HIGH MOLECULAR WEIGHT MAJOR OUTER MEMBRANE PROTEIN OF MORAXELLA

Abstract

An isolated and purified outer membrane protein of a Moraxella strain, particularly M. catarrhalis, having a molecular mass of about 200 kDa, is provided. The about 200 kDa outer membrane protein as well as nucleic acid molecules encoding the same are useful in diagnostic applications and immunogenic compositions, particularly for in vivo administration to a host to confer protection against disease caused by a bacterial pathogen that produces the about 200 kDa outer membrane protein or produces a protein capable of inducing antibodies in a host specifically reactive with the about 200 kDa outer membrane protein.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0002] The present invention relates to the field of immunology and is particularly concerned with outer membrane proteins from Moraxella, methods of production thereof, genes encoding such proteins and uses thereof.

BACKGROUND OF TEE INVENTION

[0003] Otitis media is the most common illness of early childhood with approximately 70% of all children suffering at least one bout of otitis media before the age of seven. Chronic otitis media can lead to hearing, speech and cognitive impairment in children. It is caused by bacterial infection with Streptococcus pneumoniae (approximately 50%), non-typable Haemophilus influenzae (approximately 30%) and Moraxella (Branhamella) catarrhalis (approximately 20%). In the United States alone, treatment of otitis media costs between one and two billion dollars per year for antibiotics and surgical procedures, such as tonsillectomies, adenoidectomies and insertion of tympanostomy tubes. Because otitis media occurs at a time in life when language skills are developing at a rapid pace, developmental disabilities specifically related to learning and auditory perception have been documented in youngsters with frequent otitis media.

[0004] M. catarrhalis mainly colonizes the respiratory tract and is predominantly a mucosal pathogen. Studies using cultures of middle ear fluid obtained by tympanocentesis have shown that M. catarrhalis causes approximately 20% of cases of otitis media (ref. 1—Throughout this application, various references are referred to in parenthesis to more fully describe the state of the art to which this invention pertains. Full bibliographic information for each citation is found at the end of the specification, immediately preceding the claims. The disclosures of these references are hereby incorporated by reference into the present disclosure).

[0005] The incidence of otitis media caused by M. catarrhalis is increasing. As ways of preventing otitis media caused by pneumococcus and non-typable H. influenzae are developed, the relative importance of M. catarrhalis as a cause of otitis media can be expected to further increase.

[0006] M. catarrhalis is also an important cause of lower respiratory tract infections in adults, particularly in the setting of chronic bronchitis and emphysema (refs. 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, and 8). M. catarrhalis also causes sinusitis in children and adults (refs. 9, 10, 11, 12, and 13) and occasionally causes invasive disease (refs. 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, and 19).

[0007] Like other Gram-negative bacteria, the outer membrane of M. catarrhalis consists of phospholipids, lipopolysaccharide (LPS), and outer membrane proteins (OMPs). Eight of the M. catarrhalis OMPs have been identified as major components. These are designated by letters A to H, beginning with OMP A which has a molecular mass of 98 kDa to OMP H which has a molecular mass of 21 kDa (ref. 20).

[0008] Recently, a high-molecular-weight outer membrane protein of M. catarrhalis was purified and characterized (ref. 21). The apparent molecular mass of this protein varies from 350 kDa to 720 kDa as judged by sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (SDS-PAGE). This protein appears to be an oligomer of much smaller proteins or subunits thereof of molecular mass 120 to 140 kDa and is antigenically conserved among strains of Moraxella.

[0009] A protein molecular mass of about 300 to 400 kDa named UspA was also reported to be present on the surface of Moraxella (ref. 22).

[0010] M. catarrhalis infection may lead to serious disease. It would be advantageous to provide other outer membrane proteins for M. catarrhalis and genes encoding such proteins for use as antigens in immunogenic preparations including vaccines, carriers for other antigens and immunogens and the generation of diagnostic reagents.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0011] The present invention is directed towards the provision of a purified and isolated major outer membrane protein of Moraxella catarrhalis and other Moraxella strains, having an apparent molecular mass of about 200 kDa, as well as genes encoding the same.

[0012] In accordance with one aspect of the invention, there is provided an isolated and purified, outer membrane protein of a Moraxella strain having a molecular weight of about 200 kDa, as determined by SDS-PAGE, or a fragment or an analog thereof. The outer membrane protein may be substantially in its native conformation (so as to have substantially retained the characteristic immunogenicity of the outer membrane protein in the Moraxella strain) and may be isolated from a M. catarrhalis strain, such as from M. catarrhalis 4223. Such isolated and purified about 200 kDa outer membrane protein is substantially free from non-200 kDa outer membrane proteins, phospholipids and lipopolysaccharide of Moraxella. The about 200 kDa outer membrane protein is at least about 70 wt % pure, preferably at least about 90 wt % pure, and may be in the form of an aqueous solution thereof. Such about 200 kDa outer membrane protein may have substantially the amino acid composition shown in Table III and a deduced amino acid sequence as shown in FIG. 6 (SEQ ID No: 3).

[0013] The present invention also provides a purified and isolated nucleic acid molecule encoding an outer membrane protein of a strain of Moraxella having a molecular mass of about 200 kDa, as determined by SDS-PAGE, or a fragment or an analog of the outer membrane protein. The protein encoded by the nucleic acid molecule may comprise a protein containing the amino acid sequence NH2-Asn-Val-Lys-Ser-Val-Ile-Asn-Lys-Glu-Gln-Val-Asn-Asp-Ala-Asn-Lys-x-Gln-Gly-Ile (SEQ ID No: 5) particularly where X is Lys (SEQ ID No: 10), for Moraxella catarrhalis strain 4223 or containing the corresponding amino acid sequence from other Moraxella strains.

[0014] In a further aspect of the present invention, there is provided a purified and isolated nucleic acid molecule having a sequence selected from the group consisting of (a) a DNA sequence as set out in FIG. 6 (SEQ ID Nos: 1 or 2), or the complementary sequence thereto; (b) a DNA sequence encoding an about 200 kDa protein of a strain of Moraxella and containing the amino acid sequence NH2-Asn-Val-Lys-Ser-Val-Ile-Asn-Lys-Glu-Gln-Val-Asn-Asp-Ala-Asn-Lys-x-Gln-Gly-Ile (SEQ ID No: 5), particularly where x is Lys (SEQ ID No: 10) or the complementary sequence thereto; (c) a DNA sequence encoding the deduced amino acid sequence as set out in FIG. 6 (SEQ ID No: 3) or the complementary sequence thereto; and (d) a nucleotide sequence which hybridizes under stringent conditions to any one of the sequences defined in (a), (b) or (c). The nucleic acid preferably defined in (d) has at least about 90% sequence identity with any one of the sequences defined in (a), (b) or (c).

[0015] The nucleic acid molecules provided herein may be included in a vector adapted for transformation of a host. The nucleic acid molecules provided herein also may be included in an expression vector adapted for transformation of a host along with expression means operatively coupled to the nucleic acid molecule for expression by the host of the about 200 kDa outer membrane protein of a strain of Moraxella or the fragment or the analog of the outer membrane protein. A transformed host containing the expression vector is included within the invention, along with a recombinant outer membrane protein or fragment or analog thereof producible by the transformed host.

[0016] The expression means may include a nucleic acid portion encoding a leader sequence for secretion from the host of the outer membrane protein or the fragment or the analog of the outer membrane protein. The expression means may include a nucleic acid portion encoding a lipidation signal for expression from the host of a lipidated form of the outer membrane protein or the fragment or analog thereof.

[0017] The present invention further includes a live vector for delivery of the outer membrane protein of the invention or a fragment or analog thereof, comprising a vector containing the nucleic acid molecule provided herein. The live vector may be selected from the group consisting of E. coli, Salmonella, BCG, adenovirus, poxvirus, vaccinia and poliovirus.

[0018] In accordance with a further aspect of the present invention, there is provided a peptide having no less than six amino acids and no more than 150 amino acids and containing an amino acid sequence corresponding to a portion only of the outer membrane protein of the invention, or a fragment or analog thereof. The peptide may be one having the amino acid sequence NH2-Asn-Val-Lys-Ser-Val-Ile-Asn-Lys-Glu-Gln-Val-Asn-Asp-Ala-Asn-Lys-Lys-Gln-Gly-Ile (SEQ ID No: 10) for the Moraxella catarrhalis 4223 strain or the amino acid sequence for the corresponding peptide for other strains of Moraxella.

[0019] The present invention also provides an immunogenic composition comprising an immunoeffective amount of an active component, which may be the outer membrane protein or fragment or analog thereof, nucleic acid molecules, recombinant outer membrane proteins, fragments or analogs thereof, live vectors, and/or peptides, as provided herein, along with a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier therefor with the active component producing an immune response when administered to a host, which may be a primate, particularly a human.

[0020] The immunogenic composition may be formulated as a vaccine for in vivo administration to a host to confer protection against diseases caused by a bacterial pathogen that produces the about 200 kDa outer membrane protein or produces a protein capable of inducing antibodies in the host specifically reactive with the about 200 kDa outer membrane protein. In particular, the bacterial pathogen is a strain of Moraxella, particularly M. catarrhalis.

[0021] The immunogenic composition may be formulated as a microparticle capsule, ISCOM or liposome preparation. The immunogenic composition may be used in combination with a targeting molecule for delivery to specific cells of the immune system as to mucosal surfaces. Some targeting molecules include vitamin B12 and fragments of bacterial toxins, as described in WO 92/17167 (Biotech Australia Pty. Ltd.) and monoclonal antibodies, as described in U.S. Pat. No. 5,194,254 (Barber et al). The immunogenic compositions of the invention (including vaccines) may further comprise at least one other immunogenic or immunostimulating material and the immunostimulating material may be at least one adjuvant.

[0022] Suitable adjuvants for use in the present invention include, (but are not limited to) aluminum phosphate, aluminum hydroxide, QS21, Quil A, derivatives and components thereof, ISCOM matrix, calcium phosphate, calcium hydroxide, zinc hydroxide, a glycolipid analog, an octadecyl ester of an amino acid, a muramyl dipeptide, polyphosphazene, ISCOPREP, DC-chol, DDBA and a lipoprotein. Advantageous combinations of adjuvants are described in copending U.S. patent application Ser. Nos. 08/261,194 filed Jun. 16, 1994 and 08/483,856, filed Jun. 7, 1995, assigned to the assignee hereof and the disclosures of which is incorporated herein by reference thereto. The invention further includes an antibody specific for the outer membrane protein provided herein producible by immunizing a host with an immunogenic composition as provided herein.

