu Ala His Lys Ala Ile 210 215 220
Val Asp Tyr Trp Phe Met Arg His Gly Gly Val Val Pro Pro Tyr Phe 225
230 235 240 Glu Glu Ser Lys Gly Tyr Glu Pro Pro Pro Ala Ala Asp Gly
Gly Ser 245 250 255 Pro Ala Pro Pro Gly Asp Asp Glu Ala Arg Glu Asp
Glu Gly Glu Thr 260 265 270 Glu Asp Gly Ala Ala Gly Arg Glu Gly Asn
Gly Gly Pro Pro Gly Pro 275 280 285 Glu Gly Asp Gly Glu Ser Gln Thr
Pro Glu Ala Asn Gly Gly Ala Glu 290 295 300 Gly Glu Pro Lys Pro Gly
Pro Ser Pro Asp Ala Asp Arg Pro Glu Gly 305 310 315 320 Trp Pro Ser
Leu Glu Ala Ile Thr His Pro Pro Pro Ala Pro Ala Thr 325 330 335 Pro
Ala Arg Ala 340 36 1020 DNA Artificial Sequence Description of
Artificial Sequence sequence encoding a truncated mature BHV-1 gD
36 ttgcctacac ccgcgccgcg ggtgacggta tacgtcgacc cgccggcgta
cccgatgccg 60 cgatacaact acactgaacg ctggcacact accgggccca
taccgtcgcc cttcgcagac 120 ggccgcgagc agcccgtcga ggtgcgctac
gcgacgagcg cggcggcgtg cgacatgctg 180 gcgctgatcg cagacccgca
ggtggggcgc acgctgtggg aagcggtacg ccggcacgcg 240 cgcgcgtaca
acgccacggt catatggtac aagatcgaga gcgggtgcgc ccggccgctg 300
tactacatgg agtacaccga gtgcgagccc aggaagcact ttgggtactg ccgctaccgc
360 acacccccgt tttgggacag cttcctggcg ggcttcgcct accccacgga
cgacgagctg 420 ggactgatta tggcggcgcc cgcgcggctc gtcgagggcc
agtaccgacg cgcgctgtac 480 atcgacggca cggtcgccta tacagatttc
atggtttcgc tgccggccgg ggactgctgg 540 ttctcgaaac tcggcgcggc
tcgcgggtac acctttggcg cgtgcttccc ggcccgggat 600 tacgagcaaa
agaaggttct gcgcctgacg tatctcacgc agtactaccc gcaggaggca 660
cacaaggcca tagtcgacta ctggttcatg cgccacgggg gcgtcgttcc gccgtatttt
720 gaggagtcga agggctacga gccgccgcct gccgccgatg ggggttcccc
cgcgccaccc 780 ggcgacgacg aggcccgcga ggatgaaggg gagaccgagg
acggggcagc cgggcgggag 840 ggcaacggcg gccccccagg acccgaaggc
gacggcgaga gtcagacccc cgaagccaac 900 ggaggcgccg agggcgagcc
gaaacccggc cccagccccg acgccgaccg ccccgaaggc 960 tggccgagcc
tcgaagccat cacgcacccc ccgcccgccc ccgctacgcc cgctcgagct 1020 37 15
PRT Artificial Sequence Description of Artificial Sequence 6XHIS
leader 37 Met Arg Gly Ser His His His His His His Thr Asp Pro His
Ala 1 5 10 15 38 45 DNA Artificial Sequence Description of
Artificial Sequence sequence encoding 6XHIS leader 38 atgagaggat
ctcaccatca ccatcaccat acggatccgc atgcc 45 39 1017 DNA Artificial
Sequence Description of Artificial Sequence open reading frame for
