Leishmania antigens for use in the therapy and diagnosis of leishmaniasis

Abstract

Compositions and methods for preventing, treating and detecting leishmaniasis and stimulating immune responses in patients are disclosed. The compounds provided include polypeptides that contain at least an immunogenic portion of one or more Leishmania antigens, or a variant thereof. Vaccines and pharmaceutical compositions comprising such polypeptides, or polynucleotides encoding such polypeptides, are also provided and may be used, for example, for the prevention and therapy of leishmaniasis, as well as for the detection of Leishmania infection.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0002] The present invention relates generally to compositions and methods for preventing, treating and detecting leishmaniasis, and for stimulating immune responses in patients. The invention is more particularly related to polypeptides comprising an immunogenic portion of a Leishmania antigen or a variant thereof, and to vaccines and pharmaceutical compositions comprising one or more such polypeptides. The vaccines and pharmaceutical compositions may be used, for example, for the prevention and therapy of leishmaniasis, as well as for the detection of Leishmania infection.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0003] Leishmania organisms are intracellular protozoan parasites of macrophages that cause a wide range of clinical diseases in humans and domestic animals, primarily dogs. In some infections, the parasite may lie dormant for many years. In other cases, the host may develop one of a variety of forms of leishmaniasis. For example, the disease may be asymptomatic or may be manifested as subclinical visceral leishmaniasis, which is characterized by mild symptoms of malaise, diarrhea and intermittent hepatomegaly. Patients with subclinical or asymptomatic disease usually have low antibody titers, making the disease difficult to detect with standard techniques. Alternatively, leishmaniasis may be manifested as a cutaneous disease, which is a severe medical problem but is generally self- limiting, or as a highly destructive mucosal disease, which is not self-limiting. Finally, and most seriously, the disease may be manifested as an acute visceral infection involving the spleen, liver and lymph nodes, which, untreated, is generally a fatal disease. Symptoms of acute visceral leishmaniasis include hepatosplenomegaly, fever, leukopenia, anemia and hypergammaglobulinemia.

[0004] Leishmaniasis is a serious problem in much of the world, including Brazil, China, East Africa, India and areas of the Middle East. The disease is also endemic in the Mediterranean region, including southern France, Italy, Greece, Spain, Portugal and North Africa. The number of cases of leishmaniasis has increased dramatically in the last 20 years, and millions of cases of this disease now exist worldwide. About 2 million new cases are diagnosed each year, 25% of which are visceral leishmaniasis. There are, however, no vaccines or effective treatments currently available.

[0005] Accurate diagnosis of leishmaniasis is frequently difficult to achieve. There are 20 species of Leishmania that infect humans, including L. donovani, L. chagasi, L. infantum, L. major, L. amazonensis, L. braziliensis, L. panamensis, L. mexicana, L. tropica, and L. guyanensis, and there are no distinctive signs or symptoms that unambiguously indicate the presence of Leishmania infection. Parasite detection methods have been used, but such methods are neither sensitive nor clinically practical. Current skin tests typically use whole or lysed parasites. Such tests are generally insensitive, irreproducible and prone to cross-reaction with a variety of other diseases. In addition, the preparations employed in such tests are often unstable. Thus, there is a need for improved methods for the detection of Leishmania infection.

[0006] Current experimental vaccines consisting of whole organisms have not proven effective in humans. Accordingly, there remains a need in the art for vaccines to prevent leishmaniasis in humans and dogs, and for improved therapeutic compositions for the treatment of leishmaniasis.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0007] Briefly stated, the present invention provides compositions and methods for preventing, treating and detecting leishmaniasis, as well as for stimulating immune responses in patients. In one aspect, polypeptides are provided which comprise at least an immunogenic portion of a Leishmania antigen, or a variant of such an antigen that differs only in conservative substitutions and/or modifications. In specific embodiments of the invention, the Leishmania antigen comprises an amino acid sequence selected from the group consisting of SEQ ID NO: 2, 4, 20, 22, 24, 26, 36-38, 41, 50-53, 82, 104, 106, 108, 110, 112 and 118-122,. DNA sequences encoding the above polypeptides, recombinant expression vectors comprising these DNA sequences and host cells transformed or transfected with such expression vectors are also provided.