[0023] In a further aspect of the invention, there is provided a method of generating an immune response in a host comprising administering thereto an immuno-effective amount of the immunogenic composition as provided herein. The immune response may be a humoral or a cell-mediated immune response. The immune response may provide protection to the host against diseases caused by a bacterial pathogen that produces the about 200 kDa outer membrane protein or produces a protein capable of inducing antibodies in the host specifically reactive with the about 200 kDa outer membrane protein. In particular, the pathogen is a strain of Moraxella, including M. catarrhalis. Hosts in which protection against disease may be conferred include primates, including humans.

[0024] The present invention provides, in an additional aspect thereof, a method of producing a vaccine comprising administering the immunogenic composition provided herein to a test host to determine an amount and a frequency of administration of the active component to confer protection against disease caused by a bacterial pathogen that produces the about 200 kDa outer membrane protein or produces a protein capable of inducing antibodies in the host specifically reactive with the about 200 kDa outer membrane protein, and formulating the active component in a form and amount suitable for administration to a treated host in accordance with said determined amount and frequency of administration. In particular, the pathogen is a strain of Moraxella, including M. catarrhalis. The treated host may be a human.

[0025] A further aspect of the present invention provides a method of determining the presence of nucleic acid encoding an outer membrane protein of a strain of Moraxella having a molecular mass of about 200 kDa, as determined by SDS-PAGE, or fragment or analog thereof, in a sample, comprising the steps of:

[0026] (a) contacting the sample with the nucleic acid molecule provided herein to produce duplexes comprising the nucleic acid molecule and any said nucleic acid molecule encoding the outer membrane protein present in the sample and specifically hybridizable therewith; and

[0027] (b) determining the production of the duplexes.

[0028] In yet a further aspect of the invention, there is provided a method of determining the presence of antibodies specifically reactive with outer membrane protein of a strain of Moraxella having a molecular mass of about 200 kDa, in a sample, comprising the steps of:

[0029] (a) contacting the sample with the outer membrane protein as provided herein to produce complexes comprising the outer membrane protein and any said antibodies present in the sample specifically reactive therewith; and

[0030] (b) determining production of the complexes.

[0031] In a further aspect of the invention, there is also provided a method of determining the presence of an outer membrane protein of a strain of Moraxella having a molecular mass of about 200 kDa, in a sample comprising the steps of:

[0032] (a) immunizing a subject with the immunogenic composition as provided herein, to produce antibodies specific for the outer membrane protein;

[0033] (b) contacting the sample with the antibodies to produce complexes comprising any outer membrane protein present in the sample and said outer membrane protein specific antibodies; and

[0034] (c) determining production of the complexes.

[0035] The outer membrane protein may be part of a Moraxella catarrhalis strain.

[0036] The present invention provides, in a yet further aspect, a diagnostic kit for determining the presence of nucleic acid encoding an outer membrane protein of a strain of Moraxella having a molecular mass of about 200 kDa, as determined by SDS-PAGE, or fragment or analog thereof, in a sample, comprising:

[0037] (a) the nucleic acid molecule as provided herein;

[0038] (b) means for contacting the nucleic acid with the sample to produce duplexes comprising the nucleic acid molecule and any said nucleic acid present in the sample and hybridizable with the nucleic acid molecule; and

[0039] (c) means for determining production of the duplexes.

[0040] In yet a further aspect of the invention, there is provided a diagnostic kit for determining the presence of antibodies in a sample specifically reactive with the outer membrane protein of a strain of Moraxella having a molecular mass of about 200 kDa, as determined by SDS-PAGE, comprising:

[0041] (a) the outer membrane protein as provided herein;

[0042] (b) means for contacting the outer membrane protein with the sample to produce complexes comprising the outer membrane protein and any said antibodies present in the sample; and

[0043] (c) means for determining production of the complexes.

[0044] The invention also provides a diagnostic kit for detecting the presence of an outer membrane protein of a strain of Moraxella having a molecular mass of about 200 kDa, in a sample, comprising:

[0045] (a) an antibody specific for the about 200 kDa outer membrane protein as provided herein;

[0046] (b) means for contacting the antibody with the sample to produce a complex comprising the outer membrane protein and outer membrane-specific antibody; and

[0047] (c) means for determining production of the complex.

[0048] In a further aspect of the invention, there is provided a method of producing an isolated and purified outer membrane protein of a strain of Moraxella having a molecular mass of about 200 kDa, as determined by SDS-PAGE, comprising the steps of:

[0049] (a) providing a cell mass of the Moraxella strain;

[0050] (b) disrupting the cell mass to provide a cell lysate;

[0051] (c) fractionating the cell lysate to provide a fraction containing the outer membrane protein substantially free from other cell lysate components, and

[0052] (d) recovering said outer membrane protein.

[0053] The bacterial strain may be M. catarrhalis. The cell lysate may be fractionated by gel electrophoresis.

[0054] In this application, the term “about 200 kDa protein” is used to define a family of outer membrane proteins of Moraxella having a molecular mass of between about 160 and about 230 kDa and includes proteins having variations in their amino acid sequences including those naturally occurring in various strains of Moraxella. The purified and isolated DNA molecules comprising a gene encoding the about 200 kDa protein of the present invention also include those encoding functional analogs of the about 200 kDa protein. In this application, a first protein is a “functional analog” of a second protein if the first protein is immunologically related to and/or has the same function as the second protein. The functional analog may be, for example, a fragment of the protein or a substitution, addition, deletion mutant thereof or a fusion with a second protein.

[0055] Advantages of the present invention include:

[0056] a method for isolating purified about 200 kDa outer membrane protein of a Moraxella strain that produces the outer membrane protein, including M. catarrhalis;

[0057] a gene encoding an about 200 kDa outer membrane protein of M. catarrhalis;

[0058] an isolated and purified about 200 kDa outer membrane protein isolatable from a Moraxella strain; and

[0059] diagnostic kits and immunological reagents for specific identification of Moraxella and hosts infected thereby.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0060] FIGS. 1A and 1B show an analysis of Moraxella catarrhalis cell proteins by SDS-PAGE. The identification of the lanes and the sources of the proteins are given in Example 2 below;

[0061] FIG. 2 shows a comparative analysis of cell proteins from a number of M. catarrhalis strains by SDS-PAGE analysis and shows the variability in the molecular weight of the about 200 kDa protein in different strains of Moraxella. The identification of the lanes and the sources of the proteins are given in Example 4 below;

[0062] FIG. 3 shows an analysis of isolated and purified about 200 kDa outer membrane protein of M. catarrhalis by SDS-PAGE;

[0063] FIG. 4 shows the specific recognition of about 200 kDa outer membrane protein by anti-peptide antiserum. The identification of the lanes and antiserum are given in Example 8 below;

[0064] FIG. 5 shows restriction maps of clones containing a gene encoding the about 200 kDa outer membrane protein of M. catarrhalis. The open reading frame of the about 200 kDa outer membrane protein is indicated by the shaded box. Restriction sites are Sal: SalI, N: NcoI, B: BglII, K: KpnI, Xh: XhoI, RV: EcoRV.

[0065] FIG. 6 shows the nucleotide sequence (SEQ ID No: 1—entire sequence, SEQ ID No: 2—coding sequence) of the gene encoding the about 200 kDa outer membrane protein of M. catarrhalis and the deduced amino acid sequence (SEQ ID No: 3—identified GTG start codon, SEQ ID No: 4—putative ATG start codon). Peptide 1 (SEQ ID No: 11) and Peptide 2 (SEQ ID No: 12) are identified by underlining;

[0066] FIG. 7A is a restriction enzyme map of the gene encoding the about 200 kDa outer membrane protein of M. catarrhalis (SEQ ID No: 1) showing single cutting restriction enzymes;

[0067] FIG. 7B is a restriction enzyme map of the gene encoding about 200 kDa outer membrane protein of M. catarrhalis (SEQ ID No: 1) showing double cutting restriction enzymes;

[0068] FIG. 8 shows the identification of the GTG initiation codon by expressing the C-terminal truncations of the gene encoding the about 200 kDa outer membrane protein of M. catarrhalis. Restriction sites are N: NcoI, K: KpnI, H: HindIII, Hp: HpaI, RV: EcoRV, Sal: SalI;

[0069] FIG. 9 shows the identification of the GTG initiation codon by utilization of anti-sera specific for N-terminal peptides of the about 200 kDa outer membrane protein of M. catarrhalis. Restriction sites are Nco: NcoI, K: KpnI, H: HindIII, RV: EcoRV, Sal: SalI;

[0070] FIG. 10 shows the recognition of 200 kDa protein by anti peptide sera;

[0071] FIG. 11 shows the construction of vectors for the expression of the about 200 kDa outer membrane protein of M. catarrhalis from E. coli. Nco: NcoI, Pst: PstI, Pvu: PvuII, Sca: ScaI, Sal: SalI;

[0072] FIG. 12 shows the expression of N-terminal truncations of the about 200 kDa outer membrane protein of M. catarrhalis in E. coli using the bacteriophage T7 promoter;

[0073] FIG. 13 shows the expression of the about 200 kDa outer membrane protein of M. catarrhalis fused with the LacZ-α-peptide in E. coli; and

[0074] FIG. 14 shows the specific identification of M. catarrhalis expressing the about 200 kDa outer membrane protein by guinea pig anti-200 kDa specific antiserum in contrast to other bacteria. Identification of the lanes and bacteria appears below.

GENERAL DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0075] Referring to FIGS. 1A and 1B and FIG. 2, there is illustrated the separation of a novel outer membrane protein from a variety of strains of M. catarrhalis having a molecular mass about 200 kDa. The presence of this about 200 kDa protein in a variety of M. catarrhalis strains and, in particular, the almost-universal presence in strains isolated from patients suffering from otitis media is shown in Table I. FIG. 3 shows the isolated and purified outer membrane protein.

[0076] Purified protein was eluted from a gel and used to raise antibodies in guinea pigs. The antibodies specifically recognize only strains of M. catarrhalis which produce the outer membrane protein (Table I below).

[0077] Referring to FIG. 4, there is shown the recognition of the about 200 kDa outer membrane protein by antibodies raised in guinea pigs to a synthesized peptide corresponding to an internal fragment of the about 200 kDa protein. The synthesized peptide had the amino acid sequence NH2-Asn-Val-Lys-Ser-Val-Ile-Asn-Lys-Glu-Gln-Val-Asn-Asp-Ala-Asn-Lys (SEQ ID No: 6).

[0078] Referring to FIG. 5, there is shown restriction maps of clones containing a gene encoding the about 200 kDa outer membrane protein. In FIG. 5, the open reading frame of the about 200 kDa gene is shown as a solid box and the GTG start codon is indicated. The nucleotide sequence (SEQ ID No: 1 and 2) of the gene encoding the about 200 kDa outer membrane protein is shown in FIG. 6, along with the deduced amino acid sequence (SEQ ID No: 3) of the protein. Restriction enzyme maps of the gene encoding the about 200 kDa protein are shown in FIGS. 7(A) and 7(B). The amino acid composition of the about 200 kDa protein is shown in Table III.

