Recombinant PilC proteins, methods for producing them and their use

US6268171A · kind A · utility

Assignee

• Max-Planck-Gesellschaft zur Föderung der Wissenschaften e.V. · US

Inventors

• Thomas F. Meyer · Tübingen, DE
• Thomas Rudel · Berlin, DE
• Roland Richard Ryll · Rottenburg am Neckar, DE
• Ina Scheuerpflug · Berlin, DE

Key dates

• Filing date: Jun 28, 1996
• Grant date: Jul 31, 2001
• Expiry date: Jun 28, 2016

Classification

• Technology area (CPC A): Human Necessities
• CPC primary: A61K39/00
• WIPO field: Pharmaceuticals
• WIPO sector: Chemistry

Abstract

The invention relates to recombinant gene sequences for synthesizing a protein having the biological activity of the PilC protein. Furthermore, the invention relates to DNA recombinant methods for the production of proteins having the biological activity of the PilC protein as well as the tools of molecular biology needed therein. Besides, the invention relates to proteins having the biological activity of the PilC protein and its antibodies. Further embodiments of the invention are pharmaceutical compositions with a content of the mentioned proteins or antibodies. Preferably, these pharmaceutical compositions serve as vaccines for the immunization against pathogenic bacteria bearing type 4 pili. The invention also relates to kits for the detection of bacteria bearing type 4 pili or antibodies directed against them containing the mentioned proteins or antibodies. Finally, the invention relates to cellular receptors for bacteria bearing type 4 pili and analogues thereof.