[0008] In further aspects, the present invention provide fusion proteins comprising Leishmania antigens, together with polynucleotides encoding such fusion proteins. In certain specific embodiments, such fusion proteins comprise an amino acid sequence selected from the group consisting of SEQ ID NO: 95, 98 and 99.

[0009] In related aspects, the present invention provides pharmaceutical compositions which comprise one or more of the polypeptides and/or fusion proteins described herein, or a polynucleotide encoding such polypeptides and fusion proteins, and a physiologically acceptable carrier. Vaccines which comprise one or more such polypeptides, fusion proteins or polynucleotides, together with an immunostimulant are also provided. In specific embodiments of these aspects, the Leishmania antigen has an amino acid sequence selected from the group consisting of SEQ ID NO: 2, 4, 20, 22, 24, 26, 36-38, 41, 50-53, 82, 104, 106, 108, 110, 112 and 118-122.

[0010] In still further related embodiments, the pharmaceutical compositions and vaccines comprise at least two different polypeptides, each polypeptide comprising an immunogenic portion of a Leishmania antigen having an amino acid sequence selected from the group consisting of sequences recited in SEQ ID NO: 2, 4, 6, 8, 10, 20, 22, 24, 26, 36-38, 41, 50-53, 82, 104, 106, 108, 110, 112 and 118-122, and variants thereof that differ only in conservative substitutions and/or modifications. In other embodiments, the inventive pharmaceutical compositions comprise one or more of the inventive polypeptides in combination with a known Leishmania antigen.

[0011] In yet other related embodiments, the pharmaceutical compositions and vaccines comprise soluble Leishmania antigens.

[0012] In another aspect, the present invention provides methods for inducing protective immunity against leishmaniasis in a patient, comprising administering to a patient a pharmaceutical composition or vaccine as described above.

[0013] In further aspects, methods and diagnostic kits are provided for detecting Leishmania infection in a patient. The methods comprise: (a) contacting dermal cells of a patient with a pharmaceutical composition as described above; and (b) detecting an immune response on the patient's skin, therefrom detecting Leishmania infection in the patient. The diagnostic kits comprise: (a) a pharmaceutical composition as described above; and (b) an apparatus sufficient to contact the pharmaceutical composition with the dermal cells of a patient.

[0014] In further aspects, the present invention provides methods for stimulating a cellular and/or humoral immune response in a patient, comprising administering to a patient a pharmaceutical composition or vaccine as described above.

[0015] In a related aspect, methods are provided for treating a patient afflicted with a disease responsive to IL-12 stimulation, comprising administering to a patient a pharmaceutical composition or vaccine as described above.

[0016] These and other aspects of the present invention will become apparent upon reference to the following detailed description and attached drawings. All references disclosed herein are hereby incorporated by reference in their entirety as if each was incorporated individually.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0017] FIG. 1 shows the stimulation of proliferation of T-cells obtained from L. donovani-immunized BALB/c mice (represented by stimulation index) by L. donovani-infected macrophages after incubation for 24, 48 and 72 hours.

[0018] FIG. 2 illustrates representative HPLC profiles of peptides isolated from MHC class II molecules of P388D1 macrophages. Panel A shows peptides isolated from uninfected macrophages and panel B shows peptides isolated from L. donovani infected macrophages. The arrows in panel B indicate peptide peaks present only in the infected macrophage preparation.

[0019] FIG. 3 illustrates the expression and purification of the Leishmania antigen Ldp23 as a recombinant fusion protein. Panel A shows a Coomassie blue-stained SDS-PAGE gel of lysed E. coli without (lane 1) and with (lane 2) IPTG induction of Ldp23 expression. Arrow indicates the recombinant fusion protein. Panel B shows the fusion protein following excision from a preparative SDS-PAGE gel, electroelution, dialysis against PBS and analytical SDS-PAGE.