[0079] In one embodiment of the present invention, the isolated and purified about 200 kDa outer membrane protein as provided herein is useful for generating antibodies that can be used to specifically distinguish M. catarrhalis from other bacterial pathogens that cause otitis media and other diseases. Thus referring to FIG. 14, there is illustrated an immunoblot showing the specific reactivity of a guinea pig monospecific anti-200 kDa outer membrane protein antiserum produced by immunizing mice with the purified about 200 kDa outer membrane protein as provided herein. The bacterial lysates analyzed were as follows:

Lane	Bacterium	Source
1.	Molecular Weight Standard
2.	M. catarrhalis 4223	middle ear fluid
3.	M. catarrhalis RH408	non-clumping variant
		of strain 4223
4.	H. influenzae, MinnA strain	meningitis isolate
5.	non-typable H. influenzae, SB12 strain	otitis media isolate
6.	non-typable H. influenzae, SB33 strain	otitis media isolate
7.	S. pneumoniae type 6	ATCC 6306
8.	S. pneumoniae type 14	ATCC 6314
9.	P. aeruginosa
10.	E. coli DH5α

[0080] The results shown in FIG. 14 clearly show the usefulness of outer membrane-specific antisera as provided herein to distinguish between bacterial pathogens that produce diseases with similar clinical symptoms.

[0081] In accordance with another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a vaccine against Moraxella, comprising an immunogenically-effective amount of the outer membrane protein as provided herein and a physiologically-acceptable carrier therefor. The outer membrane protein provided herein also may be used as a carrier protein for hapten, polysaccharides or peptides to make a conjugate vaccine against antigenic determinants unrelated to the about 200 kDa outer membrane protein.

[0082] The about 200 kDa outer membrane protein provided herein is useful as a diagnostic reagent, as an antigen for the generation of anti-outer membrane protein antibodies, or as an antigen for vaccination against the diseases caused by species of Moraxella or for detecting infection by Moraxella.

[0083] In additional embodiments of the present invention, the about 200 kDa outer membrane protein as provided herein may be used as a carrier molecule to prepare chimeric molecules and conjugate vaccines (including glycoconjugates) against pathogenic bacteria, including encapsulated bacteria. Thus, for example, glycoconjugates of the present invention may be used to confer protection against disease and infection caused by any bacteria having polysaccharide antigens including lipooligosaccharides (LOS) and polyribosylphosphate (PRP). Such bacterial pathogens may include, for example, Haemophilus influenzae, Streptococcus pneumoniae, Escherichia coli, Neisseria meningitidis, Salmonella typhi, Streptococcus mutants, Cryptococcus neoformans, Klebsiella, Staphylococcus aureus and Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Particular antigens which can be conjugated to outer membrane protein and methods to achieve such conjugations are described in published PCT application WO 94/12641, assigned to the assignee hereof and the disclosure of which is hereby incorporated by reference thereto.

[0084] In another embodiment, the carrier function of the outer membrane protein may be used, for example, to induce immunity toward abnormal polysaccharides of tumor cells, or to produce anti-tumor antibodies that can be conjugated to chemotherapeutic or bioactive agents.

[0085] The present invention extends to the use of the nucleic acid molecules and proteins provided herein as a medicament and in the manufacture of a medicament for the treatment of Moraxella infections.

[0086] In a particular embodiment of the invention, there is provided a recombinant about 200 kDa outer membrane protein of Moraxella or fragment or analog thereof or a fusion protein producible by a transformed host containing at least a portion of the gene encoding the about 200 kDa protein. Referring to FIG. 11, there is shown recombinant vectors for the production of such proteins. In FIG. 11, the filled boxes show 1.9 kb and 4.8 kb C-terminal regions of 200 kD protein gene, that were inserted into a vector, pT7-7, under the control of the bacteriophage T7 promoter. The small open boxes show seven N- terminal amino acids from the vector in the same reading frame. The shaded box shows 5.5 kb C-terminal region of 200 kD protein, which contained ATG codon very close to the N-terminus. This gene fragment was fused to lacZ α peptide gene (shown in filled box) under the control of lacZ promoter. The full-length gene, that starts from GTG, is shown in a hatched box.

[0087] Referring to FIG. 12, there is shown the expression of N-terminal truncations of the about 200 kDa protein in E. coli. E. coli strain, BL21(DE3)/pLysS, carrying plasmid, pKS94, was grown in LB broth containing 100 μg/ml ampicillin to the early log phase and then IPTG was added. After culturing for 2 more hours, the bacteria were harvested and lysed. The lysates were assayed on Western blot using anti-200 kD protein guinea pig serum as a first antibody. Other procedures were as in FIG. 5. Lane 1: prestained molecular weight marker, Lane 2: BL21(DE3)/pLysS carrying pT7-7 with an incorrect insert. Lane 3: L21(DE3)/pLysS carrying pKS94.

[0088] Referring to FIG. 13, there is shown the expression of fusion protein comprising the β-galactosidase α peptide and a portion of the about 200 kDa protein in E. coli. E. coli strain, DH5α, carried pKS140. The plasmid pKS140 carried the C-terminal 5.5 kb fragment of 200 kD protein gene after a N-terminal portion of LacZ-α-peptide in the same reading frame. The E. coli strain was grown to the stationary phase, harvested and then lysed. The lysate was assayed by Western blotting. Lane 1: prestained molecular weight marker, Lane 2: DH5α carrying pKS140 (total protein, 0.5 μg), Lane 3: sonicate of M. catarrhalis, strain 4223 (total protein, 10 μg).

[0089] It is clearly apparent to one skilled in the art, that the various embodiments of the present invention have many applications in the fields of vaccination, diagnosis, treatment of Moraxella infections, and in the generation of immunological reagents. A further non-limiting discussion of such uses is further presented below.

[0090] 1. Vaccine Preparation and Use

[0091] Immunogenic compositions, including those suitable to be used as vaccines, may be prepared from the about 200 kDa outer membrane protein as disclosed herein, as well as immunological fragments and fusions thereof, which may be purified from the bacteria or which may be produced recombinantly. The vaccine elicits an immune response in a subject which produces antibodies, including anti-200 kDa outer membrane protein antibodies and antibodies that are opsonizing or bactericidal. Should the vaccinated subject be challenged by Moraxella or other bacteria that produce proteins capable of producing antibodies that specifically recognize 200 kDa outer membrane protein, the antibodies bind to and inactivate the bacterium. Furthermore, opsonizing or bactericidal anti-200 kDa outer membrane protein antibodies may also provide protection by alternative mechanisms.

[0092] Immunogenic compositions including vaccines may be prepared as injectables, as liquid solutions or emulsions. The about 200 kDa outer membrane protein may be mixed with pharmaceutically acceptable excipients which are compatible with the about 200 kDa outer membrane protein. Such excipients may include, water, saline, dextrose, glycerol, ethanol, and combinations thereof. The immunogenic compositions and vaccines may further contain auxiliary substances, such as wetting or emulsifying agents, pH buffering agents, or adjuvants to enhance the effectiveness thereof. Immunogenic compositions and vaccines may be administered parenterally, by injection subcutaneously or intramuscularly. Alternatively, the immunogenic compositions formed according to the present invention, may be formulated and delivered in a manner to evoke an immune response at mucosal surfaces. Thus, the immunogenic composition may be administered to mucosal surfaces by, for example, the nasal or oral (intragastric) routes. Alternatively, other modes of administration including suppositories and oral formulations may be desirable. For suppositories, binders and carriers may include, for example, polyalkalene glycols or triglycerides. Oral formulations may include normally employed incipients such as, for example, pharmaceutical grades of saccharine, cellulose and magnesium carbonate. These compositions can take the form of solutions, suspensions, tablets, pills, capsules, sustained release formulations or powders and contain about 1 to 95% of the about 200 kDa outer membrane protein. The immunogenic preparations and vaccines are administered in a manner compatible with the dosage formulation, and in such amount as will be therapeutically effective, protective and immunogenic. The quantity to be administered depends on the subject to be treated, including, for example, the capacity of the individual's immune system to synthesize antibodies, and if needed, to produce a cell-mediated immune response. Precise amounts of active ingredient required to be administered depend on the judgment of the practitioner. However, suitable dosage ranges are readily determinable by one skilled in the art and may be of the order of micrograms of the about 200 kDa outer membrane protein. Suitable regimes for initial administration and booster doses are also variable, but may include an initial administration followed by subsequent administrations. The dosage may also depend on the route of administration and will vary according to the size of the host.

[0093] The immunogenic preparations including vaccines may comprise as the immunostimulating material a nucleotide vector comprising at least a portion of the gene encoding the about 200 kDa protein, or the at least a portion of the gene may be used directly for immunization.

[0094] The concentration of the about 200 kDa outer membrane antigen in an immunogenic composition according to the invention is in general about 1 to 95%. A vaccine which contains antigenic material of only one pathogen is a monovalent vaccine. Vaccines which contain antigenic material of several pathogens are combined vaccines and also belong to the present invention. Such combined vaccines contain, for example, material from various pathogens or from various strains of the same pathogen, or from combinations of various pathogens.

[0095] Immunogenicity can be significantly improved if the antigens are co-administered with adjuvants, commonly used as 0.05 to 0.1 percent solution in phosphate-buffered saline. Adjuvants enhance the immunogenicity of an antigen but are not necessarily immunogenic themselves. Adjuvants may act by retaining the antigen locally near the site of administration to produce a depot effect facilitating a slow, sustained release of antigen to cells of the immune system. Adjuvants can also attract cells of the immune system to an antigen depot and stimulate such cells to elicit immune responses.

[0096] Immunostimulatory agents or adjuvants have been used for many years to improve the host immune responses to, for example, vaccines. Intrinsic adjuvants, such as lipopolysaccharides, normally are the components of the killed or attenuated bacteria used as vaccines. Extrinsic adjuvants are immunomodulators which are typically non-covalently linked to antigens and are formulated to enhance the host immune responses. Thus, adjuvants have been identified that enhance the immune response to antigens delivered parenterally. Some of these adjuvants are toxic, however, and can cause undesirable side-effects, making them unsuitable for use in humans and many animals. Indeed, only aluminum hydroxide and aluminum phosphate (collectively commonly referred to as alum) are routinely used as adjuvants in human and veterinary vaccines. The efficacy of alum in increasing antibody responses to diphtheria and tetanus toxoids is well established and a HBsAg vaccine has been adjuvanted with alum. While the usefulness of alum is well established for some applications, it has limitations. For example, alum is ineffective for influenza vaccination and inconsistently elicits a cell mediated immune response.