the 6XHIS leader, truncated mature gD, and GnRH tetramer encoded by
bac-gDGnRH 39 atgagcttgc ctacacccgc gccgcgggtg acggtatacg
tcgacccgcc ggcgtacccg 60 atgccgcgat acaactacac tgaacgctgg
cacactaccg ggcccatacc gtcgcccttc 120 gcagacggcc gcgagcagcc
cgtcgaggtg cgctacgcga cgagcgcggc ggcgtgcgac 180 atgctggcgc
tgatcgcaga cccgcaggtg gggcgcacgc tgtgggaagc ggtacgccgg 240
cacgcgcgcg cgtacaacgc cacggtcata tggtacaaga tcgagagcgg gtgcgcccgg
300 ccgctgtact acatggagta caccgagtgc gagcccagga agcactttgg
gtactgccgc 360 taccgcacac ccccgttttg ggacagcttc ctggcgggct
tcgcctaccc cacggacgac 420 gagctgggac tgattatggc ggcgcccgcg
cggctcgtcg agggccagta ccgacgcgcg 480 ctgtacatcg acggcacggt
cgcctataca gatttcatgg tttcgctgcc ggccggggac 540 tgctggttct
cgaaactcgg cgcggctcgc gggtacacct ttggcgcgtg cttcccggcc 600
cgggattacg agcaaaagaa ggttctgcgc ctgacgtatc tcacgcagta ctacccgcag
660 gaggcacaca aggccatagt cgactactgg ttcatgcgcc acgggggcgt
cgttccgccg 720 tattttgagg agtcgaaggg ctacgagccg ccgcctgccg
ccgatggggg ttcccccgcg 780 ccacccggcg acgacgaggc ccgcgaggat
gaaggggaga ccgaggacgg ggcagccggg 840 cgggagggca acggcggccc
cccaggaccc gaaggcgacg gcgagagtca gacccccgaa 900 gccaacggag
gcgccgaggg cgagccgaaa cccggcccca gccccgacgc cgaccgcccc 960
gaaggctggc cgagcctcga agccatcacg caccccccgc ccgcccccgc tacgccc 1017
40 1272 DNA Artificial Sequence Description of Artificial Sequence
sequence encoding a 4GnRH-tmgD-4GnRH fusion protein 40 gagcactggt
catatggtct gcgtccgggt gaacattgga gctacggtct acgccccggg 60
gaacactggt cttatggctt acggccggga gagcattgga gttacggcct ccgtccaggt
120 tccatgagct tgcctacacc cgcgccgcgg gtgacggtat acgtcgaccc
gccggcgtac 180 ccgatgccgc gatacaacta cactgaacgc tggcacacta
ccgggcccat accgtcgccc 240 ttcgcagacg gccgcgagca gcccgtcgag
gtgcgctacg cgacgagcgc ggcggcgtgc 300 gacatgctgg cgctgatcgc
agacccgcag gtggggcgca cgctgtggga agcggtacgc 360 cggcacgcgc
gcgcgtacaa cgccacggtc atatggtaca agatcgagag cgggtgcgcc 420
cggccgctgt actacatgga gtacaccgag tgcgagccca ggaagcactt tgggtactgc
480 cgctaccgca cacccccgtt ttgggacagc ttcctggcgg gcttcgccta
ccccacggac 540 gacgagctgg gactgattat ggcggcgccc gcgcggctcg
tcgagggcca gtaccgacgc 600 gcgctgtaca tcgacggcac ggtcgcctat
acagatttca tggtttcgct gccggccggg 660 gactgctggt tctcgaaact
cggcgcggct cgcgggtaca cctttggcgc gtgcttcccg 720 gcccgggatt
acgagcaaaa gaaggttctg cgcctgacgt atctcacgca gtactacccg 780