[0020] FIG. 4 presents a Northern blot analysis of total RNA prepared from L. donovani, L. major, L. amazonensis and L. pifanoi with a 32P labeled Ldp23 gene. 1, 2 and 3 refer to RNA obtained from promastigotes at the logarithmic growth phase, promastigotes at the stationary growth phase and amastigote forms, respectively.

[0021] FIG. 5 shows a Western blot analysis of L. donovani promastigote antigens incubated with pre-immune rabbit serum (lane A) or with anti-Ldp23 rabbit antiserum (lane B).

[0022] FIG. 6 illustrates the surface expression of Ldp23 on live L. donovani promastigotes. The dotted line shows the indirect immunofluorescence performed using pre-immune mouse serum and the solid line shows the result obtained with mouse anti-GST-Ldp23 antiserum. Fluorescence intensity was analyzed by FACScan.

[0023] FIG. 7 shows the stimulation of Leishmania-specific T-cell proliferation by Ldp23. The results are presented as relative cell number as a function of fluorescence intensity. T-cells (105/well) were purified from lymph nodes of BALB/c mice immunized in the foot pad with L. donovani promastigotes in CFA and were cultured with various concentrations of the purified recombinant Ldp23 in the presence of 2×105 Mitomycin C-treated normal BALB/c spleen mononuclear cells. Proliferation of T-cells was measured at 27 hours of culture. Values are expressed as cpm and represent the mean of [3H]TdR incorporation of triplicate cultures.

[0024] FIG. 8 illustrates Ldp23-induced cytokine production by lymph node cells of BALB/c mice. Cultures were incubated with varying amounts of Ldp23 or Leishmania lysate, presented as μg/mL, and were assayed by ELISA for the production of interferon-y (panel A) or interleukin-4 (panel B), both of which are shown as ng/mL.

[0025] FIG. 9 shows the PCR amplification of cytokine mRNAs isolated from mucosal leishmaniasis (Panel A) and cutaneous leishmaniasis (panel B) patient PBMC before and after stimulation with representative polypeptides of the present invention. Lanes O and - indicate the level of PCR products at the initiation of culture and after 72 hours of culture, respectively, in the absence of added polypeptide; lanes Lb, 83a and 83b indicate the level of PCR products following culturing of PBMC with L. braziliensis lysate, and the Leishmania antigens Lbhsp83a and Lbhsp83b, respectively.

[0026] FIG. 10 presents a comparison of the levels of interferon-γ (panel A) and TNF-α (panel B) in the supernatants of 72 hour PBMC cultures from Leishmania-infected and control individuals in response to stimulation with parasite lysate or the indicated polypeptides.

[0027] FIG. 11 illustrates the levels of IL-10 p40 (in pg/mL) in the supernatant of PBMC cultures from L. braziliensis-infected individuals and uninfected controls 72 hours following stimulation with parasite promastigote lysate (Lb), Lbhsp83a or Lbhsp83b.

[0028] FIG. 12 presents the reactivities of sera from L. braziliensis infected-patients with representative polypeptides of the present invention in a standard ELISA. Values are expressed as absorbance at 405 nm.

[0029] FIGS. 13A and 13B illustrate the level of secreted IL-4 and IFN-γ (in pg/mL) stimulated in mouse lymph node cultures by the addition of representative polypeptides of the present invention.

[0030] FIG. 14 shows the level of IFN-γ (in pg/mL) secreted by Leishmania-infected and uninfected human PBMC stimulated by the Leishmania antigen M15, as compared to the levels stimulated by L. major lysate and L-Rack, an antigen that does not appear to be recognized by Leishmania-infected humans.

[0031] FIG. 15 shows the level of IFN-γ (in pg/mL) secreted by infected and uninfected human PBMC stimulated by soluble Leishmania antigens (S antigens), as compared to the levels stimulated by L. major lysate and L-Rack.

[0032] FIG. 16 illustrates the proliferation of murine lymph node cultures stimulated by the addition of representative polypeptides of the present invention. Values are expressed as cpm.

[0033] FIG. 17 shows the proliferation of human PBMC, prepared from Leishmania-immune and uninfected individuals, stimulated by M15 as compared to the proliferation stimulated by L. major lysate and L-Rack. Values are expressed as cpm.