[0097] A wide range of extrinsic adjuvants can provoke potent immune responses to antigens. These include saponins complexed to membrane protein antigens (immune stimulating complexes), pluronic polymers with mineral oil, killed mycobacteria in mineral oil, Freund's complete adjuvant, bacterial products, such as muramyl dipeptide (MDP) and lipopolysaccharide (LPS), as well as lipid A, and liposomes.

[0098] To efficiently induce humoral immune responses (HIR) and cell-mediated immunity (CMI), immunogens are typically emulsified in adjuvants. Many adjuvants are toxic, inducing granulomas, acute and chronic inflammations (Freund's complete adjuvant) FCA, cytolysis (saponins and Pluronic polymers) and pyrogenicity, arthritis and anterior uveitis (LPS and MDP). Although FCA is an excellent adjuvant and widely used in research, it is not licensed for use in human or veterinary vaccines because of its toxicity.

[0099] Desirable characteristics of ideal adjuvants include:

[0100] (1) lack of toxicity;

[0101] (2) ability to stimulate a long-lasting immune response;

[0102] (3) simplicity of manufacture and stability in long-term storage;

[0103] (4) ability to elicit both CMI and HIR to antigens administered by various routes, if required;

[0104] (5) synergy with other adjuvants;

[0105] (6) capability of selectively interacting with populations of antigen presenting cells (APC);

[0106] (7) ability to specifically elicit appropriate TH1 or TH2 cell-specific immune responses; and

[0107] (8) ability to selectively increase appropriate antibody isotype levels (for example, IgA) against antigens.

[0108] U.S. Pat. No. 4,855,283 granted to Lockhoff et al on Aug. 8, 1989 which is incorporated herein by reference thereto, teaches glycolipid analogues including N-glycosylamides, N-glycosylureas and N-glycosylcarbamates, each of which is substituted in the sugar residue by an amino acid, as immuno-modulators or adjuvants. Thus, Lockhoff et al. (U.S. Pat. No. 4,855,283 and ref. 27) reported that N-glycolipid analogs displaying structural similarities to the naturally-occurring glycolipids, such as glycosphospholipids and glycoglycerolipids, are capable of eliciting strong immune responses in both herpes simplex virus vaccine and pseudorabies virus vaccine. Some glycolipids have been synthesized from long chain-alkylamines and fatty acids that are linked directly with the sugars through the anomeric carbon atom, to mimic the functions of the naturally occurring lipid residues.

[0109] U.S. Pat. No. 4,258,029 granted to Moloney, assigned to the assignee hereof and incorporated herein by reference thereto, teaches that octadecyl tyrosine hydrochloride (OTH) functioned as an adjuvant when complexed with tetanus toxoid and formalin inactivated type I, II and III poliomyelitis virus vaccine. Also, Nixon-George et al. (ref. 24), reported that octadecyl esters of aromatic amino acids complexed with a recombinant hepatitis B surface antigen, enhanced the host immune responses against hepatitis B virus.

[0110] Lipidation of synthetic peptides has also been used to increase their immunogenicity. Thus, Wiesmuller (ref. 25) describes a peptide with a sequence homologous to a foot-and-mouth disease viral protein coupled to an adjuvant tripalmityl-S-glyceryl-cysteinylserylserine, being a synthetic analogue of the N-terminal part of the lipoprotein from Gram negative bacteria. Furthermore, Deres et al. (ref. 26) reported in vivo priming of virus-specific cytotoxic T lymphocytes with synthetic lipopeptide vaccine which comprised of modified synthetic peptides derived from influenza virus nucleoprotein by linkage to a lipopeptide, N-palmityl-S-[2,3-bis(palmitylxy)-(2RS)-propyl-[R]-cysteine (TPC).

[0111] 2. Immunoassays

[0112] The about 200 kDa outer membrane protein of the present invention is useful as an immunogen for the generation of anti-200 kDa outer membrane protein antibodies, as an antigen in immunoassays including enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays (ELISA), RIAs and other non-enzyme linked antibody binding assays or procedures known in the art for the detection of anti-bacterial, anti-Moraxella, and anti-200 kDa outer membrane protein antibodies. In ELISA assays, the about 200 kDa outer membrane protein is immobilized onto a selected surface, for example, a surface capable of binding proteins such as the wells of a polystyrene microtiter plate. After washing to remove incompletely adsorbed about 200 kDa outer membrane protein, a nonspecific protein such as a solution of bovine serum albumin (BSA) that is known to be antigenically neutral with regard to the test sample may be bound to the selected surface. This allows for blocking of nonspecific adsorption sites on the immobilizing surface and thus reduces the background caused by nonspecific bindings of antisera onto the surface.

[0113] The immobilizing surface is then contacted with a sample, such as clinical or biological materials, to be tested in a manner conducive to immune complex (antigen/antibody) formation. This may include diluting the sample with diluents, such as solutions of BSA, bovine gamma globulin (BGG) and/or phosphate buffered saline (PBS)/Tween. The sample is then allowed to incubate for from 2 to 4 hours, at temperatures such as of the order of about 20° to 37° C. Following incubation, the sample-contacted surface is washed to remove non-immunocomplexed material. The washing procedure may include washing with a solution, such as PBS/Tween or a borate buffer. Following formation of specific immunocomplexes between the test sample and the bound about 200 kDa outer membrane protein, and subsequent washing, the occurrence, and even amount, of immunocomplex formation may be determined by subjecting the immunocomplex to a second antibody having specificity for the first antibody. If the test sample is of human origin, the second antibody is an antibody having specificity for human immunoglobulins and in general IgG. To provide detecting means, the second antibody may have an associated activity such as an enzymatic activity that will generate, for example, a colour development upon incubating with an appropriate chromogenic substrate. Quantification may then be achieved by measuring the degree of colour generation using, for example, a visible spectrophotometer.

[0114] 3. Use of Sequences as Hybridization Probes

[0115] The nucleotide sequences of the present invention, comprising the sequence of the about 200 kDa protein gene, now allow for the identification and cloning of the about 200 kDa protein gene from any species of Moraxella.

[0116] The nucleotide sequences comprising the sequence of the about 200 kDa protein gene of the present invention are useful for their ability to selectively form duplex molecules with complementary stretches of other about 200 kDa protein genes. Depending on the application, a variety of hybridization conditions may be employed to achieve varying degrees of selectivity of the probe toward the other genes. For a high degree of selectivity, relatively stringent conditions are used to form the duplexes, such as low salt and/or high temperature conditions, such as provided by 0.02 M to 0.15 M NaCl at temperatures of between about 50° C. to 70° C. For some applications, less stringent hybridization conditions are required such as 0.15 M to 0.9 M salt, at temperatures ranging from between about 20° C. to 55° C. Hybridization conditions can also be rendered more stringent by the addition of increasing amounts of formamide, to destabilize the hybrid duplex. Thus, particular hybridization conditions can be readily manipulated, and will generally be a method of choice depending on the desired results. In general, convenient hybridization temperatures in the presence of 50% formamide are: 42° C. for a probe which is 95 to 100% homologous to the target fragment, 37° C. for 90 to 95% homology and 32° C. for 85 to 90% homology.

[0117] In a clinical diagnostic embodiment, the nucleic acid sequences of the about 200 kDa protein genes of the present invention may be used in combination with an appropriate means, such as a label, for determining hybridization. A wide variety of appropriate indicator means are known in the art, including radioactive, enzymatic or other ligands, such as avidin/biotin and digoxigenin-labelling, which are capable of providing a detectable signal. In some diagnostic embodiments, an enzyme tag such as urease, alkaline phosphatase or peroxidase, instead of a radioactive tag may be used. In the case of enzyme tags, colorimetric indicator substrates are known which can be employed to provide a means visible to the human eye or spectrophotometrically, to identify specific hybridization with samples containing about 200 kDa protein gene sequences.

[0118] The nucleic acid sequences of the about 200 kDa protein genes of the present invention are useful as hybridization probes in solution hybridizations and in embodiments employing solid-phase procedures. In embodiments involving solid-phase procedures, the test DNA (or RNA) from samples, such as clinical samples, including exudates, body fluids (e.g., serum, amniotic fluid, middle ear effusion, sputum, bronchoalveolar lavage fluid) or even tissues, is adsorbed or otherwise affixed to a selected matrix or surface. The fixed, single-stranded nucleic acid is then subjected to specific hybridization with selected probes comprising the nucleic acid sequences of the about 200 kDa protein encoding genes or fragments or analogs thereof of the present invention under desired conditions. The selected conditions will depend on the particular circumstances based on the particular criteria required depending on, for example, the G+C contents, type of target nucleic acid, source of nucleic acid, size of hybridization probe etc. Following washing of the hybridization surface so as to remove non-specifically bound probe molecules, specific hybridization is detected, or even quantified, by means of the label. It is preferred to select nucleic acid sequence portions which are conserved among species of Moraxella. The selected probe may be at least 18 bp and may be in the range of about 30 to 90 bp.

[0119] 4. Expression of the About 200 kDa Protein Gene

[0120] Plasmid vectors containing replicon and control sequences which are derived from species compatible with the host cell may be used for the expression of the genes encoding the about 200 kDa protein in expression systems. The vector ordinarily carries a replication site, as well as marking sequences which are capable of providing phenotypic selection in transformed cells. For example, E. coli may be transformed using pBR322 which contains genes for ampicillin and tetracycline resistance and thus provides easy means for identifying transformed cells. The plasmids or phage, must also contain, or be modified to contain, promoters which can be used by the host cell for expression of its own proteins.

[0121] In addition, phage vectors containing replicon and control sequences that are compatible with the host can be used as a transforming vector in connection with these hosts. For example, the phage in lambda GEM™-11 may be utilized in making recombinant phage vectors which can be used to transform host cells, such as E. coli LE392.

[0122] Promoters commonly used in recombinant DNA construction include the β-lactamase (penicillinase) and lactose promoter systems and other microbial promoters, such as the T7 promoter system as described in U.S. Pat. No. 4,952,496. Details concerning the nucleotide sequences of promoters are known, enabling a skilled worker to ligate them functionally with genes. The particular promoter used will generally be a matter of choice depending upon the desired results. Hosts that are appropriate for expression of the about 200 kDa protein genes, fragments, analogs or variants thereof, may include E. coli, Bacillus species, Haemophilus, fungi, yeast, Bordetella, or the baculovirus expression system may be used.

[0123] In accordance with this invention, it is preferred to make the protein by recombinant methods, particularly when the naturally occurring about 200 kDa protein as purified from a culture of a species of Moraxella may include trace amounts of toxic materials or other contaminants. This problem can be avoided by using recombinantly produced protein in heterologous systems which can be isolated from the host in a manner to minimize contaminants in the purified material. Particularly desirable hosts for expression in this regard include Gram positive bacteria which do not have LPS and are, therefore, endotoxin free. Such hosts include species of Bacillus and may be particularly useful for the production of non-pyrogenic about 200 kDa protein, fragments or analogs thereof.

