Cloning and expression of Haemophilus somnus transferrin-binding proteins

Abstract

Cloning and expression of genes encoding H. somnus transferrin-binding proteins are described. The transferrin-binding proteins can be used in vaccine compositions for the prevention and treatment of H. somnus infections, as well as in diagnostic methods for determining the presence of H. somnus infections.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0002] The present invention relates generally to bacterial antigens and genes encoding the same. More particularly, the present invention pertains to the cloning, expression and characterization of transferrin-binding proteins from Haemophilus somnus (H. somnus) and the use of the same in vaccine compositions. BACKGROUND

[0003] Haemophilus somnus is a Gram-negative bacterium which causes a number of disease syndromes in cattle, collectively referred to as bovine hemophilosis. The bacterium is commonly associated with thromboembolic meningoencephalitis (ITEME), myocarditis, septicemia, arthritis, and pneumonia (Corbeil, L. B. (1990) Can. J. Vet. Res. 54:S57-S62; Harris and Janzen (1990) Can. Vet. J. 30:816-822; Humphrey and Stephens (1983) Vet. Bull. 53:987-1004). These diseases cause significant economic losses to the farm industry annually.

[0004] Conventional vaccines against H. somnus infection are either based on killed whole cells or on a protein fraction enriched in outer membrane proteins (OMPs). However, whole cell bacterins and surface protein extracts often contain immunosuppressive components which can render animals more susceptible to infection. Recombinant vaccines containing H. somnus lipoproteins, LppA, LppB and LppC, have been described. See, e.g., International Publication No. WO 93/21323, published Oct. 28, 1993. However, there remains a need for efficacious subunit vaccines against H. somnus infection.

[0005] Iron is an essential element for growth of most microbes. Weinberg, E.D. (1978) Microbiol. Rev. 42:45-66. Even though iron is abundant within mammalian tissues, virtually all iron within the mammalian body is held intracellularly as ferritin or as heme compounds, pools which are generally inaccessible to invading microorganisms. Additionally, the small amount of iron present in extracellular spaces is effectively chelated by high-affinity iron-binding host glycoproteins such as transferrin, present in serum and lymph, and lactoferrin, present in secretory fluids and milk. Otto et al. (1992) Crit. Rev. Microbiol. 18:217-233.

[0006] Hence, bacterial pathogens have developed specific iron-uptake mechanisms. In many bacterial species, these mechanisms involve the synthesis and secretion of small compounds called siderophores which display high affinity for ferric iron (FeIII). Siderophores are capable of removing transferrin-bound iron to form ferrisiderophore complexes which in turn are recognized by specific iron-repressible membrane receptors and internalized into the bacterium where the iron is released. Crosa, J. H. (1989) Microbiol. Rev. 53:517-530. Some gram-negative bacteria do not secrete detectable siderophores when grown in an iron-deficient environment but produce outer membrane proteins that bind directly and specifically to transferrin, thereby allowing iron transport into the bacterial cell. Transferrin binding proteins tend to be highly specific for the transferrin of their natural host. The ability of microorganisms to bind and utilize transferrin as a sole iron source, as well as the correlation between virulence and the ability to scavenge iron from the host, has been shown (Archibald and DeVoe (1979) FEMS Microbiol. Lett. 6:159-162; Archibald and DeVoe (1980) Infect. Immun. 27:322-334; Herrington and Sparling (1985) Infect. Immun. 48:248-251; Weinberg, E. D. (1978) Microbiol. Rev. 42:45-66).

[0007] Two transferrin-binding proteins, termed transferrin-binding protein 1 and 2 (Tbp1 and Tbp2), respectively, have been identified in bacterial outer membranes. For example, Gonzalez et al. (1990) Mol. Microbiol. 4:1173-1179, describes 105 and 56 kDa proteins from Actinobacillus pleuropneumoniae, designated porcine transferrin binding protein 1 (pTfBP1) and porcine transferrin binding protein 2 (pTfBP2), respectively. U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,417,971, 5,521,072 and 5,801,018 describe the cloning and expression of two transferrin binding proteins from A. pleuropneumoniae, as well as the use of the proteins in vaccine compositions. Schryvers, A. B. (1989) J. Med. Microbiol. 29:121-130, describes two putative transferrin-binding proteins isolated from Haemophilus influenzae. U.S. Pat. No. 5,708,149 and International Publication No. WO 95/13370, published May 18, 1995, describe the recombinant production of H. influenzae Tbp1 and Tbp2. U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,141,743 and 5,292,869 and International Publication No. WO 90/12591 describe the isolation of transferrin-receptor proteins from Neisseria meningitidis and the use of the isolated proteins in vaccine compositions. International Publication No. WO 95/33049, published Dec. 7, 1995, and European Publication No. EP 586,266, describe DNA encoding N. meningitidis transferrin binding proteins. Finally, Ogunnariwo et al. (1990) Microbiol. Path. 9:397-406, describe the isolation of two transferrin-binding proteins from H. somnus.

[0008] However, to date, the transferrin binding proteins from H. somnus have not been recombinantly produced.

DISCLOSURE OF THE INVENTION

[0009] The present invention is based on the discovery of genes encoding H. somnus transferrin-binding proteins and the characterization thereof. The proteins encoded by the genes have been recombinantly produced and these proteins, immunogenic fragments and analogs thereof, and/or chimeric proteins including the same, can be used, either alone or in combination with other H. somnus antigens, in novel subunit vaccines to provide protection from bacterial infection in mammalian subjects.

[0010] Accordingly, in one embodiment, the subject invention is directed to an isolated nucleic acid molecule comprising a coding sequence for an immunogenic H. somnus transferrin-binding protein selected from the group consisting of (a) an H. somnus transferrin-binding protein 1 and (b) an H. somnus transferrin-binding protein 2, or a fragment of the nucleic acid molecule comprising at least 15 nucleotides.

[0011] In additional embodiments, the invention is directed to recombinant vectors including the nucleic acid molecules, host cells transformed with these vectors, and methods of recombinantly producing H. somnus transferrin-binding proteins.

[0012] In still further embodiments, the subject invention is directed to vaccine compositions comprising a pharmaceutically acceptable vehicle and an immunogenic H. somnus transferrin-binding protein selected from the group consisting of (a) an H. somnus transferrin-binding protein 1, (b) an H. somnus transferrin-binding protein 2 and (c) an immunogenic fragment of (a) or (b) comprising at least 5 amino acids, as well as methods of preparing the vaccine compositions.

[0013] In yet other embodiments, the present invention is directed to methods of treating or preventing H. somnus infections in a mammalian subject. The method comprises administering to the subject a therapeutically effective amount of the above vaccine compositions.

[0014] In additional embodiments, the invention is directed to methods of detecting H. somnus antibodies in a biological sample comprising:

[0015] (a) providing a biological sample;

[0016] (b) reacting the biological sample with an immunogenic H. somnus transferrin binding protein selected from the group consisting of (a) an H. somnus transferrin-binding protein 1, (b) an H. somnus transferrin-binding protein 2 and (c) an immunogenic fragment of (a) or (b) comprising at least 5 amino acids, under conditions which allow H. somnus antibodies, when present in the biological sample, to bind to the H. somnus transferrin-binding protein to form an antibody/antigen complex; and

[0017] (c) detecting the presence or absence of the complex,

[0018] thereby detecting the presence or absence of H. somnus antibodies in the sample.

[0019] In yet further embodiments, the invention is directed to an immunodiagnostic test kit for detecting H. somnus infection. The test kit comprises an H. somnus transferrin-binding protein selected from the group consisting of (a) an H. somnus transferrin-binding protein 1, (b) an H. somnus transferrin-binding protein 2 and (c) an immunogenic fragment of (a) or (b) comprising at least 5 amino acids, and instructions for conducting the immunodiagnostic test.

[0020] These and other embodiments of the present invention will readily occur to those of ordinary skill in the art in view of the disclosure herein.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

[0021] FIGS. 1A-1B show the nucleotide sequences of the H. somnus tbp1 and tbp2 genes (SEQ ID NO:1). The tbp1 gene is found at positions 2891-5803 and the tbp2 gene is found at positions 708-2693.

[0022] FIG. 2 is a genetic map of the H. somnus tbp Region. Restriction sites are shown.

[0023] FIG. 3 shows the complete amino acid sequence of H. somnus Tbp1 (SEQ ID NO:2).

[0024] FIG. 4 shows the complete amino acid sequence of H. somnus Tbp2 (SEQ ID NO:3).

[0025] FIG. 5 shows Tbp1-specific serological response, measured as antibody titers, to vaccines containing recombinantly produced H. somnus transferrin-binding proteins. Bleed 1 was done preimmunization; Bleed 2 was taken at the time of boost; and Bleed 3 was done prior to challenge.

[0026] FIG. 6 shows Tbp2-specific serological response, measured as antibody titers, to vaccines containing recombinantly produced H. somnus transferrin-binding proteins. Bleed 1 was done preimmunization; Bleed 2 was taken at the time of boost; and Bleed 3 was done prior to challenge.

[0027] FIG. 7 shows mortality in groups of animals administered vaccines containing the recombinantly produced H. somnus transferrin-binding proteins.

[0028] FIG. 8 depicts mean temperature obtained from animals administered vaccines containing recombinantly produced H. somnus transferrin-binding proteins and animals given placebos, as described in the examples. Results following H. somnus challenge are shown.

[0029] FIG. 9 shows depression scores from animals administered vaccines containing recombinantly produced H. somnus transferrin-binding proteins and animals given placebos, as described in the examples. Scores from Days 5-8, post H. somnus challenge, are shown.

[0030] FIG. 10 shows mean sick scores from animals administered vaccines containing recombinantly produced H. somnus transferrin-binding proteins and animals given placebos, as described in the examples. Scores from Days 5-8, post H. somnus challenge, are shown.

[0031] FIGS. 11A-11C depict a chromosomal fragment (SEQ ID NO:4) which includes the H. somnus lppB gene, occurring at positions 872-1906 of the figure, and shows the corresponding LppB amino acid sequence (SEQ ID NO:5).

[0032] FIG. 12 depicts the Hopp/Woods antigenicity profile of H. somnus mature Tbp1.

[0033] FIG. 13 depicts the Kyte-Doolittle hydropathy plot (bottom of figure) and Argos transmembrane helices (top of figure) of H. somnus mature Tbp1.

[0034] FIG. 14 depicts the Hopp/Woods antigenicity profile of H. somnus Tbp2.

[0035] FIG. 15 depicts the Kyte-Doolittle hydropathy plot of H. somnus Tbp2.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0036] The practice of the present invention will employ, unless otherwise indicated, conventional techniques of molecular biology, microbiology, recombinant DNA technology, and immunology, which are within the skill of the art. Such techniques are explained fully in the literature. See, e.g., Sambrook, Fritsch & Maniatis, Molecular Cloning: A Laboratory Manual, Vols. I, II and III, Second Edition (1989); Perbal, B., A Practical Guide to Molecular Cloning (1984); the series, Methods In Enzymology (S. Colowick and N. Kaplan eds., Academic Press, Inc.); and Handbook of Experimental Immunology, Vols. I-IV (D. M. Weir and C. C. Blackwell eds., 1986, Blackwell Scientific Publications).