caggaggcac acaaggccat agtcgactac tggttcatgc gccacggggg cgtcgttccg
840 ccgtattttg aggagtcgaa gggctacgag ccgccgcctg ccgccgatgg
gggttccccc 900 gcgccacccg gcgacgacga ggcccgcgag gatgaagggg
agaccgagga cggggcagcc 960 gggcgggagg gcaacggcgg ccccccagga
cccgaaggcg acggcgagag tcagaccccc 1020 gaagccaacg gaggcgccga
gggcgagccg aaacccggcc ccagccccga cgccgaccgc 1080 cccgaaggct
ggccgagcct cgaagccatc acgcaccccc cgcccgcccc cgctacgccc 1140
gctcgagctc cagagcactg gtcatatggt ctgcgtccgg gtgaacattg gagctacggt
1200 ctacgccccg gggaacactg gtcttatggc ttacggccgg gagagcattg
gagttacggc 1260 ctccgtccag gt 1272 41 1144 DNA Artificial Sequence
Description of Artificial Sequence sequence encoding a tmgD-4GnRH
fusion protein 41 cttgcctaca cccgcgccgc gggtgacggt atacgtcgac
ccgccggcgt acccgatgcc 60 gcgatacaac tacactgaac gctggcacac
taccgggccc ataccgtcgc ccttcgcaga 120 cggccgcgag cagcccgtcg
aggtgcgcta cgcgacgagc gcggcggcgt gcgacatgct 180 ggcgctgatc
gcagacccgc aggtggggcg cacgctgtgg gaagcggtac gccggcacgc 240
gcgcgcgtac aacgccacgg tcatatggta caagatcgag agcgggtgcg cccggccgct
300 gtactacatg gagtacaccg agtgcgagcc caggaagcac tttgggtact
gccgctaccg 360 cacacccccg ttttgggaca gcttcctggc gggcttcgcc
taccccacgg acgacgagct 420 gggactgatt atggcggcgc ccgcgcggct
cgtcgagggc cagtaccgac gcgcgctgta 480 catcgacggc acggtcgcct
atacagattt catggtttcg ctgccggccg gggactgctg 540 gttctcgaaa
ctcggcgcgg ctcgcgggta cacctttggc gcgtgcttcc cggcccggga 600
ttacgagcaa aagaaggttc tgcgcctgac gtatctcacg cagtactacc cgcaggaggc
660 acacaaggcc atagtcgact actggttcat gcgccacggg ggcgtcgttc
cgccgtattt 720 tgaggagtcg aagggctacg agccgccgcc tgccgccgat
gggggttccc ccgcgccacc 780 cggcgacgac gaggcccgcg aggatgaagg
ggagaccgag gacggggcag ccgggcggga 840 gggcaacggc ggccccccag
gacccgaagg cgacggcgag agtcagaccc ccgaagccaa 900 cggaggcgcc
gagggcgagc cgaaacccgg ccccagcccc gacgccgacc gccccgaagg 960
ctggccgagc ctcgaagcca tcacgcaccc cccgcccgcc cccgctacgc ccgctcgagc
1020 tccagagcac tggtcatatg gtctgcgtcc gggtgaacat tggagctacg
gtctacgccc 1080 cggggaacac tggtcttatg gcttacggcc gggagagcat
tggagttacg gcctccgtcc 1140 aggt 1144 42 23 DNA Artificial Sequence
Description of Artificial Sequence primer P14-S1 42 ggagctccag
agcactggtc ata 23 43 24 DNA Artificial Sequence Description of
Artificial Sequence primer P14-A138 43 aaagcttcaa cctggacgga ggcc
24 44 215 PRT Actinobacillus pleuropneumoniae 44 Met Lys Lys Ala