BIOLOGICAL DEPOSITS

[0124] Certain plasmids that contain portions of the gene having the open reading frame of the gene encoding the about 200 kDa outer membrane protein of M. catarrhalis strain 4223 that are described and referred to herein have been deposited with the America Type Culture Collection (ATCC) located at 12301 Parklawn Drive, Rockville, Md., 20852, U.S.A., pursuant to the Budapest Treaty and pursuant to 37 CFR 1.808 and prior to the filing of this application. The identifications of the respective portions of the gene present in these plasmids are shown in FIG. 5.

[0125] Samples of the deposited plasmids will become available to the public upon grant of a patent based upon this United States patent application. The invention described and claimed herein is not to be limited in scope by plasmids deposited, since the deposited embodiment is intended only as an illustration of the invention. Any equivalent or similar plasmids that encode similar or equivalent antigens as described in this application are within the scope of the invention.

	Plasmid	ATCC Designation	Date Deposited
	pKS47	97,111	April 7, 1995
	pKS5	97,110	April 7, 1995
	pKS9	97,114	April 18, 1995

EXAMPLES

[0126] The above disclosure generally describes the present invention. A more complete understanding can be obtained by reference to the following specific Examples. These Examples are described solely for purposes of illustration and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. Changes in form and substitution of equivalents are contemplated as circumstances may suggest or render expedient. Although specific terms have been employed herein, such terms are intended in a descriptive sense and not for purposes of limitations.

[0127] Methods of molecular genetics, protein biochemistry, and immunology used but not explicitly described in this disclosure and these Examples are amply reported in the scientific literature and are well within the ability of those skilled in the art.

Example 1

[0128] This Example illustrates the generation of a non-clumping strain (RH408) of M. catarrhalis.

[0129] M. catarrhalis strain 4223, a clumping strain (a common property of Moraxella strains), was inoculated into several flasks containing 20 mL of brain heat infusion (BHI) broth, and the cultures were incubated with shaking (170 rpm) overnight at 37° C. Five mL of each overnight culture were transferred to five individual 1 mL tubes, and were left sitting undisturbed at room temperature for 3 to 8 hours, to allow bacteria to sediment. One hundred μL of the cleared upper phase of each culture were used to inoculate 25 mL of BHI broth and cultures were incubated overnight at 37° C., as described above. This passaging was repeated six times, using 25 μL of cleared culture to inoculate 25 mL of BHI for each overnight culture. Non-clumping bacterial cultures were identified by measuring the absorbency A578 at intervals over a 3 hour time period, in order to compare the sedimentation rates of the passaged strains to that of the original M. catarrhalis strain 4223 culture. Non-clumping mutants, including M. catarrhalis RH408, did not aggregate during the three hour time period. On BHI agar plates, strain RH408 had a colony morphology typical for all non-clumping strains. Strain RH408 was previously deposited in connection of U.S. application Ser. No. 08/328,589 at the ATCC under the Budapest Treaty on Dec. 13, 1994 with Accession No. 55637.

Example 2

[0130] This Example illustrates the identification of the about 200 kDa outer membrane protein of Moraxella catarrhalis.

[0131] M. catarrhalis strains 4223, RH408, 5191, 8185, M2, M5, ATCC 25240, 3, 56, 135, 585 were grown in brain heart infusion (BHI) broth. The culture was incubated overnight with aeration at 37° C.

[0132] M. catarrhalis cells were sonicated and total protein was determined using the BCA assay system (Pierce, Rockford, Ill.). Ten μg of total protein were mixed with the SDS-PAGE sample buffer containing 0.3M Tris-HCl (pH 8.0), 50% glycerol, 10% SDS, 20% β-mercaptoethanol and 0.01% bromophenol blue, boiled for 5 minutes and loaded on each lane of SDS-PAGE gel (0.75 mm thick, 7.5% acrylamide). The gels were run at 200 V for 1 hour. Proteins were visualized by staining gels with a solution containing 0.13% Coomassie brilliant blue, 10% acetic acid and 45% methanol. Excess stain was removed with a destaining solution of 5% ethanol and 7.5% acetic acid.

[0133] The various Moraxella proteins separated by this procedure are shown in FIGS. 1A and 1B. The M. catarrhalis strains tested were as follows:

Lane	Bacterial Strain	Source
FIG. 1A
1.	Molecular Weight Standards
2.	E. coli
3.	No sample
4.	M. catarrhalis 4223	middle ear fluid
5.	M. catarrhalis RH08	non-clumping variant
		of 4223
6.	M. catarrhalis 5191	middle ear fluid
7.	M. catarrhalis 8185	nasopharynx
8.	M. catarrhalis M2	sputum
9.	M. catarrhalis M5	sputum
10.	M. catarrhalis 25240	ATCC 25240
FIG. 1B
1.	E. coli
2.	No sample
3.	Molecular Weight Size Markers
4.	M. catarrhalis 4223	middle ear fluid
5.	M. catarrhalis RH408	non-clumping variant
		of 4223
6.	M. catarrhalis 3	sputum
7.	M. catarrhalis 56	sputum
8.	M. catarrhalis 135	middle ear fluid
9.	M. catarrhalis 585	Blood

[0134] The about 200 kDa outer membrane protein was clearly seen in all otitis media strains (M. catarrhalis 4223, 5191, 135), in one strain isolated from the nasopharynx (8185), and in one strain isolated from sputum (M2). However, the about 200 kDa protein was not detected in three isolates from sputum (3, 56 and M5) and in one strain with unknown origin (ATCC 25240). A very narrow band was found in an isolate from blood of a bacteremia patient (585) and this band was recognized by an anti-200 kDa specific guinea pig serum on an immunoblot. Strain RH408 is a non-clumping spontaneous mutant isolated from strain 4223 (see Example 1) and was found to not express the about 200 kDa protein.

[0135] When gels were run longer, they showed heterogeneity in the apparent molecular masses of the about 200 kDa outer membrane protein in different strains of M. catarrhalis (FIG. 2). In FIG. 2 the strains analyzed were as follows:

Lane	Strain	Source
1.	Molecular Weight Size Markers
2.	M. catarrhalis H04	middle ear fluid
3.	M. catarrhalis H12	middle ear fluid
4.	M. catarrhalis PO34	middle ear fluid
5.	M. catarrhalis PO51	middle ear fluid
6.	M. catarrhalis E-07	middle ear fluid
7.	M. catarrhalis E-22	middle ear fluid
8.	M. catarrhalis E-23	middle ear fluid
9.	M. catarrhalis RH 4223	middle ear fluid
10.	M. catarrhalis RH 408	Non-clumping variant
		of 4223

[0136] The strain H12 (lane 3) was a natural isolate from middle ear fluid, but did not produce the about 200 kDa protein.

[0137] There may be at least three different sizes of protein in the about 200 kDa range. However, antibodies raised against the about 200 kDa outer membrane protein from one strain of M. catarrhalis (4223) did recognize all about 200 kDa proteins tested, present in different strains of M. catarrhalis. It is possible, however, that in particular immunogenic compositions, for example, as a vaccine and in particular diagnostic embodiments, that the about 200 kDa outer membrane protein from a variety of M. catarrhalis isolates (including immunogenically diverse isolates) may be required.

Example 3

[0138] This Example illustrates the detection of antibodies specific for the about 200 kDa outer membrane protein in a serum obtained from a convalescent patient having recovered from otitis media due to M. catarrhalis.

[0139] After separation by SDS-PAGE, bacterial proteins were transferred from polyacrylamide gels to prepared PVDF (polyvinylidene fluoride; Millipore) membranes at a constant voltage of 70 V for 1.5 h in a buffer system consisting of 3 g Tris, 14,4 g glycine and 200 ml methanol per liter at 4° C. Membranes with transferred proteins were blocked with Blocking Reagent (from Boehringer Mannheim) diluted in TBS (0.1M Tris, 0.15M Nacl) at room temperature for 30 min. Blots were exposed to convalescent antiserum diluted 1:500 in Blocking Reagent/TBS with 0.1% Tween 20 for 2 hours at room temperature. This patient had otitis media and the M. catarrhalis strain isolated from the patient's ear fluid was M. catarrhalis CJ7. Blots were then washed 2 times in Blocking Reagent/TBS with Tween at 15 min per wash. The reporter conjugate, horseradish peroxidase (HRP) conjugated to protein G, was diluted 1:4000 with Blocking Reagent/TBS with Tween and used to immerse the washed membranes for 30 min at room temperature. Blots were washed twice as above, followed by a TBS wash. Bound antibodies were detected using the LumiGlo (Kirkegaard and Perry) chemiluminescent detection system as described by the manufacturer. Treated blots were exposed to X-ray film. Antibodies were detected in this convalescent serum that reacted with the about 200 kDa outer membrane protein of M. catarrhalis CJ7. These results indicate that the about 200 kDa outer membrane protein is an immunogenic protein of M. catarrhalis to which an immune response is elicited during a natural infection by M. catarrhalis.

Example 4

[0140] This Example illustrates the isolation and purification of the about 200 kDa outer membrane protein.

[0141] M. catarrhalis 4223 cells were harvested by centrifugation at 2,000 rpm for 10 min and frozen. The frozen cells were thawed, resuspended in 20 mM sodium phosphate buffer (pH 7.2) and sonicated until the cells were disrupted. The frozen-thawed cells were also lysed in 20 mM Tris buffer (pH 8) containing 4% SDS and 0.2 mM EDTA by boiling for 5 min to produce a cell lysate. The cell sonicates and cell lysates were suspended in a SDS-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (SDS-PAGE) sample buffer, boiled for 5 min and separated by SDS-PAGE on a gel (1.5 mm thick, 7.5% acrylamide). The estimated position of the about 200 kDa protein on the gel was cut out and the protein extracted from the gel by electroelution using the same buffer as the SDS-PAGE running buffer. The isolated about 200 kDa outer membrane protein was shown to be a homogeneous, single band by SDS-PAGE as seen in FIG. 3. The samples analyzed in FIG. 3 are as follows:

Lane Sample
1.   Molecular Weight Size Markers
2.   Isolated and purified 200 kDa outer membrane protein

[0142] The isolated and purified 200 kDa outer membrane protein of M. catarrhalis shown in FIG. 3 has a purity of at least 70%. Purified about 200 kDa outer membrane protein preparations of at least 95% could be readily achieved.

Example 5

[0143] This Example illustrates the immunization of guinea pigs with purified about 200 kDa protein from M. catarrhalis.