[0034] FIG. 18 illustrates the proliferation of human PBMC, prepared from Leishmania-infected and uninfected individuals, stimulated by soluble Leishmania antigens as compared to the proliferation stimulated by culture medium, L. major lysate and L-Rack. Values are expressed as cpm.

[0035] FIG. 19 presents a comparison of a Lbhsp83 sequence (SEQ ID NO:6) with homologous sequences from L. amazonensis (Lahsp83) (SEQ ID NO:16), T. cruzi (Tchsp83) (SEQ ID NO:17) and humans (Huhsp89) (SEQ ID NO:18).

[0036] FIG. 20 illustrates the reactivity of rabbit sera raised against soluble Leishmania antigens with Leishmania promastigote lysate (lane 1) and soluble Leishmania antigens (lane 2).

[0037] FIG. 21 shows the cDNA and predicted amino acid sequence for the Leishmania antigen Lmsp1a.

[0038] FIG. 22 shows a Southern blot of genomic DNA from L. major digested with a panel of restriction enzymes (lanes 1 to 7) and six other Leishmania species digested with PstI (lanes 8 to 13) probed with the full-length cDNA insert of Lmspla.

[0039] FIG. 23 shows a Southern blot of genomic DNA from L. major digested with a panel of restriction enzymes, six other Leishmania species digested with PstI and the infectious pathogens T. cruzi and T. brucei, probed with the full-length cDNA insert of the Leishmania antigen MAPS-1A.

[0040] FIG. 24 illustrates the proliferation of PBMC isolated from uninfected-individuals, patients with active mucosal leishmaniasis and patients post kala-azar infection, stimulated by MAPS-1A.

[0041] FIG. 25 illustrates the proliferation of murine lymph node cultures stimulated by MAPS-1A.

[0042] FIG. 26 illustrates the reactivity of MAPS-1A with sera from human leishmaniasis patients.

[0043] FIG. 27 illustrates the reactivity of MAPS-1A with sera from mice immunized against and/or infected with leishmaniasis.

[0044] FIG. 28 illustrates the effectiveness of immunization with either soluble Leishmania antigens or a mixture of Ldp23, LbeiF4A and M15 plus adjuvant in conferring protection against infection (as measured by footpad swelling) in a murine leishmaniasis model system, as compared to the administration of adjuvant alone.

[0045] FIG. 29 illustrates the effectiveness of immunization with MAPS-1A plus adjuvant in conferring protection against infection (as measured by footpad swelling) in a murine leishmaniasis model system, as compared to the administration of adjuvant alone.

[0046] FIGS. 30A and B illustrate the proliferation of murine lymph node cultures stimulated with either LcgSP8, LcgSP10 or LcgSP3.

[0047] FIG. 31 illustrates the effectiveness of immunization with soluble Leishmania antigens, MAPS-1A and M15 plus adjuvant, IL-12, in conferring protection against infection (as measured by footpad swelling) in a murine leishmaniasis model system, as compared to the administration of adjuvant IL-12 alone.

[0048] FIG. 32 illustrates the effectiveness of immunization with M15 DNA and MAPS-1A DNA in conferring protection against infection (as measured by footpad swelling) in a murine leishmaniasis model system, as compared to control DNA and saline.

[0049] FIG. 33 illustrates the effectiveness of immunization with Leishmania fusion proteins plus IL-12 as adjuvant, in conferring protection against infection in a murine leishmaniasis model system.

[0050] FIG. 34 illustrates the effectiveness of immunization with Leishmania fusion proteins plus the adjuvant MPL-SE, in conferring protection against infection in a murine leishmaniasis model system.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0051] As noted above, the present invention is generally directed to compositions and methods for preventing, treating and detecting leishmaniasis, as well as for stimulating immune responses in patients. The compositions of the subject invention include polypeptides that comprise at least an immunogenic portion of a Leishmania antigen, or a variant of such an antigen. In one preferred embodiment, compositions of the present invention include multiple polypeptides selected so as to provide enhanced protection against a variety of Leishmania species.