[0037] All publications, patents and patent applications cited herein, whether supra or infra, are hereby incorporated by reference in their entirety.

[0038] The following amino acid abbreviations are used throughout the text:

Alanine: Ala (A)       Arginine: Arg (R)
Asparagine: Asn (N)    Aspartic acid: Asp (D)
Cysteine: Cys (C)      Glutamine: Gln (Q)
Glutamic acid: Glu (E) Glycine: Gly (G)
Histidine: His (H)     Isoleucine: Ile (I)
Leucine: Leu (L)       Lysine: Lys (K)
Methionine: Met (M)    Phenylalanine: Phe (F)
Proline: Pro (P)       Serine: Ser (S)
Threonine: Thr (T)     Tryptophan: Trp (W)
Tyrosine: Tyr (Y)      Valine: Val (V)

[0039] A. Definitions

[0040] In describing the present invention, the following terms will be employed, and are intended to be defined as indicated below.

[0041] It must be noted that, as used in this specification and the appended claims, the singular forms “a”, “an” and “the” include plural referents unless the content clearly dictates otherwise. Thus, for example, reference to “an H. somnus transferrin binding protein” includes a mixture of two or more such proteins, and the like.

[0042] The terms “transferrin-binding protein”, “TF-binding protein” and “Tbp” (used interchangeably herein) or a nucleotide sequence encoding the same, intends a protein or a nucleotide sequence, respectively, which is derived from an H. somnus tbp gene. The nucleotide sequence of two representative H. somnus tbp genes, termed “tbp1” and “tbp2” herein, and the corresponding amino acid sequence of the Tbp proteins encoded by these gene, are depicted in the Figures. In particular, FIGS. 1A-1B (SEQ ID NO:1) show the nucleotide sequence of full-length tbp1 (occurring at nucleotide positions 2891-5803, inclusive) and tbp2 (occurring at nucleotide positions 708-2693, inclusive) and FIGS. 3 (SEQ ID NO:2) and 4 (SEQ ID NO:3), show the full-length amino acid sequences of Tbp1 and Tbp2, respectively. However, an H. somnus transferrin-binding protein as defined herein is not limited to the depicted sequences as several subtypes of H. somnus are known and variations in transferrin-binding proteins will occur between strains of H. somnus.

[0043] Furthermore, the derived protein or nucleotide sequences need not be physically derived from the gene described above, but may be generated in any manner, including for example, chemical synthesis, isolation (e.g., from H. somnus) or by recombinant production, based on the information provided herein. Additionally, the term intends proteins having amino acid sequences substantially homologous (as defined below) to contiguous amino acid sequences encoded by the genes, which display immunological and/or transferrin-binding activity.

[0044] Thus, the terms intend full-length, as well as immunogenic, truncated and partial sequences, and active analogs and precursor forms of the proteins. Also included in the term are nucleotide fragments of the gene that include at least about 8 contiguous base pairs, more preferably at least about 10-20 contiguous base pairs, and most preferably at least about 25 to 50, or more, contiguous base pairs of the gene. Such fragments are useful as probes and in diagnostic methods, discussed more fully below.

[0045] The terms also include those forms possessing, as well as lacking, the signal sequence, as well as the nucleic acid sequences coding therefor. Additionally, the term intends forms of the transferrin-binding proteins which lack the membrane anchor region, and nucleic acid sequences encoding proteins with such deletions. Such deletions may be desirable in systems that do not provide for secretion of the protein. Furthermore, the transferrin-binding domains of the proteins, may or may not be present. Thus, for example, if the transferrin-binding protein will be used to purify transferrin, the transferrin-binding domain will generally be retained. If the protein is to be used in vaccine compositions, immunogenic epitopes which may or may not include the transferrin-binding domain, will be present.

[0046] The terms also include proteins in neutral form or in the form of basic or acid addition salts depending on the mode of preparation. Such acid addition salts may involve free amino groups and basic salts may be formed with free carboxyls. Pharmaceutically acceptable basic and acid addition salts are discussed further below. In addition, the proteins may be modified by combination with other biological materials such as lipids (both those occurring naturally with the molecule or other lipids that do not destroy immunological activity) and saccharides, or by side chain modification, such as acetylation of amino groups, phosphorylation of hydroxyl side chains, oxidation of sulfhydryl groups, glycosylation of amino acid residues, as well as other modifications of the encoded primary sequence.

[0047] The proteins of the present invention are normally found in association with lipid moieties. It is likely that the fatty acid moiety present is a palmitic acid derivative. The antigens of the present invention, even though carrying epitopes derived from lipoproteins, do not require the presence of the lipid moiety. Furthermore, if the lipid is present, it need not be a lipid commonly associated with the lipoprotein, so long as the appropriate immunologic response is elicited. In any event, suitable fatty acids, such as but not limited to, palmitic acid or palmitic acid analogs, can be conveniently added to the desired amino acid sequence during synthesis, using standard techniques. For example, palmitoyl bound to S-glyceryl-L-Cys (Pam3-Cys) is commercially available (e.g. through Boehringer Mannheim, Dorval, Quebec) and can easily be incorporated into an amino acid sequence during synthesis. See, e.g. Deres et al. (1989) Nature 342:561. This is a particularly convenient method for production when relatively short amino acid sequences are used. Similarly, recombinant systems can be used which will process the expressed proteins by adding suitable fatty acids. Representative systems for recombinant production are discussed further below.

[0048] The term therefore intends deletions, additions and substitutions to the sequence, so long as the polypeptide functions to produce an immunological response as defined herein. In this regard, particularly preferred substitutions will generally be conservative in nature, i.e., those substitutions that take place within a family of amino acids. For example, amino acids are generally divided into four families: (1) acidic—aspartate and glutamate; (2) basic—lysine, arginine, histidine; (3) non-polar—alanine, valine, leucine, isoleucine, proline, phenylalanine, methionine, tryptophan; and (4) uncharged polar—glycine, asparagine, glutamine, cystine, serine threonine, tyrosine. Phenylalanine, tryptophan, and tyrosine are sometimes classified as aromatic amino acids. For example, it is reasonably predictable that an isolated replacement of leucine with isoleucine or valine, or vice versa; an aspartate with a glutamate or vice versa; a threonine with a serine or vice versa; or a similar conservative replacement of an amino acid with a structurally related amino acid, will not have a major effect on the biological activity. Proteins having substantially the same amino acid sequence as the reference molecule, but possessing minor amino acid substitutions that do not substantially affect the immunogenicity of the protein, are therefore within the definition of the reference polypeptide.

[0049] For example, the polypeptide of interest may include up to about 5-10 conservative or non-conservative amino acid substitutions, or even up to about 15-25 conservative or non-conservative amino acid substitutions, so long as the desired function of the molecule remains intact. In this regard, substitutions occurring in the transmembrane binding domain and the signal sequence normally will not affect immunogenicity. One of skill in the art may readily determine other regions of the molecule of interest that can tolerate change by reference to the Hopp/Woods and Kyte-Doolittle plots shown in FIGS. 12-15 herein.

[0050] An “isolated” nucleic acid molecule is a nucleic acid molecule separate and discrete from the whole organism with which the molecule is found in nature; or a nucleic acid molecule devoid, in whole or part, of sequences normally associated with it in nature; or a sequence, as it exists in nature, but having heterologous sequences (as defined below) in association therewith.

[0051] By “subunit vaccine composition” is meant a composition containing at least one immunogenic polypeptide, but not all antigens, derived from or homologous to an antigen from a pathogen of interest. Such a composition is substantially free of intact pathogen cells or particles, or the lysate of such cells or particles. Thus, a “subunit vaccine composition” is prepared from at least partially purified (preferably substantially purified) immunogenic polypeptides from the pathogen, or recombinant analogs thereof. A subunit vaccine composition can comprise the subunit antigen or antigens of interest substantially free of other antigens or polypeptides from the pathogen.

[0052] The term “epitope” refers to the site on an antigen or hapten to which specific B cells and/or T cells respond. The term is also used interchangeably with “antigenic determinant” or “antigenic determinant site.” Antibodies that recognize the same epitope can be identified in a simple immunoassay showing the ability of one antibody to block the binding of another antibody to a target antigen.

[0053] An “immunological response” to a composition or vaccine is the development in the host of a cellular and/or antibody-mediated immune response to the composition or vaccine of interest. Usually, an “immunological response” includes but is not limited to one or more of the following effects: the production of antibodies, B cells, helper T cells, suppressor T cells, and/or cytotoxic T cells and/or γδ T cells, directed specifically to an antigen or antigens included in the composition or vaccine of interest. Preferably, the host will display either a therapeutic or protective immunological response such that resistance of the mammary gland to new infection will be enhanced and/or the clinical severity of the disease reduced. Such protection will be demonstrated by either a reduction or lack of symptoms normally displayed by an infected host and/or a quicker recovery time.

[0054] The terms “immunogenic” protein or polypeptide refer to an amino acid sequence which elicits an immunological response as described above. An “immunogenic” protein or polypeptide, as used herein, includes the full-length sequence of the transferrin-binding protein in question, with or without the signal sequence, membrane anchor domain and/or transferrin-binding domain, analogs thereof, or immunogenic fragments thereof. By “immunogenic fragment” is meant a fragment of a transferrin-binding protein which includes one or more epitopes and thus elicits the immunological response described above. Such fragments can be identified using any number of epitope mapping techniques, well known in the art. See, e.g., Epitope Mapping Protocols in Methods in Molecular Biology, Vol. 66 (Glenn E. Morris, Ed., 1996) Humana Press, Totowa, N.J. For example, linear epitopes may be determined by e.g., concurrently synthesizing large numbers of peptides on solid supports, the peptides corresponding to portions of the protein molecule, and reacting the peptides with antibodies while the peptides are still attached to the supports. Such techniques are known in the art and described in, e.g., U.S. Pat. No. 4,708,871; Geysen et al. (1984) Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA 81:3998-4002; Geysen et al. (1986) Molec. Immunol. 23:709-715, all incorporated herein by reference in their entireties. Similarly, conformational epitopes are readily identified by determining spatial conformation of amino acids such as by, e.g., x-ray crystallography and 2-dimensional nuclear magnetic resonance. See, e.g., Epitope Mapping Protocols, supra. Antigenic regions of proteins can also be identified using standard antigenicity and hydropathy plots, such as those calculated using, e.g., the Omiga version 1.0 software program available from the Oxford Molecular Group. This computer program employs the Hopp/Woods method, Hopp et al., Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci USA (1981) 78:3824-3828 for determining antigenicity profiles, and the Kyte-Doolittle technique, Kyte et al., J. Mol. Biol. (1982) 157:105-132 for hydropathy plots. FIGS. 12-14 herein depict Hopp/Woods and Kyte-Doolittle profiles for representative proteins encompassed by the invention.

[0055] Immunogenic fragments, for purposes of the present invention, will usually include at least about 3 amino acids, preferably at least about 5 amino acids, more preferably at least about 10-15 amino acids, and most preferably 25 or more amino acids, of the parent transferrin-binding protein molecule. There is no critical upper limit to the length of the fragment, which may comprise nearly the full-length of the protein sequence, or even a fusion protein comprising two or more epitopes of Tbp1 and/or Tbp2.