[0144] Approximately 30 to 40 μg of the about 200 kDa protein, which was isolated from M. catarrhalis strain 4223 by electroelution, were mixed with Freund's complete adjuvant (FCA) and subcutaneously injected into guinea pigs. After two weeks, the animals were boosted with about the same amount of the about 200 kDa protein in incomplete Freund's adjuvant (IFA). Two weeks later, blood was collected from the guinea pigs and antisera were obtained.

[0145] One antiserum was examined on Western blot for its reactivity with the about 200 kDa protein present in 54 different strains of M. catarrhalis, which were isolated in different geographical locations throughout the world (Canada, U.S. and Finland) (see Table 1 below). The about 200 kDa protein was recognized by the antiserum in all strains, in which the presence of the about 200 kDa protein band was detected on SDS-PAGE gels stained with Coomassie Blue. These results indicate that common epitopes of the about 200 kDa protein were present in all M. catarrhalis strains, which possessed this protein. As stated earlier, this protein is not present in all M. catarrhalis strains, but almost all strains, which were isolated from middle ear fluids from otitis media patients, did possess this protein (Table 1).

Example 6

[0146] This Example illustrates the specific recognition of M. catarrhalis strain 4223 with anti-200 kDa protein guinea pig serum by ELISA assay (see Table 2 below).

[0147] M. catarrhalis strains 4223, RH408 (200 kDa protein negative mutant) and H-12 were cultured in 60 mL of BHI broth overnight. E. coli strain BL21 (DE3) was cultured in 60 mL of broth overnight. The cultures were split into three tubes and centrifuged. M. catarrhalis strain 4223 was centrifuged at 1,500 rpm for 10 min., H-12 at 2,000 rpm for 10 min., and RH408 and E. coli BL21 (DE3) at 3,000 rpm for 15 min. The pellet in one tube was suspended in 20 ml of Dulbecco's phosphate buffered saline (D-PBS) and diluted to 1/500 with coating buffer (0.05M carbonate/bicarbonate buffer) pH 9.6. One hundred μL of the bacteria suspension were placed in each well and incubated for 1 hour at room temperature. One hundred μL of 0.2% glutaraldehyde was added to each well and incubated at room temperature for 10 min. to fix the cells on the well. The wells were washed with PBS containing 0.1% Tween 20 and 0.1% BSA (washing buffer), and then blocked with PBS containing 0.1% BSA for 30 min. at room temperature. After washing 5 times for 10 seconds with the washing buffer, serial dilutions of guinea pig antiserum with the washing buffer were added to the wells and incubation at room temperature was continued for 60 min. After washing, goat anti-guinea pig IgG conjugated with horseradish peroxidase was added to each well at the dilution of 1/20,000. After incubation at room temperature for 60 minutes, the wells were washed and then color reaction was developed using 3,3-5,5-tetramethylbenzidene (TMB) and hydrogen peroxide.

[0148] The ELISA plate wells were also coated with sonicates containing 10 μg/mL of total proteins in the coating buffer, blocked without the fixation process and then assayed as described above.

[0149] The results shown in Table 2 indicate that the about 200 kDa outer membrane protein specific guinea pig antiserum specifically recognizes strains of M. catarrhalis which produce the about 200 kDa protein. The ability of the antiserum to recognize whole cells indicates that the protein is present on the surface of the bacterial cells.

Example 7

[0150] This Example describes the determination of an internal amino acid sequence of the 200 kDa outer membrane protein.

[0151] The about 200 kDa outer membrane protein was isolated from M. catarrhalis 4223 by electroelution as described above. The protein was subjected to CNBr degradation, the proteolytic digests subjected to SDS-PAGE and transferred onto PVDF membrane. A peptide band migrating at a position corresponding to approximately 40 kDa was cut out from the membrane and its N-terminal amino acid sequence was determined. In another experiment, the CNBr degradation products of the about 200 kDa protein were subjected to a direct determination of N-terminal amino acid sequencing without separating by SDS-PAGE. Both analyses gave an identical, N-terminal sequence of 20 amino acids with one unidentified amino acid at the 17th position. The internal sequence of the 200 kDa outer membrane protein was:

NH2-Asn-Val-Lys-Ser-Val-lle-Asn-Lys-Glu-Gln-Val-Asn-Asp-Ala-Asn-Lys-X-Gln-Gly-lle (SEQ ID No: 5).

Example 8

[0152] This Example describes the immunization of guinea pigs with a peptide corresponding to an internal fragment of the about 200 kDa outer membrane protein and the analysis of the antiserum generated.

[0153] Based upon the determination of the amino acid sequence of an internal fragment of the about 200 kDa outer membrane protein as described above, a 16 amino acid long peptide of sequence:

NH2-Asn-Val-Lys-Ser-Val-lle-Asn-Lys-Glu-Gln-Val-Asn-Asp-Ala-Asn-Lys (SEQ ID No: 6)

[0154] was synthesized using standard procedures. This 16-mer peptide was conjugated to KLH using Imject Maleimide Activated KLH (Pierce, Rockford, Ill.) and approximately 500 μg of the conjugate was injected into guinea pigs using the same immunization and boosting schedule as described above. The guinea pig anti-serum raised against the 16-mer internal amino acid sequence (SEQ ID No: 6) was examined by immunoblot analysis and found to specifically recognize 200 kDa outer membrane protein in cell sonicates of M. catarrhalis 4223. The results are shown in FIG. 4 and indicate that the anti-peptide guinea pig antiserum specifically recognizes the 200 kDa protein of M. catarrhalis 4223. The samples analyzed in FIG. 4 were as follows:

Lane	Sample	Antiserum
1.	Molecular Weight Markers
2.	Purified 200 kDa outer membrane	Anti-200 kDa protein
	protein
3.	M. catarrhalis cell sonicate	Anti-peptide 1:5000
4.	M. catarrhalis cell sonicate	Anti-peptide 1:1000
5.	M. catarrhalis cell sonicate	Anti-peptide 1:500
6.	M. catarrhalis cell sonicate	Pre-immune serum

[0155] The results obtained confirm that the peptide corresponding to SEQ ID Nos: 5 and 6 are derived from the 200 kDa outer membrane protein.

Example 9

[0156] This Example describes the preparation of a M. catarrhalis genomic library.

[0157] Chromosomal DNA was isolated as follows:

[0158] An M. catarrhalis cell pellet was resuspended in 20 mL of Tris-EDTA (TE) buffer, pH 7.5. Pronase (final concentration 500 μg/mL) and SDS (final concentration 1%) were added and the suspension was incubated at 37° C. for 2 hours. DNA was isolated by sequential extractions once with phenol, twice with phenol-chloroform (1:1), and once with chloroform-isoamyl alcohol (24:1). Extracted DNA was dialyzed against 1M NaCl at 4° C. for 4 hours. This was followed by dialysis against TE buffer, pH 7.5, at 4° C. for 48 hours (3 buffer changes). DNA was ethanol precipitated from the dialysate. Large-size DNA was collected by spooling on a glass rod, air dried and dissolved in 3 mL water. Small scale Sau3A (New England BioLabs) restriction digests of chromosomal DNA (final volume 10 μl) were done to establish conditions required to obtain maximal amounts of chromosomal DNA with a size range of 15 - 23 kb. Large scale digests were prepared once the optimal digestion conditions were determined. The large scale digests consisted of 50 μL of chromosomal DNA (290 μg/mL), 33 μL water, 10 μL Sau3A buffer (New England BioLabs), 1 μL BSA (10 mg/ml, New England BioLabs) and 6.3 μL Sau3A (0.04 U/μL), and were incubated at 37° C. for 15 min. Reactions were stopped by the addition of 10 μL 10X loading buffer (100 mM Tris-HCl pH 8, 10 mM EDTA, 0.1% bromophenol blue, 50% glycerol). Digested DNA was applied to 0.5% agarose gels (prepared in Tris-acetate-EDTA (TAE)) and separated according to size at 50 V for 6 hours. The region of the gel encompassing DNA of size 15-23 kb was cut from the gel and placed in dialysis tubing (BRL) with 3 mL of TAE. DNA was electroeluted from the gel-slice overnight at a field strength of 1 V/cm. Electroeluted DNA in TAE was extracted once with phenol, once with phenol-chloroform (1:1), and precipitated with ethanol. The dried DNA pellet was dissolved in 5 μL water. Size-fractionated chromosomal DNA was ligated with BamHI cut EMBL3 arms (Promega) using T4 DNA ligase in a final volume of 9 μL. The entire ligation reaction was packaged into phage λ using a commercial packaging kit (Amersham) following the manufacturer's protocol.

[0159] The packaged DNA library was amplified on solid medium. This was accomplished by incubating 0.1 ml E. coli strain NM539 plating cells suspended in 10 mM MgSO4 with 15-25 μL of the packaged DNA library at 37° C. for 15 minutes. Bacteria with adsorbed phage were plated onto BBL plates (10 g BBL trypticase peptone, 5 g NaCl and 15 g agar per liter) using 3 mL of BBL top-agarose (same as BBL plates except agar replaced with 0.6% agarose) and plates were incubated overnight at 37° C. Phage were eluted from the top-agarose by adding 3 mL SM buffer (50 mM Tris-HCl, pH 7.5, 8 mM MgSO4, 100 mM NaCl, 0.01% gelatin) to the plates and leaving them at 4° C. for 7 hours. SM buffer containing phage was collected from the plates, transferred to a screwcap tube and stored at 4° C. over chloroform.

Example 10

[0160] This Example describes the cloning of a gene encoding the M. catarrhalis 200 kDa outer membrane protein.

[0161] The M. catarrhalis genomic library in phage lambda EMBL3 was screened using an anti-200 kDa protein guinea pig antiserum. A lambda phage clone 8II, which expressed an about 200 kDa protein, was confirmed by immunoblotting of the phage lysate using the about 200 kDa outer membrane-specific antiserum.

[0162] Plate lysate cultures of this recombinant phage were prepared. The DNA was extracted from the plate lysates using a Wizard Lambda Preps DNA Purification System (Promega Corp, Madison, Wis.) according to the manufacturer's instructions. This phage clone carried a DNA insert of about 16 kb in size (the restriction map for which is shown in FIG. 5). The phage DNA was digested with a mixture of the restriction enzymes SalI and XhoI, and separated by agarose gel electrophoresis. Two DNA bands, approximately 5 kb and 11 kb in size, respectively, were cut out from the gel and extracted using a Geneclean kit (BIO 101 Inc., LaJolla, Calif.) according to the manufacturer's direction.

[0163] The smaller 5 kb fragment was ligated into a plasmid vector, pBluescript II SK +/− (Stratagene Cloning Systems, LaJolla, Calif.), which had been previously digested with SalI and XhoI, to produce plasmid pKS5. The larger 11 kb fragment was ligated into a plasmid vector, pSP72 (Promega Corp., Madison, Wis.), to produce plasmid pKS9. Both ligated plasmids were used to transform E. coli, strain DH5α.