[0052] Polypeptides within the scope of the present invention include, but are not limited to, polypeptides comprising immunogenic portions of Leishmania antigens comprising the sequences recited in SEQ ID NO:2 (referred to herein as M15), SEQ ID NO:4 (referred to herein as Ldp23), SEQ ID NO:6 (referred to herein as Lbhsp83), SEQ ID NO:8 (referred to herein as Lt-210), SEQ ID NO:10 (referred to herein as LbeIF4A), SEQ ID NO: 20 (referred to herein as Lmspla), SEQ ID NO: 22 (referred to herein as Lmsp9a), SEQ ID NOs: 24 and 26 (referred to herein as MAPS-1A), and SEQ ID NO: 36-38, 41, 50-53, 82, 104, 106, 108, 110, 112 and 118-122. As used herein, the term “polypeptide” encompasses amino acid chains of any length, including full length proteins (i.e., antigens), wherein the amino acid residues are linked by covalent bonds. Thus, a polypeptide comprising an immunogenic portion of one of the above antigens may consist entirely of the immunogenic portion, or may contain additional sequences. The additional sequences may be derived from the native Leishmania antigen or may be heterologous, and such sequences may (but need not) be immunogenic. An antigen “having” a particular sequence is an antigen that contains, within its full length sequence, the recited sequence. The native antigen may, or may not, contain additional amino acid sequence.

[0053] An immunogenic portion of a Leishmania antigen is a portion that is capable of eliciting an immune response (i.e., cellular and/or humoral) in a presently or previously Leishmania-infected patient (such as a human or a dog) and/or in cultures of lymph node cells or peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) isolated from presently or previously Leishmania-infected individuals. The cells in which a response is elicited may comprise a mixture of cell types or may contain isolated component cells (including, but not limited to, T-cells, NK cells, macrophages, monocytes and/or B cells). In particular, immunogenic portions are capable of inducing T-cell proliferation and/or a dominantly Th1-type cytokine response (e.g., IL-2, IFN-γ, and/or TNF-α production by T-cells and/or NK cells; and/or IL-12 production by monocytes, macrophages and/or B cells). Immunogenic portions of the antigens described herein may generally be identified using techniques known to those of ordinary skill in the art, including the representative methods provided herein.

[0054] The compositions and methods of the present invention also encompass variants of the above polypeptides. A polypeptide “variant,” as used herein, is a polypeptide that differs from a native protein in one or more substitutions, deletions, additions and/or insertions, such that the immunogenicity of the polypeptide is not substantially diminished. In other words, the ability of a variant to react with antigen-specific antisera may be enhanced or unchanged, relative to the native protein, or may be diminished by less than 50%, and preferably less than 20%, relative to the native protein. Such variants may generally be identified by modifying one of the above polypeptide sequences and evaluating the reactivity of the modified polypeptide with antigen-specific antibodies or antisera as described herein. Preferred variants include those in which one or more portions, such as an N-terminal leader sequence or transmembrane domain, have been removed. Other preferred variants include variants in which a small portion (e.g., 1-30 amino acids, preferably 5-15 amino acids) has been removed from the N- and/or C-terminal of the mature protein.

[0055] Polypeptide variants encompassed by the present invention include those exhibiting at least about 70%, 75%, 80%, 85%, 90%, 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, 99% or more identity (determined as described below) to the polypeptides disclosed herein.