[0056] “Native” proteins or polypeptides refer to proteins or polypeptides isolated from the source in which the proteins naturally occur. “Recombinant” polypeptides refer to polypeptides produced by recombinant DNA techniques; i.e., produced from cells transformed by an exogenous DNA construct encoding the desired polypeptide. “Synthetic” polypeptides are those prepared by chemical synthesis.

[0057] A “vector” is a replicon, such as a plasmid, phage, or cosmid, to which another DNA segment may be attached so as to bring about the replication of the attached segment.

[0058] A DNA “coding sequence” or a “nucleotide sequence encoding” a particular protein, is a DNA sequence which is transcribed and translated into a polypeptide in vitro or in vivo when placed under the control of appropriate regulatory elements. The boundaries of the coding sequence are determined by a start codon at the 5′ (amino) terminus and a translation stop codon at the 3′ (carboxy) terminus. A coding sequence can include, but is not limited to, procaryotic sequences, cDNA from eucaryotic mRNA, genomic DNA sequences from eucaryotic (e.g., mammalian) DNA, and even synthetic DNA sequences. A transcription termination sequence will usually be located 3′ to the coding sequence.

[0059] DNA “control elements” refers collectively to promoters, ribosome binding sites, polyadenylation signals, transcription termination sequences, upstream regulatory domains, enhancers, and the like, which collectively provide for the transcription and translation of a coding sequence in a host cell. Not all of these control sequences need always be present in a recombinant vector so long as the desired gene is capable of being transcribed and translated.

[0060] “Operably linked” refers to an arrangement of elements wherein the components so described are configured so as to perform their usual function. Thus, control elements operably linked to a coding sequence are capable of effecting the expression of the coding sequence. The control elements need not be contiguous with the coding sequence, so long as they function to direct the expression thereof. Thus, for example, intervening untranslated yet transcribed sequences can be present between a promoter and the coding sequence and the promoter can still be considered “operably linked” to the coding sequence.

[0061] A control element, such as a promoter, “directs the transcription” of a coding sequence in a cell when RNA polymerase will bind the promoter and transcribe the coding sequence into mRNA, which is then translated into the polypeptide encoded by the coding sequence.

[0062] A “host cell” is a cell which has been transformed, or is capable of transformation, by an exogenous nucleic acid molecule.

[0063] A cell has been “transformed” by exogenous DNA when such exogenous DNA has been introduced inside the cell membrane. Exogenous DNA may or may not be integrated (covalently linked) into chromosomal DNA making up the genome of the cell. In procaryotes and yeasts, for example, the exogenous DNA may be maintained on an episomal element, such as a plasmid. With respect to eucaryotic cells, a stably transformed cell is one in which the exogenous DNA has become integrated into the chromosome so that it is inherited by daughter cells through chromosome replication. This stability is demonstrated by the ability of the eucaryotic cell to establish cell lines or clones comprised of a population of daughter cells containing the exogenous DNA.

[0064] “Homology” refers to the percent identity between two polynucleotide or two polypeptide moieties. Two DNA, or two polypeptide sequences are “substantially homologous” to each other when the sequences exhibit at least about 80%-85%, preferably at least about 90%, and most preferably at least about 95%-98% sequence identity over a defined length of the molecules. As used herein, substantially homologous also refers to sequences showing complete identity to the specified DNA or polypeptide sequence.

[0065] In general, “identity” refers to an exact nucleotide-to-nucleotide or amino acid-to-amino acid correspondence of two polynucleotides or polypeptide sequences, respectively. Percent identity can be determined by a direct comparison of the sequence information between two molecules by aligning the sequences, counting the exact number of matches between the two aligned sequences, dividing by the length of the shorter sequence, and multiplying the result by 100. Readily available computer programs can be used to aid in the analysis, such as ALIGN, Dayhoff, M. O. in Atlas of Protein Sequence and Structure M. O. Dayhoff ed., 5 Suppl. 3:353-358, National biomedical Research Foundation, Washington, D.C., which adapts the local homology algorithm of Smith and Waterman (1981) Advances in Appl. Math. 2:482-489 for peptide analysis. Programs for determining nucleotide sequence identity are available in the Wisconsin Sequence Analysis Package, Version 8 (available from Genetics Computer Group, Madison, Wis.) for example, the BESTFIT, FASTA and GAP programs, which also rely on the Smith and Waterman algorithm. These programs are readily utilized with the default parameters recommended by the manufacturer and described in the Wisconsin Sequence Analysis Package referred to above. For example, percent identity of a particular nucleotide sequence to a reference sequence can be determined using the homology algorithm of Smith and Waterman with a default scoring table and a gap penalty of six nucleotide positions.

[0066] Another method of establishing percent identity in the context of the present invention is to use the MPSRCH package of programs copyrighted by the University of Edinburgh, developed by John F. Collins and Shane S. Sturrok, and distributed by IntelliGenetics, Inc. (Mountain View, Calif.). From this suite of packages the Smith-Waterman algorithm can be employed where default parameters are used for the scoring table (for example, gap open penalty of 12, gap extension penalty of one, and a gap of six). From the data generated the “Match” value reflects “sequence identity.” Other suitable programs for calculating the percent identity or similarity between sequences are generally known in the art, for example, another alignment program is BLAST, used with default parameters. For example, BLASTN and BLASTP can be used using the following default parameters: genetic code=standard; filter=none; strand=both; cutoff=60; expect=10; Matrix=BLOSUM62; Descriptions=50 sequences; sort by=HIGH SCORE; Databases=non-redundant, GenBank+EMBL+DDBJ+PDB+GenBank CDS translations+Swiss protein+Spupdate+PIR. Details of these programs can be found at the following internet address: http://www.ncbi.nlm.gov/cgi-bin/BLAST.

[0067] Alternatively, homology can be determined by hybridization of polynucleotides under conditions which form stable duplexes between homologous regions, followed by digestion with single-stranded-specific nuclease(s), and size determination of the digested fragments. DNA sequences that are substantially homologous can be identified in a Southern hybridization experiment under, for example, stringent conditions, as defined for that particular system. Defining appropriate hybridization conditions is within the skill of the art. See, e.g., Sambrook et al., supra; DNA Cloning, supra; Nucleic Acid Hybridization, supra.

[0068] By the term “degenerate variant” is intended a polynucleotide containing changes in the nucleic acid sequence thereof, that encodes a polypeptide having the same amino acid sequence as the polypeptide encoded by the polynucleotide from which the degenerate variant is derived.

[0069] The term “functionally equivalent” intends that the amino acid sequence of a transferrin-binding protein is one that will elicit a substantially equivalent or enhanced immunological response, as defined above, as compared to the response elicited by a transferrin-binding protein having identity with the reference transferrin-binding protein, or an immunogenic portion thereof.

[0070] A “heterologous” region of a DNA construct is an identifiable segment of DNA within or attached to another DNA molecule that is not found in association with the other molecule in nature. Thus, when the heterologous region encodes a bacterial gene, the gene will usually be flanked by DNA that does not flank the bacterial gene in the genome of the source bacteria. Another example of the heterologous coding sequence is a construct where the coding sequence itself is not found in nature (e.g., synthetic sequences having codons different from the native gene). Allelic variation or naturally occurring mutational events do not give rise to a heterologous region of DNA, as used herein.

[0071] The term “treatment” as used herein refers to either (i) the prevention of infection or reinfection (prophylaxis), or (ii) the reduction or elimination of symptoms of the disease of interest (therapy).

[0072] As used herein, a “biological sample” refers to a sample of tissue or fluid isolated from a subject, including but not limited to, for example, blood, plasma, serum, fecal matter, urine, bone marrow, bile, spinal fluid, lymph fluid, samples of the skin, external secretions of the skin, respiratory, intestinal, and genitourinary tracts, tears, saliva, milk, blood cells, organs, biopsies and also samples of in vitro cell culture constituents including but not limited to conditioned media resulting from the growth of cells and tissues in culture medium, e.g., recombinant cells, and cell components.

[0073] As used herein, the terms “label” and “detectable label” refer to a molecule capable of detection, including, but not limited to, radioactive isotopes, fluorescers, chemiluminescers, enzymes, enzyme substrates, enzyme cofactors, enzyme inhibitors, chromophores, dyes, metal ions, metal sols, ligands (e.g., biotin or haptens) and the like. The term “fluorescer” refers to a substance or a portion thereof which is capable of exhibiting fluorescence in the detectable range. Particular examples of labels which may be used under the invention include fluorescein, rhodamine, dansyl, umbelliferone, Texas red, luminol, NADPH and α-β-galactosidase.

[0074] D. General Methods

[0075] Central to the present invention is the discovery of genes encoding two H. somnus transferrin-binding proteins, termed “Tbp1” and “Tbp2,” respectively herein. In particular, the genes for H. somnus transferrin-binding protein 1 (“tbp1”) and H. somnus transferrin-binding protein 2 (“tbp2”) have been isolated, sequenced and characterized, and the protein sequences for Tbp1 and Tbp2 deduced therefrom. The complete DNA sequences are shown in FIGS. 1A-1B and the protein sequences for Tbp1 and Tbp2 shown in FIGS. 3 (SEQ ID NO:2) and 4 (SEQ ID NO:3), respectively.

[0076] As described in the examples, full-length tbp1, depicted at nucleotide positions 2891-5803, inclusive, of FIGS. 1A-1B, encodes a full-length Tbp1 protein of approximately 971 amino acids, shown as amino acids 1-971, inclusive, of FIG. 3 (SEQ ID NO:2). The protein has a predicted molecular weight of about 109,725 kDa. The full-length sequence includes a signal peptide of 28 amino acids, occurring at positions 1 to 28 of FIG. 3. Thus, the mature Tbp1 sequence is represented by amino acids 29 to 971, inclusive, of FIG. 3 and is encoded by the nucleotide sequence depicted at positions 2975 to 5803, inclusive of FIGS. 1A-1B. FIG. 12 shows the Hopp/Woods antigenicity profile of H. somnus mature Tbp1. FIG. 13 depicts the Kyte-Doolittle hydropathy plot (bottom of figure) and Argos transmembrane helices (top of figure) of H. somnus mature Tbp1.

[0077] Full-length tbp2, depicted at nucleotide positions 708-2693, inclusive, of FIGS. 1A-1C (SEQ ID NO:1), encodes a full-length Tbp2 protein of approximately 662 amino acids, shown as amino acids 1-662, inclusive, of FIG. 4 (SEQ ID NO:3). The protein has a predicted molecular weight of about 71,311 kDa. The full-length sequence includes a signal peptide of 19 amino acids, occurring at positions 1 to 19 of FIG. 4. Thus, the mature Tbp2 sequence is represented by amino acids 20 to 662, inclusive, of FIG. 4 and is encoded by the nucleotide sequence depicted at positions 765 to 2683, of FIGS. 1A-1B. FIG. 14 depicts the Hopp/Woods antigenicity profile of H. somnus Tbp2 and FIG. 15 depicts the Kyte-Doolittle hydropathy plot of H. somnus Tbp2. Unlike Tbp1, no transmembrane binding domains are present in the Tbp2 molecule.