[0164] The lambda phage DNA was also digested with a mixture of XhoI and KpnI and the approximately 1.2 kb fragment was isolated after agarose gel separation as described above. This 1.2 kb fragment was ligated into a plasmid vector, pGEM-7Zf(+) (Promega Corp., Madison, Wis.), to produce plasmid pKS47. Restriction maps of the plasmid clones are shown in FIG. 5.

Example 11

[0165] This Example describes the sequencing of the gene encoding the about 200 kDa outer membrane protein of M. catarrhalis.

[0166] The gene encoding the about 200 kDa outer membrane protein was sequenced using an Applied Biosystems sequencer. The one strand of the insert in the plasmid pKS5, was sequenced after construction of a nested set of deletions using a Erase-a-Base system (Promega Corp., Madison, Wis.). The plasmid pKS5 was first digested with XhoI and KpnI, treated with exonuclease III to generate a nested set of deletions in the insert and then recircularized according to the manufacturer's directions. E. coli DH5α was transformed with a series of plasmids with deletions generated in this way. Plasmids were isolated from the transformants using a Quiagen midi plasmid isolation kit (Qiagen) and the size of plasmids examined by agarose gel electrophoresis after restriction enzyme digestion. The inserts of the plasmids with deletions were sequenced using a bacteriophage T7 promoter sequence as a primer.

[0167] Based upon the sequence, nucleotide primers were synthesized. Using the synthetic nucleotide primers, sequence gaps, which were not sequenced by the Erase-a Base system, were determined.

[0168] The sequences of the inserts in plasmids pKS47 and pKS71 were determined from both ends using synthetic nucleotide primers. The nucleotide sequence of the gene has an open reading frame of the gene coding for the about 200 kDa outer membrane protein of M. catarrhalis as shown in FIG. 6 (SEQ ID No: 2). This sequence included a nucleotide sequence:

5′- AATGTCAAATCAGTCATTAACAAAGAACAAGTAAATGATGCCAATAAAAAGCAAGGCATC-3′ (SEQ ID No: 9)

[0169] which encodes the internal amino acid sequence of the about 200 kDa outer membrane protein (SEQ ID No: 5) determined above. This result confirms that the cloned gene has an open reading frame of the gene coding for the about 200 kDa outer membrane protein of M. catarrhalis. The gene encodes a protein having 1992 amino acids, a calculated molecular weight of 204,677 and a calculated amino acid composition as shown in Table III below. The deduced amino acid sequence of the protein is shown in FIG. 6 (SEQ ID No: 3).

Example 12

[0170] This Example describes the identification of the start codon of the gene encoding the about 200 kDa gene of M. catarrhalis.

[0171] To identify the translation start codon and the promoter region of the 200 kDa protein gene, a plasmid, pKS80, was constructed from pKS5 and pKS47 (FIG. 5). This construct contained about 250 base pairs of DNA upstream from the ATG. The plasmid, pKS5, was digested with KpnI and XhoI. The digest was separated on 0.8% agarose gel and the about 8 kb DNA fragment was cut out from the gel and extracted. Another plasmid, pKS47, was also digested with the two enzymes and the about 1.1 kb DNA fragment was extracted. The 1.1 kb fragment was ligated to the 8 kb fragment to construct pKS80. Western blots using anti-200 kD protein guinea pig serum failed to detect 200 kD protein in the lysates of the transformants carrying pKS80.

[0172] To examine if the construct was too long to be expressed in E. coli, three different sizes of C-terminal truncations were constructed, as shown in FIG. 8. First, the whole insert in pKS80 was cut out by digestion with KpnI and BamHI and then inserted into another vector plasmid, pGEM7Zf(+) (Promega, Madison, Wis.), which had been previously digested with the same two enzymes. The resulting plasmid, pKS105, was further digested with either one of the following enzymes, (1) HindIII, (2) HpaI and SmaI or (3) EcoRV, gel-purified and then recircularized to produce pKS130, pKS136 and pKS144, respectively. Transformants of E. coli, DH5α, with either one of pKS130, pKS136 or pKS144 did not produce any truncated proteins, when examined on Western blots using anti-200 kD protein guinea pig serum.

[0173] Next, to investigate if the start codon was GTG and if the promoter region was further upstream from the GTG, an about 0.9 kb fragment was cut out from pKS71 using ApaI and KpnI, and ligated into pKS130, pKS136 and pKS144, which had been previously digested with ApaI and KpnI. The 0.9 kb fragment from pKS71 carried the NcoI-KpnI fragment, which contained the possible start codon, GTG, and about 700 bp upstream region from the GTG (FIG. 8). The resulting constructs, pKS159, pKS149 and pKS155, produced truncated proteins, which were recognized by anti-200 kDa protein guinea pig serum on Western blots. The ApaI and KpnI fragment was also ligated to pKS105, which had no C-terminal truncation, to produce pKS164. The transformants carrying pKS164 produced a full-length 200 kDa protein, which was recognized by the same antiserum on Western blot. These results show that the 5′-region of the gene containing the GTG codon and its upstream sequence is necessary for expression of the about 200 kDa protein gene from its own promoter in E. coli, and indicate that a translation start codon of the about 200 kDa protein gene is GTG.

[0174] To confirm that the start codon of the gene is GTG, two peptides were synthesized, as shown in FIG. 9, according to the deduced amino acid sequence from the nucleotide sequence in FIG. 6. Peptide 1 (SEQ ID No: 12) encompasses the 30 amino acids from the GTG start codon. Peptide 2 (SEQ ID No: 12) is the next 30 amino acid peptide. The peptides are identified in FIG. 6 by underlining. Antisera were raised against these two peptides in guinea pigs and antisera were obtained. As seen in FIG. 10, antisera raised against these two peptides clearly recognized 200 kDa protein from M. catarrhalis, strain 4223, by Western blotting. M. catarrhalis, strain 4223, was sonicated. Proteins in the sonicate were separated on a SDS-PAGE gel and transferred to PVDF membrane. The membrane was cut into strips and treated with either anti-peptide 1 or anti-peptide 2 guinea pig serum as a first antibody. The second antibody was goat anti-guinea pig IgG conjugated with horse radish peroxidase (Jackson ImmunoResearch Lab. Inc., West Grove, Pa.). The membrane was finally treated with CN/DAB substrate (Pierce, Rockford, Ill.) for color development. Lane 1: prestained molecular weight marker, Lane 2: anti-200 kD protein serum, Lane 3: anti-peptide I serum from guinea pig No. 1, Lane 4: prebleed serum from guinea pig No. 1, Lane 5: anti-peptide 1 serum from guinea pig No. 2, Lane 6: prebleed serum from guinea pig No. 2, Lane 7: anti-peptide 2 serum from guinea pig No. 3, Lane 8: prebleed serum from guinea pig No. 3, Lane 9: anti-peptide 2 serum from guinea pig No. 4, Lane 10: prebleed serum from guinea pig No. 4. The results shown in FIG. 10 indicate that the GTG is the translation start codon of the gene encoding the about 200 kDa protein.

[0175] The coding sequence of the about 200 kDa protein gene, which starts at GTG, is 5976 bp and encodes a protein of 1992 amino acids and a calculated molecular weight of 204,677. The position of the 200 kDa protein gene is shown in FIG. 5. The sequence between NcoI and SalI and its amino acid translation are shown in FIG. 6. The calculated amino acid composition of the about 200 kDa protein is shown in Table III.

[0176] To construct two different sizes of N-terminal truncation genes under the control of the T7 promoter (as shown in FIG. 11), a ScaI-SalI fragment, which carried the about 1.9 kb 3′-region of the about 200 kDa protein gene, was cut out from pKS5, and the PvuII-SalI fragment, which carried the about 4.8 kb 3′-region, was cut out from pKS80. The two fragments were ligated into a plasmid, pT7-7, previously digested with SmaI and SalI, to produce pKS94 and pKS91, respectively. These ligations resulted in fusions of 1.9 kb and 4.8 kb 3′-regions with seven N-terminal amino acids from the vector. When transformants of an E. coli strain, BL21(DE3)/pLysS, with either pKS94 or pKS91 were induced with IPTG, they produced a large quantity of N-terminally truncated 200 kDa protein. FIG. 12 shows a Western blot showing the expression of the truncated protein by one of transformants carrying the pKS94 plasmid.

[0177] A LacZ fusion of the 3′-5.5 kb fragment of the about 200 kDa protein gene, as shown in FIG. 11. The 5.8 kb fragment, which contained the 3′-5.5 kb region of about 200 kDa protein gene, was excised from pKS80 by digestion with PstI, gel-purified, and then ligated to pGEM5Zf(+) (Promega, Madison, Wis.), previously digested with the same enzyme. The E. coli DH5α clones, which carried the gene in the same direction and reading frame as the LacZ α peptide, were selected by restriction enzyme analyses. These clones constitutively expressed the fusion protein, as shown in FIG. 13.

SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE

[0178] In summary of the disclosure, the present invention provides an isolated and purified outer membrane protein of a Moraxella strain, particularly M. catarrhalis, having a molecular weight of about 200 kDa as well as isolated and purified DNA molecules encoding the outer membrane protein. The invention also provides analogs, truncations and peptides corresponding to portions of the outer membrane protein. The protein, DNA sequences, recombinant proteins derived therefrom and peptides are useful for diagnosis, immunization and the generation of diagnostic and immunological reagents. Modifications are possible within the scope of this invention.

TABLE I
Presence of the about 200 kDa outer membrane protein in various
isolates of Moraxella catarrhalis
		Number of isolates1
	Number of isolates	containing the 200 kDa
Type of Clinical Isolate	Examined	outer membrane protein
Otitis Media	37	36
Sputum/Expectoration/	13	6
Bronchial Secretion
Blood	2	2
Nasopharynx	1	1
Unknown	1	0
1The presence of the about 200 kDa outer membrane protein was determined by immunoblot analysis using a monospecific guinea pig anti-200 kDa protein antiserum.