Val Leu Ala Ala Val Leu Gly Gly Ala
Leu Leu Ala 1 5 10 15 Gly Ser Ala Met Ala His Gln Ala Gly Asp Val
Ile Phe Arg Ala Gly 20 25 30 Ala Ile Gly Val Ile Ala Asn Ser Ser
Ser Asp Tyr Gln Thr Gly Ala 35 40 45 Asp Val Asn Leu Asp Val Asn
Asn Asn Ile Gln Leu Gly Leu Thr Gly 50 55 60 Thr Tyr Met Leu Ser
Asp Asn Leu Gly Leu Glu Leu Leu Ala Ala Thr 65 70 75 80 Pro Phe Ser
His Lys Ile Thr Gly Lys Leu Gly Ala Thr Asp Leu Gly 85 90 95 Glu
Val Ala Lys Val Lys His Leu Pro Pro Ser Leu Tyr Leu Gln Tyr 100 105
110 Tyr Phe Phe Asp Ser Asn Ala Thr Val Arg Pro Tyr Val Gly Ala Gly
115 120 125 Leu Asn Tyr Thr Arg Phe Phe Ser Ala Glu Ser Leu Lys Pro
Gln Leu 130 135 140 Val Gln Asn Leu Arg Val Lys Lys His Ser Val Ala
Pro Ile Ala Asn 145 150 155 160 Leu Gly Val Asp Val Lys Leu Thr Asp
Asn Leu Ser Phe Asn Ala Ala 165 170 175 Ala Trp Tyr Thr Arg Ile Lys
Thr Thr Ala Asp Tyr Asp Val Pro Gly 180 185 190 Leu Gly His Val Ser
Thr Pro Ile Thr Leu Asp Pro Val Val Leu Phe 195 200 205 Ser Gly Ile
Ser Tyr Lys Phe 210 215 45 364 PRT Actinobacillus pleuropneumoniae
45 Met Lys Lys Ser Leu Val Ala Leu Thr Val Leu Ser Ala Ala Ala Val
1 5 10 15 Ala Gln Ala Ala Pro Gln Gln Asn Thr Phe Tyr Ala Gly Ala
Lys Ala 20 25 30 Gly Trp Ala Ser Phe His Asp Gly Ile Glu Gln Leu
Asp Ser Ala Lys 35 40 45 Asn Thr Asp Arg Gly Thr Lys Tyr Gly Ile
Asn Arg Asn Ser Val Thr 50 55 60 Tyr Gly Val Phe Gly Gly Tyr Gln
Ile Leu Asn Gln Asp Lys Leu Gly 65 70 75 80 Leu Ala Ala Glu Leu Gly
Tyr Asp Tyr Phe Gly Arg Val Arg Gly Ser 85 90 95 Glu Lys Pro Asn
Gly Lys Ala Asp Lys Lys Thr Phe Arg His Ala Ala 100 105 110 His Gly
Ala Thr Ile Ala Leu Lys Pro Ser Tyr Glu Val Leu Pro Asp 115 120 125
Leu Asp Val Tyr Gly Lys Val Gly Ile Ala Leu Val Asn Asn Thr Tyr 130
135 140 Lys Thr Phe Asn Ala Ala Gln Glu Lys Val Lys Thr Arg Arg Phe
Gln 145 150 155 160 Ser Ser Leu Ile Leu Gly Ala Gly Val Glu Tyr Ala
Ile Leu Pro Glu 165 170 175 Leu Ala Ala Arg Val Glu Tyr Gln Trp Leu
Asn Asn Ala Gly Lys Ala 180 185 190 Ser Tyr Ser Thr Leu Asn Arg Met
Gly Ala Thr Asp Tyr Arg Ser Asp 195 200 205 Ile Ser Ser Val Ser Ala
Gly Leu Ser Tyr Arg Phe Gly Gln Gly Ala 210 215 220 Val Pro Val Ala
Ala Pro Ala Val Glu Thr Lys Asn Phe Ala Phe Ser 225 230 235 240 Ser
Asp Val Leu Phe Ala Phe Gly Lys Ser Asn Leu Lys Pro Ala Ala 245 250