[0078] The H. somnus transferrin-binding proteins, immunogenic fragments thereof or chimeric proteins including one or more epitopes of Tbp1 and Tbp2, can be provided, either alone or in combination, in subunit vaccine compositions to treat or prevent bacterial infections caused by H. somnus, including, but not limited to, hemophilosis, thromboembolic meningoencephalitis (ITEME), septicemia, arthritis, and pneumonia (Corbeill, L. B., Can. J. Vet. Res. (1990) 54:S57-S62; Harris, F. W., and Janzen, E. D., Can. Vet. J. (1990) 30:816-822; Humphrey, J. D., and Stephens, L. R., Vet. Bull. (1983) 53:987-1004), as well as myocarditis, pericarditis, spontaneous abortion, infertility and mastitis.

[0079] In addition to use in vaccine compositions, the proteins and fragments thereof, antibodies thereto, and genes coding therefor, can be used as diagnostic reagents to detect the presence of infection in a mammalian subject. Similarly, the genes encoding the proteins can be cloned and used to design probes to detect and isolate homologous genes in other bacterial strains. For example, fragments comprising at least about 15-20 nucleotides, more preferably at least about 20-50 nucleotides, and most preferably about 60-100 or more nucleotides, will find use in these embodiments. The H. somnus transferrin-binding proteins also find use in purifying transferring from Haemophilus species and from recombinant host cells expressing the same.

[0080] H. somnus transferrin binding proteins can be used in vaccine compositions either alone or in combination with other bacterial, fungal, viral or protozoal antigens. These antigens can be provided separately or even as fusion proteins comprising one or more epitopes of the transferrin-binding proteins fused together and/or to one or more of the above antigens.

[0081] For example, other immunogenic proteins from H. somnus can be used in the subject vaccines, including, but not limited to, H. somnus LppA, LppB and/or LppC polypeptides, H. somnus haemin-binding protein, and H. somnus haemolysin. All of these H. somnus proteins are described in International Publication No. WO 93/21323, published Oct. 28, 1993). For example, FIGS. 11A-11C depict the H. somnus LppB protein (SEQ ID NO:5) and the gene coding therefor (positions 872-1906 of SEQ ID NO:4). The H. somnus LppB preprotein is encoded by nucleotide positions 872 through 1906 (amino acid residues 1 through 345) and the mature protein is encoded by nucleotide positions 920 through 1906 (amino acid residues 17 through 345). The entire LppB protein, or fragments comprising immunogenic polypeptides of the protein, can be used in vaccine compositions in combination with either or both of the H. somnus transferrin binding proteins.

[0082] Production of Transferrin-binding Proteins

[0083] The above described transferrin-binding proteins and active fragments, analogs and chimeric proteins derived from the same, can be produced by a variety of methods. Specifically, transferrin-binding proteins can be isolated directly from bacteria which express the same. The proteins can be isolated directly from H. somnus from outer membrane preparations, using standard purification techniques. See, e.g. Theisen and Potter (1992) Infect. Immun. 60:826-831. The desired proteins can then be further purified i.e. by column chromatography, HPLC, immunoadsorbent techniques or other conventional methods well known in the art.

[0084] Alternatively, the proteins can be recombinantly produced as described herein. As explained above, these recombinant products can take the form of partial protein sequences, full-length sequences, precursor forms that include signal sequences, mature forms without signals, or even fusion proteins (e.g., with an appropriate leader for the recombinant host, or with another subunit antigen sequence for H. somnus or another pathogen).

[0085] The tbp genes of the present invention can be isolated based on the ability of the protein products to bind transferrin, using transferrin-binding assays as described below. Thus, gene libraries can be constructed and the resulting clones used to transform an appropriate host cell. Colonies can be pooled and screened for clones having transferrin-binding activity. Colonies can also be screened using polyclonal serum or monoclonal antibodies to the transferrin-binding protein.

[0086] Alternatively, once the amino acid sequences are determined, oligonucleotide probes which contain the codons for a portion of the determined amino acid sequences can be prepared and used to screen genomic or cDNA libraries for genes encoding the subject proteins. The basic strategies for preparing oligonucleotide probes and DNA libraries, as well as their screening by nucleic acid hybridization, are well known to those of ordinary skill in the art. See, e.g., DNA Cloning: Vol. I, supra; Nucleic Acid Hybridization, supra; Oligonucleotide Synthesis, supra; Sambrook et al., supra. Once a clone from the screened library has been identified by positive hybridization, it can be confirmed by restriction enzyme analysis and DNA sequencing that the particular library insert contains a transferrin-binding protein gene or a homolog thereof. The genes can then be further isolated using standard techniques and, if desired, PCR approaches or restriction enzymes employed to delete portions of the full-length sequence.

[0087] Similarly, genes can be isolated directly from bacteria using known techniques, such as phenol extraction and the sequence further manipulated to produce any desired alterations. See, e.g., Sambrook et al., supra, for a description of techniques used to obtain and isolate DNA.

[0088] Alternatively, DNA sequences encoding the proteins of interest can be prepared synthetically rather than cloned. The DNA sequences can be designed with the appropriate codons for the particular amino acid sequence. In general, one will select preferred codons for the intended host if the sequence will be used for expression. The complete sequence is assembled from overlapping oligonucleotides prepared by standard methods and assembled into a complete coding sequence. See, e.g., Edge (1981) Nature 292:756; Nambair et al. (1984) Science 223:1299; Jay et al. (1984) J. Biol. Chem. 259:6311.

[0089] Once coding sequences for the desired proteins have been prepared or isolated, they can be cloned into any suitable vector or replicon. Numerous cloning vectors are known to those of skill in the art, and the selection of an appropriate cloning vector is a matter of choice. Examples of recombinant DNA vectors for cloning and host cells which they can transform include the bacteriophage λ (E. coli), pBR322 (E. coli), pACYC177 (E. coli), pKT230 (gram-negative bacteria), pGV1106 (gram-negative bacteria), pLAFR1 (gram-negative bacteria), pME290 (non-E. coli gram-negative bacteria), pHV14 (E. coli and Bacillus subtilis), pBD9 (Bacillus), pIJ61 (Streptomyces), pUC6 (Streptomyces), YIp5 (Saccharomyces), YCpl9 (Saccharomyces) and bovine papilloma virus (mammalian cells). See, Sambrook et al., supra; DNA Cloning, supra; B. Perbal, supra.

[0090] The gene can be placed under the control of a promoter, ribosome binding site (for bacterial expression) and, optionally, an operator (collectively referred to herein as “control” elements), so that the DNA sequence encoding the desired protein is transcribed into RNA in the host cell transformed by a vector containing this expression construction. The coding sequence may or may not contain a signal peptide or leader sequence. If a signal sequence is included, it can either be the native, homologous sequence, or a heterologous sequence. For example, the signal sequence for the particular H. somnus transferrin-binding protein, can be used for secretion thereof, as can a number of other signal sequences, well known in the art. Leader sequences can be removed by the host in post-translational processing. See, e.g., U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,431,739; 4,425,437; 4,338,397.

[0091] Other regulatory sequences may also be desirable which allow for regulation of expression of the protein sequences relative to the growth of the host cell. Regulatory sequences are known to those of skill in the art, and examples include those which cause the expression of a gene to be turned on or off in response to a chemical or physical stimulus, including the presence of a regulatory compound. Other types of regulatory elements may also be present in the vector, for example, enhancer sequences.

[0092] The control sequences and other regulatory sequences may be ligated to the coding sequence prior to insertion into a vector, such as the cloning vectors described above. Alternatively, the coding sequence can be cloned directly into an expression vector which already contains the control sequences and an appropriate restriction site.

[0093] In some cases it may be necessary to modify the coding sequence so that it may be attached to the control sequences with the appropriate orientation; i.e., to maintain the proper reading frame. It may also be desirable to produce mutants or analogs of the transferrin-binding protein. Mutants or analogs may be prepared by the deletion of a portion of the sequence encoding the protein, by insertion of a sequence, and/or by substitution of one or more nucleotides within the sequence. Techniques for modifying nucleotide sequences, such as site-directed mutagenesis, are described in, e.g., Sambrook et al., supra; DNA Cloning, supra; Nucleic Acid Hybridization, supra.

[0094] The expression vector is then used to transform an appropriate host cell. A number of mammalian cell lines are known in the art and include immortalized cell lines available from the American Type Culture Collection (ATCC), such as, but not limited to, Chinese hamster ovary (CHO) cells, HeLa cells, baby hamster kidney (BHK) cells, monkey kidney cells (COS), human hepatocellular carcinoma cells (e.g., Hep G2), Madin-Darby bovine kidney (“MDBK”) cells, as well as others. Similarly, bacterial hosts such as E. coli, Bacillus subtilis, and Streptococcus spp., will find use with the present expression constructs. Yeast hosts useful in the present invention include inter alia, Saccharomyces cerevisiae, Candida albicans, Candida maltosa, Hansenula polymorpha, Kluyveromyces fragilis, Kluyveromyces lactis, Pichia guillerimondii, Pichia pastoris, Schizosaccharomyces pombe and Yarrowia lipolytica. Insect cells for use with baculovirus expression vectors include, inter alia, Aedes aegypti, Autographa californica, Bombyx mori, Drosophila melanogaster, Spodoptera frugiperda, and Trichoplusia ni.

[0095] Depending on the expression system and host selected, the proteins of the present invention are produced by culturing host cells transformed by an expression vector described above under conditions whereby the protein of interest is expressed. The protein is then isolated from the host cells and purified. If the expression system secretes the protein into the growth media, the protein can be purified directly from the media. If the protein is not secreted, it is isolated from cell lysates. The selection of the appropriate growth conditions and recovery methods are within the skill of the art.

[0096] The proteins of the present invention may also be produced by chemical synthesis such as solid phase peptide synthesis, using known amino acid sequences or amino acid sequences derived from the DNA sequence of the genes of interest. Such methods are known to those skilled in the art. See, e.g., J. M. Stewart and J. D. Young, Solid Phase Peptide Synthesis, 2nd Ed., Pierce Chemical Co., Rockford, Ill. (1984) and G. Barany and R. B. Merrifield, The Peptides: Analysis, Synthesis, Biology, editors E. Gross and J. Meienhofer, Vol. 2, Academic Press, New York, (1980), pp. 3-254, for solid phase peptide synthesis techniques; and M. Bodansky, Principles of Peptide Synthesis, Springer-Verlag, Berlin (1984) and E. Gross and J. Meienhofer, Eds., The Peptides: Analysis, Synthesis, Biology, supra, Vol. 1, for classical solution synthesis. Chemical synthesis of peptides may be preferable if a small fragment of the antigen in question is capable of raising an immunological response in the subject of interest.

[0097] The transferrin-binding proteins of the present invention, or their fragments, can be used to produce antibodies, both polyclonal and monoclonal. If polyclonal antibodies are desired, a selected mammal, (e.g., mouse, rabbit, goat, horse, etc.) is immunized with an antigen of the present invention, or its fragment, or a mutated antigen. Serum from the immunized animal is collected and treated according to known procedures. See, e.g., Jurgens et al. (1985) J. Chrom. 348:363-370. If serum containing polyclonal antibodies is used, the polyclonal antibodies can be purified by immunoaffinity chromatography, using known procedures.