[0179]

TABLE II
Detection of about 200 kDa outer membrane protein of M. catarrhalis
by the monospecific anti-200 kDa outer membrane guinea pig antiserum
	Strain	Sample	Reciprocal Reactive Titre
	4223	Whole cells not fixed	800
	RH408	Whole cells not fixed	<200
	H12	Whole cells not fixed	<200
	E. coli BL21	Whole cells not fixed	<200
	4223	Whole cells fixed	3200
	RH408	Whole cells fixed	200
	H12	Whole cells fixed	<200
	E. coli BL21	Whole cells fixed	<200
	4223	Sonicate	12,800
	RH408	Sonicate	800
	H12	Sonicate	800
	E. coli BL21	Sonicate	200

[0180]

TABLE III
Amino acid composition of the about 200 kDa outer
membrane protein of M. catarrhalis
	Residue	Number	Percentage (MW)
	N - Asparagine	196	10.9
	T - Threonine	221	10.9
	K - Lysine	159	10.0
	D - Aspartic Acid	147	8.3
	A - Alanine	219	7.6
	V - Valine	148	7.2
	I - Isoleucine	116	6.4
	S - Serine	150	6.4
	G - Glycine	222	6.2
	L - Leucine	111	6.1
	Q - Glutamine	83	5.2
	E - Glutamic Acid	55	3.5
	F - Phenylalanine	40	2.9
	R - Arginine	34	2.6
	Y - Tyrosine	27	2.2
	H - Histidine	24	1.6
	P - Proline	30	1.4
	M - Methionine	7	.4
	W - Tryptophan	3	.3
	B - Aspartic Acid Asparagine	0	.0
	C - Cysteine	0	.0

REFERENCES

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Claims

1. An isolated and purified outer membrane protein of a Moraxella strain having an apparent molecular mass of about 200 kDa, as determined by SDS-PAGE or a fragment or an analog thereof.

2. The protein of claim 1 wherein the Moraxella strain is Moraxella catarrhalis.

3. The protein of claim 2 wherein the strain is Moraxella catarrhalis 4223.

4. The protein of claim 1 containing the amino acid sequence NH2-Asn-Val-Lys-Ser-Val-Ile-Asn-Lys-Glu-Gln-Val-Asn-Asp-Ala-Asn-Lys-Lys-Gln-Gly-Ile (SEQ ID No: 10) for Moraxella catarrhalis strain 4223 or containing the corresponding amino acid sequence from other Moraxella strains.

5. The protein of claim 1 which is at least about 70 wt % pure.

6. The protein of claim 5 which is at least about 95 wt % pure.

7. The protein of claim 1 in the form of an aqueous solution thereof.

8. The protein of claim 1 recognizable by an antibody preparation specific for a peptide having the amino acid sequence of NH2-Asn-Val-Lys-Ser-Val-Ile-Asn-Lys-Glu-Gln-Val-Asn-Asp-Ala-Asn-Lys-Lys-Gln-Gly-Ile (SEQ ID No: 10).

9. The protein of claim 1 having substantially the amino acid composition as shown in Table III.

10. A purified and isolated nucleic acid molecule encoding an outer membrane protein of a strain of Moraxella having a molecular mass of about 200 kDa, as determined by SDS-PAGE, or a fragment or an analog of the outer membrane protein.

11. The nucleic acid molecule of claim 10, wherein the strain of Moraxella is a strain of Moraxella catarrhalis.

12. The nucleic acid molecule of claim 11, wherein the strain is Moraxella catarrhalis 4223.

13. The nucleic acid molecule of claim 10, wherein the encoded protein contains the amino acid sequence NH2-Asn-Val-Lys-Ser-Val-Ile-Asn-Lys-Glu-Gln-Val-Asn-Asp-Ala-Asn-Lys-Lys-Gln-Gly-Ile (SEQ ID No: 10) for Moraxella catarrhalis strain 4223 or contains the corresponding amino acid sequence from other Moraxella strains.

14. A purified and isolated nucleic acid molecule having a sequence selected from the group consisting of: (a) a DNA sequence as set out in FIG. 6 (SEQ ID Nos: 1 and 2), or the complementary sequence thereto; (b) a DNA sequence encoding a 200 kDa protein of a strain of Moraxella and containing the amino acid sequence NH2-Asn-Val-Lys-Ser-Val-Ile-Asn-Lys-Glu-Gln-Val-Asn-Asp-Ala-Asn-Lys-Lys-Gln-Gly-Ile (SEQ ID No: 10), or the complementary sequence thereto; (c) a DNA sequence encoding a deduced amino acid sequence as set out in FIG. 6 (SEQ ID No: 3), or the complimentary sequence thereto; and (d) a nucleotide sequence which hybridizes under stringent conditions to any one of the sequences defined in (a), (b) or (c).

15. The nucleic acid molecule of claim 14, wherein the nucleotide sequence defined in (d) has at least about 90% sequence identity with any one of the sequences defined in (a), (b) or (c).

16. A vector adapted for transformation of a host comprising the nucleic acid molecule of claim 10 or 14.

17. An expression vector adapted for transformation of a host comprising the nucleic acid molecule of claim 10 or 14 and expression means operatively coupled to the nucleic acid molecule for expression by the host of said outer membrane protein of a strain of Moraxella or the fragment or the analog of the outer membrane protein.

18. The expression vector of claim 17, wherein the expression means includes a nucleic acid portion encoding a leader sequence for secretion from the host of the outer membrane protein or the fragment or the analog of the outer membrane protein.

19. The expression vector of claim 17, wherein the expression means includes a nucleic acid portion encoding a lipidation signal for expression from the host of a lipidated form of the outer membrane protein or the fragment or the analog of the outer membrane protein.

20. A transformed host containing an expression vector as claimed in claim 17.

21. A recombinant outer membrane protein or fragment or analog thereof producible by the transformed host of claim 20.

22. A live vector for delivery of an outer membrane protein of a strain of Moraxella having a molecular weight of about 200 kDa or a fragment or analog thereof to a host, comprising a vector containing the nucleic acid molecule of claim 10 or 14.

23. The live vector of claim 21, wherein the vector is selected from the group consisting of E. coli, Salmonella, Mycobacteria, adenovirus, poxvirus, vaccinia and poliovirus.

24. A peptide having no less than six amino acids and no more than 150 amino acids and containing an amino acid sequence corresponding to a portion only of an outer membrane protein of a strain of Moraxella having a molecular mass of about 200 kDa, as determined by SDS-PAGE, or a fragment or of an analog of the outer membrane protein.

25. The peptide of claim 24, wherein the Moraxella strain is a Moraxella catarrhalis strain.

26. The peptide of claim 25, wherein the strain is Moraxella catarrhalis 4223.

27. The peptide of claim 24 having the amino acid sequence NH2-Asn-Val-Lys-Ser-Val-Ile-Asn-Lys-Glu-Gln-Val-Asn-Asp-Ala-Asn-Lys-x-Gln-Gly-Ile (SEQ ID No: 5) or NH2-Asn-Val-Lys-Ser-Val-lle-Asn-Lys-Glu-Gln-Val-Asn-Asp-Ala-Asn-Lys (SEQ ID No: 6) for the Moraxella catarrhalis 4223 strain or the amino acid sequence for the corresponding peptide for other strains of Moraxella.

28. An immunogenic composition, comprising at least one active component selected from the group consisting of: (A) an isolated and purified outer membrane protein of a Moraxella strain having a molecular mass of about 200 kDa, as determined by SDS-PAGE, or a fragment or an analog thereof; (B) a purified and isolated nucleic acid molecule encoding an outer membrane protein of a strain of Moraxella having a molecular mass of about 200 kDa, as determined by SDS-PAGE or a fragment or an analog thereof; (C) a purified and isolated nucleic acid molecule having a sequence selected from the group consisting of: (a) a DNA sequence set out in FIG. 6 (SEQ ID No: 1 or 2), or the complementary sequence thereto; (b) a DNA sequence encoding an about 200 kDa protein of a strain of Moraxella and containing the amino acid sequence NH2-Asn-Val-Lys-Ser-Val-Ile-Asn-Lys-Glu-Gln-Val-Asn-Asp-Ala-Asn-Lys-Lys-Gln-Gly-Ile (SEQ ID No: 10), or the complementary sequence thereto; (c) a DNA sequence encoding an amino acid sequence as set forth in FIG. 6 (SEQ ID No: 3), or the complimentary sequence thereto; and (d) a nucleotide sequence which hybridizes under stringent conditions to any one of the sequences defined in (a), (b) or (c); (D) a recombinant outer membrane protein or fragment or analog thereof producible in a transformed host containing an expression vector comprising a nucleic acid molecule as defined in (B) or (C) and expression means operatively coupled to the nucleic acid molecule for expression by the host of the recombinant outer membrane protein or fragment or analog thereof; (E) a live vector, comprising a vector containing a purified and isolated nucleic acid molecule encoding a protein of a strain of Moraxella having a molecular mass of about 200 kDa, as determined by SDS-PAGE, or a fragment or analog thereof; (F) a live vector, comprising a vector containing a purified and isolated nucleic acid molecule having a sequence selected from the group consisting of: (a) a DNA sequence as set out in FIG. 6 (SEQ ID No: 1), or the complementary sequence thereto; (b) a DNA sequence encoding an about 200 kDa protein of a strain of Moraxella and containing the amino acid sequence NH2-Asn-Val-Lys-Ser-Val-Ile-Asn-Lys-Glu-Gln-Val-Asn-Asp-Ala-Asn-Lys-Lys-Gln-Gly-Ile (SEQ ID No: 10), or the complementary sequence thereto; (c) a DNA sequence encoding an amino acid sequence as set forth in FIG. 6 (SEQ ID No: 3), or the complimentary sequence thereto; and (d) a nucleotide sequence which hybridizes under stringent conditions to any one of the sequences defined in (a), (b) or (c); and (G) a peptide having no less than six amino acids and no more than 150 amino acids and containing an amino acid sequence corresponding to a portion only of an outer membrane protein of a strain of Moraxella having a molecular mass of about 200 kDa, as determined by SDS-PAGE, or of an analog of the outer membrane protein; and a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier therefor, said at least one active component producing an immune response when administered to a host.

29. The immunogenic composition of claim 28 formulated as a vaccine for in vivo administration to a host to confer protection against disease caused by a strain of Moraxella.

30. The immunogenic composition of claim 29 wherein the strain is Moraxella catarrhalis.

31. The immunogenic composition of claim 29 formulated as a microparticle, capsule, ISCOM, or liposome preparation.

32. The immunogenic composition of claim 29 in combination with a targeting molecule for delivery to specific cells of the immune system or to mucosal surfaces.

33. The immunogenic composition of claim 29 further comprising at least one other immunogenic or immunostimulating material.

34. The immunogenic composition of claim 33 wherein the at least one other immunostimulating material is at least one adjuvant.

35. The immunogenic composition of claim 34 wherein the at least one adjuvant is selected from the group consisting of aluminum phosphate, aluminum hydroxide, QS21, Quil A, derivatives and components thereof, ISCOM matrix, calcium phosphate, calcium hydroxide, zinc hydroxide, a glycolipid analog, an octodecyl ester of an amino acid, a muramyl dipeptide, polyphosphazene, ISCOPREP, DC-chol, DDBA and a lipoprotein.

36. The immunogenic composition of claim 35 wherein the host is a primate.

37. The immunogenic composition of claim 36 wherein the primate is a human.