[0056] Preferably, a variant contains conservative substitutions. A “conservative substitution” is one in which an amino acid is substituted for another amino acid that has similar properties, such that one skilled in the art of peptide chemistry would expect the secondary structure and hydropathic nature of the polypeptide to be substantially unchanged. Amino acid substitutions may generally be made on the basis of similarity in polarity, charge, solubility, hydrophobicity, hydrophilicity and/or the amphipathic nature of the residues. For example, negatively charged amino acids include aspartic acid and glutamic acid; positively charged amino acids include lysine and arginine; and amino acids with uncharged polar head groups having similar hydrophilicity values include leucine, isoleucine and valine; glycine and alanine; asparagine and glutamine; and serine, threonine, phenylalanine and tyrosine. Other groups of amino acids that may represent conservative changes include: (1) ala, pro, gly, glu, asp, gln, asn, ser, thr; (2) cys, ser, tyr, thr; (3) val, ile, leu, met, ala, phe; (4) lys, arg, his; and (5) phe, tyr, trp, his. A variant may also, or alternatively, contain nonconservative changes. In a preferred embodiment, variant polypeptides differ from a native sequence by substitution, deletion or addition of five amino acids or fewer. Variants may also (or alternatively) be modified by, for example, the deletion or addition of amino acids that have minimal influence on the immunogenicity, secondary structure and hydropathic nature of the polypeptide.

[0057] Polynucleotides may comprise a native sequence (i.e., an endogenous sequence that encodes a protein or a portion thereof) or may comprise a variant, or a biological or antigenic functional equivalent of such a sequence. Polynucleotide variants may contain one or more substitutions, additions, deletions and/or insertions, as further described below, preferably such that the immunogenicity of the encoded polypeptide is not diminished, relative to a native tumor protein. The effect on the immunogenicity of the encoded polypeptide may generally be assessed as described herein. The term “variants” also encompasses homologous genes of xenogenic origin.

[0058] When comparing polynucleotide or polypeptide sequences, two sequences are said to be “identical” if the sequence of nucleotides or amino acids in the two sequences is the same when aligned for maximum correspondence, as described below. Comparisons between two sequences are typically performed by comparing the sequences over a comparison window to identify and compare local regions of sequence similarity. A “comparison window” as used herein, refers to a segment of at least about 20 contiguous positions, usually 30 to about 75, 40 to about 50, in which a sequence may be compared to a reference sequence of the same number of contiguous positions after the two sequences are optimally aligned.

[0059] Optimal alignment of sequences for comparison may be conducted using the Megalign program in the Lasergene suite of bioinformatics software (DNASTAR, Inc., Madison, Wis.), using default parameters. This program embodies several alignment schemes described in the following references: Dayhoff, M. O. (1978) A model of evolutionary change in proteins—Matrices for detecting distant relationships. In Dayhoff, M. O. (ed.) Atlas of Protein Sequence and Structure, National Biomedical Research Foundation, Washington D.C. Vol. 5, Suppl. 3, pp. 345-358; Hein J. (1990) Unified Approach to Alignment and Phylogenes pp. 626-645 Methods in Enzymology vol. 183, Academic Press, Inc., San Diego, Calif.; Higgins, D. G. and Sharp, P. M. (1989) CABIOS 5:151-153; Myers, E. W. and Muller W. (1988) CABIOS 4:11-17; Robinson, E. D. (1971) Comb. Theor 11:105; Santou, N. Nes, M. (1987) Mol. Biol. Evol. 4:406-425; Sneath, P. H. A. and Sokal, R. R. (1973) Numerical Taxonomy—the Principles and Practice of Numerical Taxonomy, Freeman Press, San Francisco, Calif.; Wilbur, W. J. and Lipman, D. J. (1983) Proc. Natl. Acad., Sci. USA 80:726-730.

[0060] Alternatively, optimal alignment of sequences for comparison may be conducted by the local identity algorithm of Smith and Waterman (1981) Add. APL. Math 2:482, by the identity alignment algorithm of Needleman and Wunsch (1970) J. Mol. Biol. 48:443, by the search for similarity methods of Pearson and Lipman (1988) Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA 85: 2444, by computerized implementations of these algorithms (GAP, BESTFIT, BLAST, FASTA, and TFASTA in the Wisconsin Genetics Software Package, Genetics Computer Group (GCG), 575 Science Dr., Madison, Wis.), or by inspection.