[0098] Monoclonal antibodies to the transferrin-binding proteins and to the fragments thereof, can also be readily produced by one skilled in the art. The general methodology for making monoclonal antibodies by using hybridoma technology is well known. Immortal antibody-producing cell lines can be created by cell fusion, and also by other techniques such as direct transformation of B lymphocytes with oncogenic DNA, or transfection with Epstein-Barr virus. See, e.g., M. Schreier et al., Hybridoma Techniques (1980); Hammerling et al., Monoclonal Antibodies and T-cell Hybridomas (1981); Kennett et al., Monoclonal Antibodies (1980); see also U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,341,761; 4,399,121; 4,427,783; 4,444,887; 4,452,570; 4,466,917; 4,472,500, 4,491,632; and 4,493,890. Panels of monoclonal antibodies produced against the transferrin-binding proteins, or fragments thereof, can be screened for various properties; i.e., for isotype, epitope, affinity, etc. Monoclonal antibodies are useful in purification, using immunoaffinity techniques, of the individual antigens which they are directed against. Both polyclonal and monoclonal antibodies can also be used for passive immunization or can be combined with subunit vaccine preparations to enhance the immune response. Polyclonal and monoclonal antibodies are also useful for diagnostic purposes.

[0099] Vaccine Formulations and Administration

[0100] The transferrin-binding proteins of the present invention can be formulated into vaccine compositions, either alone, in combination and/or with other antigens, for use in immunizing subjects as described below. Methods of preparing such formulations are described in, e.g., Remington's Pharmaceutical Sciences, Mack Publishing Company, Easton, Pa., 18 Edition, 1990. Typically, the vaccines of the present invention are prepared as injectables, either as liquid solutions or suspensions. Solid forms suitable for solution in or suspension in liquid vehicles prior to injection may also be prepared. The preparation may also be emulsified or the active ingredient encapsulated in liposome vehicles. The active immunogenic ingredient is generally mixed with a compatible pharmaceutical vehicle, such as, for example, water, saline, dextrose, glycerol, ethanol, or the like, and combinations thereof. In addition, if desired, the vehicle may contain minor amounts of auxiliary substances such as wetting or emulsifying agents and pH buffering agents.

[0101] Adjuvants which enhance the effectiveness of the vaccine may also be added to the formulation. Adjuvants may include for example, muramyl dipeptides, avridine, aluminum hydroxide, dimethyldioctadecyl ammonium bromide (DDA), oils, oil-in-water emulsions, saponins, cytokines, and other substances known in the art.

[0102] The transferrin-binding proteins may be linked to a carrier in order to increase the immunogenicity thereof. Suitable carriers include large, slowly metabolized macromolecules such as proteins, including serum albumins, keyhole limpet hemocyanin, immunoglobulin molecules, thyroglobulin, ovalbumin, and other proteins well known to those skilled in the art; polysaccharides, such as sepharose, agarose, cellulose, cellulose beads and the like; polymeric amino acids such as polyglutamic acid, polylysine, and the like; amino acid copolymers; and inactive virus particles.

[0103] The transferrin-binding proteins may be used in their native form or their functional group content may be modified by, for example, succinylation of lysine residues or reaction with Cys-thiolactone. A sulfhydryl group may also be incorporated into the carrier (or antigen) by, for example, reaction of amino functions with 2-iminothiolane or the N-hydroxysuccinimide ester of 3-(4-dithiopyridyl propionate. Suitable carriers may also be modified to incorporate spacer arms (such as hexamethylene diamine or other bifunctional molecules of similar size) for attachment of peptides.

[0104] Other suitable carriers for the transferrin-binding proteins of the present invention include VP6 polypeptides of rotaviruses, or functional fragments thereof, as disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,071,651, incorporated herein by reference. Also useful is a fusion product of a viral protein and the subject immunogens made by methods disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 4,722,840. Still other suitable carriers include cells, such as lymphocytes, since presentation in this form mimics the natural mode of presentation in the subject, which gives rise to the immunized state. Alternatively, the proteins of the present invention may be coupled to erythrocytes, preferably the subject's own erythrocytes. Methods of coupling peptides to proteins or cells are known to those of skill in the art.

[0105] Furthermore, the transferrin-binding proteins (or complexes thereof) may be formulated into vaccine compositions in either neutral or salt forms. Pharmaceutically acceptable salts include the acid addition salts (formed with the free amino groups of the active polypeptides) and which are formed with inorganic acids such as, for example, hydrochloric or phosphoric acids, or such organic acids as acetic, oxalic, tartaric, mandelic, and the like. Salts formed from free carboxyl groups may also be derived from inorganic bases such as, for example, sodium, potassium, ammonium, calcium, or ferric hydroxides, and such organic bases as isopropylamine, trimethylamine, 2-ethylamino ethanol, histidine, procaine, and the like.

[0106] Vaccine formulations will contain a “therapeutically effective amount” of the active ingredient, that is, an amount capable of eliciting an immune response in a subject to which the composition is administered. In the treatment and prevention of H. somnus infection, for example, a “therapeutically effective amount” would preferably be an amount that enhances resistance of the mammal in question to new infection and/or reduces the clinical severity of the disease. Such protection will be demonstrated by either a reduction or lack of symptoms normally displayed by an infected host and/or a quicker recovery time.

[0107] The exact amount is readily determined by one skilled in the art using standard tests. The transferrin-binding protein concentration will typically range from about 1% to about 95% (w/w) of the composition, or even higher or lower if appropriate. With the present vaccine formulations, 5 to 500 μg of active ingredient per ml of injected solution, preferably 10 to 100 μg of active ingredient per ml, should be adequate to raise an immunological response when a dose of 1 to 3 ml per animal is administered.

[0108] To immunize a subject, the vaccine is generally administered parenterally, usually by intramuscular injection. Other modes of administration, however, such as subcutaneous, intraperitoneal and intravenous injection, are also acceptable. The quantity to be administered depends on the animal to be treated, the capacity of the animal's immune system to synthesize antibodies, and the degree of protection desired. Effective dosages can be readily established by one of ordinary skill in the art through routine trials establishing dose response curves. The subject is immunized by administration of the vaccine in at least one dose, and preferably two doses. Moreover, the animal may be administered as many doses as is required to maintain a state of immunity to infection.

[0109] Additional vaccine formulations which are suitable for other modes of administration include suppositories and, in some cases, aerosol, intranasal, oral formulations, and sustained release formulations. For suppositories, the vehicle composition will include traditional binders and carriers, such as, polyalkaline glycols, or triglycerides. Such suppositories may be formed from mixtures containing the active ingredient in the range of about 0.5% to about 10% (w/w), preferably about 1% to about 2%. Oral vehicles include such normally employed excipients as, for example, pharmaceutical grades of mannitol, lactose, starch, magnesium, stearate, sodium saccharin cellulose, magnesium carbonate, and the like. These oral vaccine compositions may be taken in the form of solutions, suspensions, tablets, pills, capsules, sustained release formulations, or powders, and contain from about 10% to about 95% of the active ingredient, preferably about 25% to about 70%.

[0110] Intranasal formulations will usually include vehicles that neither cause irritation to the nasal mucosa nor significantly disturb ciliary function. Diluents such as water, aqueous saline or other known substances can be employed with the subject invention. The nasal formulations may also contain preservatives such as, but not limited to, chlorobutanol and benzalkonium chloride. A surfactant may be present to enhance absorption of the subject proteins by the nasal mucosa.

[0111] Controlled or sustained release formulations are made by incorporating the protein into carriers or vehicles such as liposomes, nonresorbable impermeable polymers such as ethylenevinyl acetate copolymers and Hytrel® copolymers, swellable polymers such as hydrogels, or resorbable polymers such as collagen and certain polyacids or polyesters such as those used to make resorbable sutures. The transferrin-binding proteins can also be delivered using implanted mini-pumps, well known in the art.

[0112] The transferrin-binding proteins of the instant invention can also be administered via a carrier virus which expresses the same. Carrier viruses which will find use with the instant invention include but are not limited to the vaccinia and other pox viruses, adenovirus, and herpes virus. By way of example, vaccinia virus recombinants expressing the novel proteins can be constructed as follows. The DNA encoding the particular protein is first inserted into an appropriate vector so that it is adjacent to a vaccinia promoter and flanking vaccinia DNA sequences, such as the sequence encoding thymidine kinase (TK). This vector is then used to transfect cells which are simultaneously infected with vaccinia. Homologous recombination serves to insert the vaccinia promoter plus the gene encoding the instant protein into the viral genome. The resulting TK-recombinant can be selected by culturing the cells in the presence of 5-bromodeoxyuridine and picking viral plaques resistant thereto.

[0113] An alternative route of administration involves gene therapy or nucleic acid immunization. Thus, nucleotide sequences (and accompanying regulatory elements) encoding the subject transferrin-binding proteins can be administered directly to a subject for in vivo translation thereof. Alternatively, gene transfer can be accomplished by transfecting the subject's cells or tissues ex vivo and reintroducing the transformed material into the host. DNA can be directly introduced into the host organism, i.e., by injection (see U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,580,859 and 5,589,466; International Publication No. WO/90/11092; and Wolff et al. (1990) Science 247:1465-1468). Liposome-mediated gene transfer can also be accomplished using known methods. See, e.g., U.S. Pat. No. 5,703,055; Hazinski et al. (1991) Am. J. Respir. Cell Mol. Biol. 4:206-209; Brigham et al. (1989) Am. J. Med. Sci. 298:278-281; Canonico et al. (1991) Clin. Res. 39:219A; and Nabel et al. (1990) Science 249:1285-1288. Targeting agents, such as antibodies directed against surface antigens expressed on specific cell types, can be covalently conjugated to the liposomal surface so that the nucleic acid can be delivered to specific tissues and cells susceptible to infection.

[0114] Diagnostic Assays

[0115] As explained above, the transferrin-binding proteins of the present invention may also be used as diagnostics to detect the presence of reactive antibodies of H. somnus in a biological sample in order to determine the presence of H. somnus infection. For example, the presence of antibodies reactive with transferrin-binding proteins can be detected using standard electrophoretic and immunodiagnostic techniques, including immunoassays such as competition, direct reaction, or sandwich type assays. Such assays include, but are not limited to, Western blots; agglutination tests; enzyme-labeled and mediated immunoassays, such as ELISAs; biotin/avidin type assays; radioimmunoassays; immunoelectrophoresis; immunoprecipitation, etc. The reactions generally include revealing labels such as fluorescent, chemiluminescent, radioactive, enzymatic labels or dye molecules, or other methods for detecting the formation of a complex between the antigen and the antibody or antibodies reacted therewith.

[0116] The aforementioned assays generally involve separation of unbound antibody in a liquid phase from a solid phase support to which antigen-antibody complexes are bound. Solid supports which can be used in the practice of the invention include substrates such as nitrocellulose (e.g., in membrane or microtiter well form); polyvinylchloride (e.g., sheets or microtiter wells); polystyrene latex (e.g., beads or microtiter plates); polyvinylidine fluoride; diazotized paper; nylon membranes; activated beads, magnetically responsive beads, and the like.