255 Ala Thr Ala Leu Asp Ala Met Gln Thr Glu Ile Asn Asn Ala Gly Leu
260 265 270 Ser Asn Ala Ala Ile Gln Val Asn Gly Tyr Thr Asp Arg Ile
Gly Lys 275 280 285 Glu Ala Ser Asn Leu Lys Leu Ser Gln Arg Arg Ala
Glu Thr Val Ala 290 295 300 Asn Tyr Ile Val Ser Lys Gly Ala Pro Ala
Ala Asn Val Thr Ala Val 305 310 315 320 Gly Tyr Gly Glu Ala Asn Pro
Val Thr Gly Ala Thr Cys Asp Lys Val 325 330 335 Lys Gly Arg Lys Ala
Leu Ile Ala Cys Leu Ala Pro Asp Arg Arg Val 340 345 350 Glu Val Gln
Val Gln Gly Thr Lys Glu Val Thr Met 355 360 46 369 PRT
Actinobacillus pleuropneumoniae 46 Met Lys Lys Ser Leu Val Ala Leu
Ala Val Leu Ser Ala Ala Ala Val 1 5 10 15 Ala Gln Ala Ala Pro Gln
Gln Asn Thr Phe Tyr Ala Gly Ala Lys Val 20 25 30 Gly Gln Ser Ser
Phe His His Gly Val Asn Gln Leu Lys Ser Gly His 35 40 45 Asp Asp
Arg Tyr Asn Asp Lys Thr Arg Lys Tyr Gly Ile Asn Arg Asn 50 55 60
Ser Val Thr Tyr Gly Val Phe Gly Gly Tyr Gln Ile Leu Asn Gln Asn 65
70 75 80 Asn Phe Gly Leu Ala Thr Glu Leu Gly Tyr Asp Tyr Tyr Gly
Arg Val 85 90 95 Arg Gly Asn Asp Gly Glu Phe Arg Ala Met Lys His
Ser Ala His Gly 100 105 110 Leu Asn Phe Ala Leu Lys Pro Ser Tyr Glu
Val Leu Pro Asp Leu Asp 115 120 125 Val Tyr Gly Lys Val Gly Val Ala
Val Val Arg Asn Asp Tyr Lys Ser 130 135 140 Tyr Gly Ala Glu Asn Thr
Asn Glu Pro Thr Glu Lys Phe His Lys Leu 145 150 155 160 Lys Ala Ser
Thr Ile Leu Gly Ala Gly Val Glu Tyr Ala Ile Leu Pro 165 170 175 Glu
Leu Ala Ala Arg Val Glu Tyr Gln Tyr Leu Asn Lys Ala Gly Asn 180 185
190 Leu Asn Lys Ala Leu Val Arg Ser Gly Thr Gln Asp Val Asp Phe Gln
195 200 205 Tyr Ala Pro Asp Ile His Ser Val Thr Ala Gly Leu Ser Tyr
Arg Phe 210 215 220 Gly Gln Gly Ala Val Ala Pro Val Val Glu Pro Glu
Val Val Thr Lys 225 230 235 240 Asn Phe Ala Phe Ser Ser Asp Val Leu
Phe Asp Phe Gly Lys Ser Ser 245 250 255 Leu Lys Pro Ala Ala Ala Thr
Ala Leu Asp Ala Ala Asn Thr Glu Ile 260 265 270 Ala Asn Leu Gly Leu
Ala Thr Pro Ala Ile Gln Val Asn Gly Tyr Thr 275 280 285 Asp Arg Ile
Gly Lys Glu Ala Ser Asn Leu Lys Leu Ser Gln Arg Arg 290 295 300 Ala
Glu Thr Val Ala Asn Tyr Leu Val Ser Lys Gly Gln Asn Pro Ala 305 310
315 320 Asn Val Thr Ala Val Gly Tyr Gly Glu Ala Asn Pro Val Thr Gly
Ala 325 330 335 Thr Cys Asp Lys Val Lys Gly Arg Lys Ala Leu Ile Ala
Cys Leu Ala 340 345 350 Pro Asp Arg Arg Val Glu Val Gln Val Gln Gly
Ala Lys Asn Val Ala 355 360 365 Met
* * * * *