[0117] Typically, a solid support is first reacted with a solid phase component (e.g., one or more transferrin-binding proteins) under suitable binding conditions such that the component is sufficiently immobilized to the support. Sometimes, immobilization of the antigen to the support can be enhanced by first coupling the antigen to a protein with better binding properties. Suitable coupling proteins include, but are not limited to, macromolecules such as serum albumins including bovine serum albumin (BSA), keyhole limpet hemocyanin, immunoglobulin molecules, thyroglobulin, ovalbumin, and other proteins well known to those skilled in the art. Other molecules that can be used to bind the antigens to the support include polysaccharides, polylactic acids, polyglycolic acids, polymeric amino acids, amino acid copolymers, and the like. Such molecules and methods of coupling these molecules to the antigens, are well known to those of ordinary skill in the art. See, e.g., Brinkley, M. A. Bioconjugate Chem. (1992) 3:2-13; Hashida et al., J. Appl. Biochem. (1984) 6:56-63; and Anjaneyulu and Staros, International J. of Peptide and Protein Res. (1987) 30:117-124.

[0118] After reacting the solid support with the solid phase component, any non-immobilized solid-phase components are removed from the support by washing, and the support-bound component is then contacted with a biological sample suspected of containing ligand moieties (e.g., antibodies toward the immobilized antigens) under suitable binding conditions. After washing to remove any non-bound ligand, a secondary binder moiety is added under suitable binding conditions, wherein the secondary binder is capable of associating selectively with the bound ligand. The presence of the secondary binder can then be detected using techniques well known in the art.

[0119] More particularly, an ELISA method can be used, wherein the wells of a microtiter plate are coated with a transferrin-binding protein. A biological sample containing or suspected of containing anti-transferrin-binding protein immunoglobulin molecules is then added to the coated wells. After a period of incubation sufficient to allow antibody binding to the immobilized antigen, the plate(s) can be washed to remove unbound moieties and a detectably labeled secondary binding molecule added. The secondary binding molecule is allowed to react with any captured sample antibodies, the plate washed and the presence of the secondary binding molecule detected using methods well known in the art.

[0120] Thus, in one particular embodiment, the presence of bound anti-transferrin-binding antigen ligands from a biological sample can be readily detected using a secondary binder comprising an antibody directed against the antibody ligands. A number of anti-bovine immunoglobulin (Ig) molecules are known in the art which can be readily conjugated to a detectable enzyme label, such as horseradish peroxidase, alkaline phosphatase or urease, using methods known to those of skill in the art. An appropriate enzyme substrate is then used to generate a detectable signal. In other related embodiments, competitive-type ELISA techniques can be practiced using methods known to those skilled in the art.

[0121] Assays can also be conducted in solution, such that the transferrin-binding proteins and antibodies specific for those proteins form complexes under precipitating conditions. In one particular embodiment, transferrin-binding proteins can be attached to a solid phase particle (e.g., an agarose bead or the like) using coupling techniques known in the art, such as by direct chemical or indirect coupling. The antigen-coated particle is then contacted under suitable binding conditions with a biological sample suspected of containing antibodies for the transferrin-binding proteins. Cross-linking between bound antibodies causes the formation of particle-antigen-antibody complex aggregates which can be precipitated and separated from the sample using washing and/or centrifugation. The reaction mixture can be analyzed to determine the presence or absence of antibody-antigen complexes using any of a number of standard methods, such as those immunodiagnostic methods described above.

[0122] In yet a further embodiment, an immunoaffinity matrix can be provided, wherein a polyclonal population of antibodies from a biological sample suspected of containing anti-transferrin-binding molecules is immobilized to a substrate. In this regard, an initial affinity purification of the sample can be carried out using immobilized antigens. The resultant sample preparation will thus only contain anti-H. soinus moieties, avoiding potential nonspecific binding properties in the affinity support. A number of methods of immobilizing immunoglobulins (either intact or in specific fragments) at high yield and good retention of antigen binding activity are known in the art. Not being limited by any particular method, immobilized protein A or protein G can be used to immobilize immunoglobulins.

[0123] Accordingly, once the immunoglobulin molecules have been immobilized to provide an immunoaffinity matrix, labeled transferrin-binding proteins are contacted with the bound antibodies under suitable binding conditions. After any non-specifically bound antigen has been washed from the immunoaffinity support, the presence of bound antigen can be determined by assaying for label using methods known in the art.

[0124] Additionally, antibodies raised to the transferrin-binding proteins, rather than the transferrin-binding proteins themselves, can be used in the above-described assays in order to detect the presence of antibodies to the proteins in a given sample. These assays are performed essentially as described above and are well known to those of skill in the art.

[0125] The above-described assay reagents, including the transferrin-binding proteins, or antibodies thereto, can be provided in kits, with suitable instructions and other necessary reagents, in order to conduct immunoassays as described above. The kit can also contain, depending on the particular immunoassay used, suitable labels and other packaged reagents and materials (i.e. wash buffers and the like). Standard immunoassays, such as those described above, can be conducted using these kits.

[0126] Below are examples of specific embodiments for carrying out the present invention. The examples are offered for illustrative purposes only, and are not intended to limit the scope of the present invention in any way.

[0127] C. Experimental

EXAMPLE 1

Isolation and Cloning of H. somnus tbp1 and tbp2

Materials and Methods

[0128] Bacterial Strains, Plasmids and Growth Conditions.

[0129] E. coli DH5αF′IQ[φ80 lacZΔM15 endA1 recA1 hsdR17 (rK− mK+) supE44 thi-1 λ− gyrA96 re1A1 Δ(lacZYA-argF)U169/F′ lacIq proAB+ lacZΔM15 zzf::Tn5 (Km)] (available commercially from, e.g., Stratagene), and JM105 (Sambrook, Fritsch & Maniatis, Molecular Cloning: A Laboratory Manual, Vols. I, II and III, Second Edition (1989)) were from the laboratory collection. E. coli strains were grown aerobically at 37° C. in Luria-Bertani (LB) or in M63 defined medium containing 0.5% (vol/vol) glycerol supplemented with 2% (wt/vol) casamino acids. Ampicillin was used at 50 μg/ml. H. somnus strain HS25 was obtained from the lung of a calf which died of pneumonia and has been shown to induce experimental hemophilosis in calves. The conditions for the storage and growth of H. somnus have been described previously. Theisen and Potter (1992) J. Bacteriol. 174:17-23. Liquid cultures were made in brain heart infusion broth (Difco laboratories, Detroit, Mich.) supplemented with 0.1% (wt/vol) Tris base and 0.001% (wt/vol) thiamine monophosphate (BHI-TT). Growth in iron-deplete conditions was obtained by adding the iron chelator 2,2′-dipyridyl at a final concentration of 300 μM to the BHI-TT medium.

[0130] The expression library consisted of 2- to 7-kb partial Sau3A1 restriction fragments of H. somnus genomic DNA ligated into the BamHI restriction site of pGH432 (see, Theisen and Potter (1992) J. Bacteriol. 174:17-23), allowing for in-frame fusions with an artificial leader peptide whose expression can be induced from a lacO controlled tac promoter (Advanced Vectors, Hopkins, Minn.).

[0131] Preparation of the Native Transferrin Receptors of H. somnus and Specific Antisera.

[0132] Transferrin-binding proteins (Tbp) from H. somnus strain HS25 were isolated by affinity chromatography using bovine transferrin as described by ogunnariwo et al. (1990) Microbiol. Path. 9:397-406. Briefly, total membranes of H. somnus were mixed with biotinylated bovine transferrin before solubilization with EDTA-Sarkosyl and addition to streptavidin-agarose. The affinity bound material was released by washing with various buffers. Specific antiserum against the transferrin-binding proteins was raised in a rabbit by conventional methods.

[0133] PAGE and Immunoblotting.

[0134] SDS-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (PAGE) of proteins was performed using the method described by Laemmli (Laemmli, U.K. (1970) Nature 227:680-685). Immunoblotting was carried out using standard techniques described by the manufacturer of the electroblot apparatus (BioRad Laboratories). The primary antiserum was rabbit serum raised against H. somnus Tbp purified by affinity chromatography or bovine hyperimmune serum raised against live H. somnus HS25 (Theisen and Potter (1992) J. Bacteriol. 174:17-23). The seroreactive proteins were detected with goat anti-rabbit immunoglobulin G coupled to alkaline phosphatase (PhoA) or with goat anti-bovine immunoglobulin G coupled to PhoA (Kirkegaard & Perry Laboratories, Inc., Gaithersburg, Md.). PhoA activity was visualized using the nitroblue tetrazolium-BCIP system (Promega, Madison, Wis.).

[0135] Colony Immunoblot of an H. somnus Genomic Library.

[0136] JM105 cells harboring the plasmid expression library of H. somnus HS25 were streaked on agar plates and tested for the production of Tbp by the colony blot method (French et al. (1986) Anal. Biochem. 156:417-423) using rabbit serum raised against affnity-purified H. somnus Tbp.

[0137] DNA Techniques.

[0138] Standard methods were used for DNA manipulations (Sambrook, supra). The DNA restriction enzyme digests were done in T4 DNA polymerase buffer (Sambrook, supra) with 1 mM dithiothreitol and supplemented with 3 mM spermidine. All synthetic oligonucleotides were produced with a Gene Assembler Plus (Pharmacia LKB Biotechnology, Uppsala, Sweden) DNA synthesizer. DNA sequencing was performed by the dideoxy chain-termination method (Sanger et al. (1977) Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA 74:5463-5467; T7 sequencing kit (Pharmacia)) on single stranded DNA derived from nested deletions prepared by exonuclease III treatment (Henikoff, S. (1977) Gene 28:351-359; double-stranded nested deletion kit (Pharmacia)) or double stranded DNA as template. Sequences were analysed with the PCGENE software package (IntelliGenetics, Mountain View, Calif.).

[0139] Inverse PCR, based on the method of Ochman et al. (Ochman et al. (1990) “Amplification of flanking sequences by inverse PCR.” in PCR Protocols: A Guide to Methods and Applications. Academic Press) was used for cloning tbp2 from H.somnus HS25.

[0140] Enrichment of Recombinantly Produced Tbp1 and Tbp2 from E. coli

[0141] For Tbp1, Bacteria were grown to mid-log phase in one liter of L-broth supplemented with 50 μg/ml of ampicillin. When the absorbance at 600 nm reached 0.6, isopropyl-β,D-thiogalactoside (IPTG) was added to a final concentration of 1 mM and the cultures were incubated with vigorous agitation for 2 h at 37° C. The bacteria were harvested by centrifugation, resuspended in 40 ml of 25% sucrose/50 mM Tris-HCl buffer (pH 8) and frozen at −70° C. The frozen cells were thawed at room temperature and 10 ml of lysozyme (10 mg/ml in 250 mM Tris-HCl, pH 8) was added. After 15 minutes on ice, 300 ml of detergent mix (5 parts of 20 mM Tris-HCl, pH 7.4/300 mM sodium chloride/2% deoxycholic acid/2% Nonidet-P40 and 4 parts of 100 mM Tris-HCl, pH 8/50 mM EDTA/2% Triton X-100) were added. The viscosity was reduced by sonication and protein aggregates were harvested by centrifugation at 27,000× g for 15 minutes. The pellets were dissolved in a minimal volume of 4 M guanidine hydrochloride. The proteins were analyzed by sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis and the protein concentration was estimated by comparing the intensity of the Coomassie blue-stained bands to a bovine serum albumin standard.

[0142] Tbp2 was purified from total outer membranes with Sarkosyl. Briefly, bacteria were grown to mid-log phase in one liter of L-broth supplemented with ampicillin. When the absorbance at 600 nm reached approximately 0.6, IPTG was added to a final concentration of 1 mM and the cultures were incubated with vigorous agitation for 2-4 h at 37° C. The bacteria were harvested by centrifugation, resuspended in Tris-EDTA buffer, pH 8, and treated with lysozyme as described above. Cells were disrupted by sonication and insoluble cell debris was removed by centrifugation. The supernatant was then layered on a sucrose gradient and the outer membrane protein band withdrawn with a syringe following overnight centrifugation. Following dialysis, lipoproteins including Tbp2, were selectively solubilized by mixing the membrane fragments with sarkosyl. In the presence of this detergent, lipid-modified proteins remain soluble while the outer membrane fragments are precipitated and can be removed by ultracentrifugation.

[0143] Labelling of Proteins with [3H]Palmitate and Globomycin Treatment.

[0144] Exponentially growing cells (4×108 cells per ml) of H. somnus strain HS25 in BHI-TT and of E. coli DH5αF′IQ harboring the specified plasmids in M63 defined medium were incubated for 2 h at 37° C. with [H]palmitate at a final concentration of 50 μCi/ml, in the absence or presence of globomycin (100 μg/ml), a specific inhibitor of prolipoprotein signal peptidase II (Dev et al. (1985) J. Biol. Chem. 260:5891-5894) as described previously (Theisen et al. (1992) Infect. Immun. 62:826-831). Labelling was terminated by precipitation with trichloroacetic acid (10%, wt/vol) for 30 min on ice. Proteins were pelleted by centrifugation at 15,000× g for 20 min and washed twice with methanol to remove lipids. The proteins, resuspended in sample buffer, were analyzed by SDS-PAGE and the radiolabelled protein bands in the dried gel were detected by fluorography.

[0145] Fractionation of H. somnus Cells and Preparation of Outer Membranes.

[0146] Exponentionally growing H. somnus HS25 cells were lysed by two passages through a French pressure cell. Separation of the various cellular fractions, including Sarkosyl-insoluble outer membranes (Filip et al. (1973) J. Bacteriol. 115:717-722) was done by differential centrifugation as previously described (Rioux et al. (1992) Gene 116:13-20). The proteins from cell lysates and various fractions were precipitated at 10% (wt/vol) trichloroacetic acid for 40 min on ice, pelleted by centrifugation at 15,000× g for 20 min, and washed twice with methanol to remove lipids before analysis by SDS-PAGE.

Results

[0147] In order to identify clones expressing Tbp epitopes, a genomic expression library of H. somnus strain HS25 in E. coli was screened with polyclonal antiserum raised against affinity-purified Tbp1 and Tbp2 of H. somnus. This anti-Tbp antiserum reacted with proteins with relative molecular weights of 80,000 and 115,000, respectively (termed Tbp2 and Tbp1, respectively, herein).

[0148] A clone carrying a 4.1-kilobase pair DNA insert was obtained. The analysis of the nucleotide sequence of the DNA insert showed the presence of a truncated open reading frame coding for a predicted polypeptide similar to the carboxyl region of predicted Tbp1 polypeptides of Neisseria meningitidis and Neisseria gonorrhoeae. A polypeptide with Mr of approximately 110,000 was produced by the clone; this polypeptide was recognized by bovine hyperimmune serum against live H. somnus HS25.

[0149] The DNA region coding for the amino terminus of H. somnus Tbp1 was obtained by using the method of inverse polymerase chain reaction. The complete tbp1 ORF codes for a 971 amino acid polypeptide with predicted molecular weight of 109,725. The reading frame and a putative cleavage site of signal peptidase I were confirmed by the partial amino acid sequence obtained from N-terminal microsequencing of the mature form of native H. somnus Tbp1. The molecule includes a signal peptide of 28 amino acids.

[0150] The tbp1 gene region coding for the mature Tbp1 was subcloned into an E. coli expression vector pGH432, containing a tac promoter to give plasmid pCRR41 (ATCC Accession No. 98810) which expressed the H. somnus Tbp1 protein as insoluble inclusion bodies following induction with IPTG, and Tbp1 was partially purified by aggregate preparation.

[0151] The gene coding for Tbp2 was isolated by inverse PCR and the sequence coding for the entire Tbp2 peptide, including the signal sequence, was expressed in the same vector as described above. This plasmid was named pCRR90 (ATCC Accession No. 98811). Following IPTG induction, the Tbp2 protein was extracted from total E. coli outer membranes with Sarkosyl, as described above. Unlike other membrane proteins, Tbp2 remained soluble in this detergent due to its lipid modification.

[0152] The genes coding for Tbp1 and Tbp2, plus flanking DNA are shown in FIGS. 1A-1B. Two open reading frames were found, one starting at nucleotide 708 and ending at position 2693 (Tbp2) and the second starting at nucleotide 2891 and ending at position 5803 (Tbp1) (see FIG. 2). The predicted amino acid sequences of these two proteins are shown in FIG. 3 (Tbp1) and FIG. 4 (Tbp2). The full-length Tbp1 sequence includes a signal peptide of 28 amino acids, occurring at positions 1 to 28 of FIG. 3. Thus, the mature Tbp1 sequence is represented by amino acids 29 to 971, inclusive, of FIG. 3 and is encoded by the nucleotide sequence depicted at positions 2975 to 5803, inclusive of FIGS. 1A-1B.

[0153] The full-length Tbp2 sequence includes a signal peptide of 19 amino acids, occurring at positions 1 to 19 of FIG. 4. Thus, the mature Tbp2 sequence is represented by amino acids 20 to 662, inclusive, of FIG. 4 and is encoded by the nucleotide sequence depicted at positions 765 to 2683, of FIGS. 1A-1B.

EXAMPLE 2

Protective Efficacy of Recombinant Transferrin-Binding Proteins

[0154] The Tbp1 and Tbp2 proteins were produced recombinantly in E. coli as inclusion bodies and as a membrane bound protein, respectively. As explained above, Tbp1 inclusion bodies were prepared using standard procedures while soluble Tbp2 was prepared from E. coli outer membranes. These membranes were then subjected to a sarkosyl extraction in order to preferentially solubilize Tbp2.

[0155] Vaccines were formulated using the adjuvant VSA3 (a combination of DDA (Kodak) and Emulsigen-Plus (MVP Laboratories, Omaha, Nebr.)) such that the volume of each dose was 2 cc containing 50 μg of each antigen. A placebo vaccine was also prepared containing sterile diluent in place of antigen. Three groups were included in the trial, one of which received placebo, a second which received two immunizations with Tbp2 and a third which received two immunizations with Tbp1+Tbp2. Each group had eight animals and the interval between primary and secondary immunization was three weeks. All vaccinations were carried out at a farm in southern Saskatchewan and vaccines were delivered via the subcutaneous route.

[0156] Two weeks after the second immunization, animals were challenged with bovine herpesvirus-1 followed four days later by aerosol exposure to H. somnus strain HS25. Animals were examined daily by a veterinarian and animal health technician and the following data was recorded: weight, temperature, nasal scores, depression, strength, respiratory distress and sickness. Each of these criteria, with the exception of weight and temperature, was scored on a scale of 0-4.

[0157] The serological response to vaccination was measured using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Serum samples were collected at the time of the first and second immunizations plus on the day of challenge with BHV-1. The titers are presented as the reciprocal of the serum dilution which resulted in an optical density equivalent to the background plus two standard deviations.

[0158] None of the animals showed any adverse response to immunization with any of the formulations used. The serological response to vaccination was determined using an ELISA procedure which measured the serum antibody levels to Tbp1 and Tbp2. An H. somnus outer membrane extract was also used as an antigen but no significant increase in titer was observed. This is not unexpected, since the level of iron-regulated outer membrane proteins in this antigen preparation is extremely low.

[0159] The antibody titers against Tbp1 and Tbp2 are shown in FIGS. 5 and 6, respectively. It can be seen that animals receiving recombinant Tbp2 vaccines responded well to this antigen, with no significant difference between Groups 2 and 3. The response against Tbp1 was minimal, as expected based on our experience with this antigen from our other organisms. The group which received only Tbp2 also had serum antibody levels against Tbp1, but this was probably due to contaminating E. coli proteins present in the antigen preparation used for the ELISA.

[0160] Mortality in the placebo group was 62.5%, close to an expected rate of approximately 70%. The mortality by group is shown in FIG. 7 and is listed by day in Table 1. As can be seen, immunization with vaccines containing recombinant Tbp2 reduced mortality to 25% while immunization with vaccines including a combination of Tbp1 and Tbp2, had little effect compared to the placebo. Necropsies were performed on all animals which died during the trial and in all cases, H. somnus was cultured from the lungs and the pathology observed was consistent with H. somnus pneumonia.

[0161] Since the ELISA titers to Tbp2 were similar in both of the experimental vaccine groups, it is surprising that equivalent levels of protection were not observed. However, this may simply reflect more efficient uptake of H. somnus by phagocytic cells in the Tbp1+Tbp2 group, allowing for increased multiplication of the bacteria in an intracellular environment.

[0162] The clinical results are summarized in Table 1 and the results for temperature, depression, and sick scores are illustrated in FIGS. 8, 9 and 10, respectively. These results are similar to those obtained for mortality, with the Tbp2-immunized group showing consistently lower scores in virtually all categories. The results shown in FIGS. 8, 9 and 10 only include days 5 through 8 of the trial since animals were challenged with H. somnus on day 4. The clinical scores were virtually identical between all three groups on days 1 through 4.

TABLE 1
Mean clinical scores and mortality by group.
Group	Day	Weight	Temp.	Nasal	Dep.	Str.	Resp.	Sick	Cumulative Mortality
Placebo	0	259	38.96	0.00	0.00	0.00	0.00	0.00	0
Placebo	1	258	39.13	0.00	0.00	0.00	0.00	0.00	0
Placebo	2	250	40.94	0.88	0.38	0.00	0.00	1.00	0
Placebo	3	248	41.64	1.25	0.63	0.00	0.00	1.38	0
Placebo	4	244	40.53	1.75	0.88	0.00	0.38	1.25	0
Placebo	5	239	40.64	2.38	1.25	1.00	0.88	1.75	0
Placebo	6	237	40.77	2.88	1.88	1.88	2.00	2.75	3
Placebo	7	251	40.15	2.50	1.50	1.25	1.25	2.00	5
Placebo	8	259	39.57	1.33	0.67	0.33	0.33	0.67	5
Tbp2	0	274	39.01	0.06	0.00	0.00	0.00	0.00	0
Tbp2	1	268	39.19	0.13	0.00	0.00	0.00	0.00	0
Tbp2	2	262	41.05	1.25	0.13	0.00	0.00	1.00	0
Tbp2	3	257	41.06	1.13	0.38	0.00	0.00	1.00	0
Tbp2	4	253	40.68	1.63	0.75	0.00	0.75	1.25	0
Tbp2	5	250	40.10	1.25	1.00	0.63	0.50	1.25	1
Tbp2	6	246	40.26	2.00	1.43	1.00	1.29	1.57	1
Tbp2	7	254	39.63	1.33	0.67	0.33	0.50	0.83	2
Tbp2	8	253	39.42	0.50	0.33	0.33	0.17	0.33	2
Tbp1 + Tbp2	0	259	38.95	0.00	0.00	0.00	0.00	0.00	0
Tbp1 + Tbp2	1	251	39.16	0.00	0.00	0.00	0.00	0.00	0
Tbp1 + Tbp2	2	244	40.70	0.75	0.13	0.00	0.00	0.88	0
Tbp1 + Tbp2	3	241	41.39	1.25	0.38	0.00	0.00	1.13	0
Tbp1 + Tbp2	4	241	40.43	1.50	0.75	0.00	0.38	1.25	0
Tbp1 + Tbp2	5	235	40.09	1.63	0.75	0.38	0.38	1.13	0
Tbp1 + Tbp2	6	236	40.47	2.00	1.14	0.71	1.00	1.43	1
Tbp1 + Tbp2	7	235	40.24	2.00	1.57	1.14	1.57	2.00	3
Tbp1 + Tbp2	8	249	39.68	0.75	0.00	0.00	0.00	0.50	4

[0163] Deposits of Strains Useful in Practicing the Invention

[0164] A deposit of biologically pure cultures of the following strains was made with the American Type Culture Collection, 10801 University Boulevard, Manassas. The accession number indicated was assigned after successful viability testing, and the requisite fees were paid. The deposits were made under the provisions of the Budapest Treaty on the International Recognition of the Deposit of Microorganisms for the Purpose of Patent Procedure and the Regulations thereunder (Budapest Treaty). This assures maintenance of viable cultures for a period of thirty (30) years from the date of deposit. The organisms will be made available by the ATCC under the terms of the Budapest Treaty, which assures permanent and unrestricted availability of the progeny to one determined by the U.S. Commissioner of Patents and Trademarks to be entitled thereto according to 35 U.S.C. §122 and the Commissioner's rules pursuant thereto (including 37 C.F.R. §1.12 with particular reference to 886 OG 638). Upon the granting of a patent, all restrictions on the availability to the public of the deposited cultures will be irrevocably removed.

[0165] These deposits are provided merely as convenience to those of skill in the art, and are not an admission that a deposit is required under 35 U.S.C. §112. The nucleic acid sequences of these genes, as well as the amino acid sequences of the molecules encoded thereby, are incorporated herein by reference and are controlling in the event of any conflict with the description herein.

Strain	Deposit Date	ATCC No.
pCRR41 in E. coli DH5alphaF′IQ	Jul. 14, 1998	98810
pCRR90 in E. coli DH5alphaF′IQ	Jul. 14, 1998	98811

[0166] Thus, the cloning, expression and characterization of H. somnus transferrin-binding proteins are disclosed, as are methods of using the same. Although preferred embodiments of the subject invention have been described in some detail, it is understood that obvious variations can be made without departing from the spirit and the scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims.

Claims

1. An isolated nucleic acid molecule comprising a coding sequence for an immunogenic H. somnus transferrin-binding protein selected from the group consisting of (a) an H. somnus transferrin-binding protein 1 and (b) an H. somnus transferrin-binding protein 2, or a fragment of said nucleic acid molecule comprising at least 15 nucleotides.

2. The nucleic acid molecule of claim 1 wherein said molecule comprises a nucleotide sequence having at least about 80% identity to the nucleotide sequence shown at nucleotide positions 708-2693, inclusive, of FIGS. 1A-1C (SEQ ID NO:1), or a fragment thereof comprising at least about 15 nucleotides.

3. The nucleic acid molecule of claim 2 wherein said molecule comprises a nucleotide sequence having at least about 80% identity to the nucleotide sequence shown at nucleotide positions 765-2693, inclusive, of FIGS. 1A-1C (SEQ ID NO:1).

4. The nucleic acid molecule of claim 1 wherein said molecule comprises a nucleotide sequence having at least about 80% identity to the nucleotide sequence shown at nucleotide positions 2891-5803, inclusive, of FIGS. 1A-1C (SEQ ID NO:1), or a fragment thereof comprising at least about 15 nucleotides.

5. The nucleic acid molecule of claim 4 wherein said molecule comprises a nucleotide sequence having at least about 80% identity to the nucleotide sequence shown at nucleotide positions 2975-5803, 5 inclusive, of FIGS. 1A-1C (SEQ ID NO:1).

6. A recombinant vector comprising: (a) a nucleic acid molecule according to claim 1; and (b) control elements that are operably linked to said nucleic acid molecule whereby said coding sequence can be transcribed and translated in a host cell, and at least one of said control elements is heterologous to said coding sequence.

7. A recombinant vector comprising: (a) a nucleic acid molecule according to claim 2; and (b) control elements that are operably linked to said nucleic acid molecule whereby said coding sequence can be transcribed and translated in a host cell, and at least one of said control elements is heterologous to said coding sequence.

8. A recombinant vector comprising: (a) a nucleic acid molecule according to claim 3; and (b) control elements that are operably linked to said nucleic acid molecule whereby said coding sequence can be transcribed and translated in a host cell, and at least one of said control elements is heterologous to said coding sequence.

9. A recombinant vector comprising: (a) a nucleic acid molecule according to claim 4; and (b) control elements that are operably linked to said nucleic acid molecule whereby said coding sequence can be transcribed and translated in a host cell, and at least one of said control elements is heterologous to said coding sequence.

10. A recombinant vector comprising: (a) a nucleic acid molecule according to claim 5; and (b) control elements that are operably linked to said nucleic acid molecule whereby said coding sequence can be transcribed and translated in a host cell, and at least one of said control elements is heterologous to said coding sequence.

11. A host cell transformed with the recombinant vector of claim 6.

12. A host cell transformed with the recombinant vector of claim 7.

13. A host cell transformed with the recombinant vector of claim 8.

14. A host cell transformed with the recombinant vector of claim 9.

15. A host cell transformed with the recombinant vector of claim 10.

16. A method of producing a recombinant H. somnus transferrin-binding protein comprising: (a) providing a population of host cells according to claim 11; and (b) culturing said population of cells under conditions whereby the transferrin-binding protein encoded by the coding sequence present in said recombinant vector is expressed.

17. A method of producing a recombinant H. somnus transferrin-binding protein comprising: (a) providing a population of host cells according to claim 12; and (b) culturing said population of cells under conditions whereby the transferrin-binding protein encoded by the coding sequence present in said recombinant vector is expressed.

18. A method of producing a recombinant H. somnus transferrin-binding protein comprising: (a) providing a population of host cells according to claim 13; and (b) culturing said population of cells under conditions whereby the transferrin-binding protein encoded by the coding sequence present in said recombinant vector is expressed.

19. A method of producing a recombinant H. somnus transferrin-binding protein comprising: (a) providing a population of host cells according to claim 14; and (b) culturing said population of cells under conditions whereby the transferrin-binding protein encoded by the coding sequence present in said recombinant vector is expressed.

20. A method of producing a recombinant H. somnus transferrin-binding protein comprising: (a) providing a population of host cells according to claim 15; and (b) culturing said population of cells under conditions whereby the transferrin-binding protein encoded by the coding sequence present in said recombinant vector is expressed.

21. A vaccine composition comprising a pharmaceutically acceptable vehicle and an immunogenic H. somnus transferrin-binding protein selected from the group consisting of (a) an H. somnus transferrin-binding protein 1, (b) an H. somnus transferrin-binding protein 2 and (c) an immunogenic fragment of (a) or (b) comprising at least 5 amino acids.

22. The vaccine composition of claim 21 wherein said transferrin-binding protein comprises an amino sequence having at least about 80% identity to the amino acid sequence shown at amino acid positions 1-971, inclusive, of FIG. 3 (SEQ ID NO:2), or an immunogenic fragment thereof comprising at least about 5 amino acids.

23. The vaccine composition of claim 22 wherein said transferrin-binding protein comprises an amino acid sequence having at least about 80% identity to the amino acid sequence shown at amino acid positions 29-971, inclusive, of FIG. 3 (SEQ ID NO:2).

24. The vaccine composition of claim 21 wherein said transferrin-binding protein comprises an amino sequence having at least about 80% identity to the amino acid sequence shown at amino acid positions 1-662, inclusive, of FIG. 4 (SEQ ID NO:3), or an immunogenic fragment thereof comprising at least about 5 amino acids.

25. The vaccine composition of claim 24 wherein said transferrin-binding protein comprises an amino acid sequence having at least about 80% identity to the amino acid sequence shown at amino acid positions 20-662, inclusive, of FIG. 4 (SEQ ID NO:3).

26. The vaccine composition of claim 21 comprising an H. somnus transferrin-binding protein 1 and an H. somnus transferrin-binding protein 2.

27. The vaccine composition of claim 21 further comprising an H. somnus LppB polypeptide.

28. The vaccine composition of claim 21 further comprising an adjuvant.

29. A method of treating or preventing H. somnus infection in a mammalian subject comprising administering to said subject a therapeutically effective amount of a vaccine composition according to claim 21.

30. A method of treating or preventing H. somnus infection in a mammalian subject comprising administering to said subject a therapeutically effective amount of a vaccine composition according to claim 22.

31. A method of treating or preventing H. somnus infection in a mammalian subject comprising administering to said subject a therapeutically effective amount of a vaccine composition according to claim 23.

32. A method of treating or preventing H. somnus infection in a mammalian subject comprising administering to said subject a therapeutically effective amount of a vaccine composition according to claim 24.

33. A method of treating or preventing H. somnus infection in a mammalian subject comprising administering to said subject a therapeutically effective amount of a vaccine composition according to claim 25.

34. A method of treating or preventing H. somnus infection in a mammalian subject comprising administering to said subject a therapeutically effective amount of a vaccine composition according to claim 26.

35. A method of treating or preventing H. somnus infection in a mammalian subject comprising administering to said subject a therapeutically effective amount of a vaccine composition according to claim 27.

36. A method of treating or preventing H. somnus infection in a mammalian subject comprising administering to said subject a therapeutically effective amount of a vaccine composition according to claim 28.

37. A method of producing a vaccine composition comprising: (a) providing an immunogenic H. somnus transferrin binding protein selected from the group consisting of (a) an H. somnus transferrin-binding protein 1, (b) an H. somnus transferrin-binding protein 2 and (c) an immunogenic fragment of (a) or (b) comprising at least 5 amino acids; and (b) combining said transferrin-binding protein with a pharmaceutically acceptable vehicle.

38. A method of detecting Haemophilus somnus antibodies in a biological sample comprising: (a) providing a biological sample; (b) reacting said biological sample with an immunogenic H. somnus transferrin binding protein selected from the group consisting of (a) an H. somnus transferrin-binding protein 1, (b) an H. somnus transferrin-binding protein 2 and (c) an immunogenic fragment of (a) or (b) comprising at least 5 amino acids, under conditions which allow H. somnus antibodies, when present in the biological sample, to bind to said H. somnus transferrin-binding protein to form an antibody/antigen complex; and (c) detecting the presence or absence of said complex, thereby detecting the presence or absence of H. somnus antibodies in said sample.

39. An immunodiagnostic test kit for detecting Haemophilus somnus infection, said test kit comprising an immunogenic H. somnus transferrin binding protein selected from the group consisting of (a) an H. somnus transferrin-binding protein 1, (b) an H. somnus transferrin-binding protein 2 and (c) an immunogenic fragment of (a) or (b) comprising at least 5 amino acids, and instructions for conducting the immunodiagnostic test.