[0061] One preferred example of algorithms that are suitable for determining percent sequence identity and sequence similarity are the BLAST and BLAST 2.0 algorithms, which are described in Altschul et al. (1977) Nucl. Acids Res. 25:3389-3402 and Altschul et al. (1990) J. Mol. Biol. 215:403-410, respectively. BLAST and BLAST 2.0 can be used, for example with the parameters described herein, to determine percent sequence identity for the polynucleotides and polypeptides of the invention. Software for performing BLAST analyses is publicly available through the National Center for Biotechnology Information. In one illustrative example, cumulative scores can be calculated using, for nucleotide sequences, the parameters M (reward score for a pair of matching residues; always >0) and N (penalty score for mismatching residues; always <0). For amino acid sequences, a scoring matrix can be used to calculate the cumulative score. Extension of the word hits in each direction are halted when: the cumulative alignment score falls off by the quantity X from its maximum achieved value; the cumulative score goes to zero or below, due to the accumulation of one or more negative-scoring residue alignments; or the end of either sequence is reached. The BLAST algorithm parameters W, T and X determine the sensitivity and speed of the alignment. The BLASTN program (for nucleotide sequences) uses as defaults a wordlength (W) of 11, and expectation (E) of 10, and the BLOSUM62 scoring matrix (see Henikoff and Henikoff (1989) Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA 89:10915) alignments, (B) of 50, expectation (E) of 10, M=5, N=-4 and a comparison of both strands.

[0062] Preferably, the “percentage of sequence identity” is determined by comparing two optimally aligned sequences over a window of comparison of at least 20 positions, wherein the portion of the polynucleotide or polypeptide sequence in the comparison window may comprise additions or deletions (i.e., gaps) of 20 percent or less, usually 5 to 15 percent, or 10 to 12 percent, as compared to the reference sequences (which does not comprise additions or deletions) for optimal alignment of the two sequences. The percentage is calculated by determining the number of positions at which the identical nucleic acid bases or amino acid residue occurs in both sequences to yield the number of matched positions, dividing the number of matched positions by the total number of positions in the reference sequence (i.e., the window size) and multiplying the results by 100 to yield the percentage of sequence identity.

[0063] Therefore, the present invention encompasses polynucleotide and polypeptide sequences having substantial identity to the sequences disclosed herein, for example those comprising at least 50% sequence identity, preferably at least 55%, 60%, 65%, 70%, 75%, 80%, 85%, 90%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, or 99% or higher, sequence identity compared to a polynucleotide or polypeptide sequence of this invention using the methods described herein, (e.g., BLAST analysis using standard parameters, as described below). One skilled in this art will recognize that these values can be appropriately adjusted to determine corresponding identity of proteins encoded by two nucleotide sequences by taking into account codon degeneracy, amino acid similarity, reading frame positioning and the like.

[0064] In additional embodiments, the present invention provides isolated polynucleotides and polypeptides comprising various lengths of contiguous stretches of sequence identical to or complementary to one or more of the sequences disclosed herein. For example, polynucleotides are provided by this invention that comprise at least about 15, 20, 30, 40, 50, 75, 100, 150, 200, 300, 400, 500 or 1000 or more contiguous nucleotides of one or more of the sequences disclosed herein as well as all intermediate lengths there between. It will be readily understood that “intermediate lengths”, in this context, means any length between the quoted values, such as 16, 17, 18, 19, etc.; 21, 22, 23, etc.; 30, 31, 32, etc.; 50, 51, 52, 53, etc.; 100, 101, 102, 103, etc.; 150, 151, 152, 153, etc.; including all integers through 200-500; 500-1,000, and the like.

[0065] The polynucleotides of the present invention, or fragments thereof, regardless of the length of the coding sequence itself, may be combined with other DNA sequences, such as promoters, polyadenylation signals, additional restriction enzyme sites, multiple cloning sites, other coding segments, and the like, such that their overall length may vary considerably. It is therefore contemplated that a nucleic acid fragment of almost any length may be employed, with the total length preferably being limited by the ease of preparation and use in the intended recombinant DNA protocol. For example, illustrative DNA segments with total lengths of about 10,000, about 5000, about 3000, about 2,000, about 1,000, about 500, about 200, about 100, about 50 base pairs in length, and the like, (including all intermediate lengths) are contemplated to be useful in many implementations of this invention.

[0066] In other embodiments, the present invention is directed to polynucleotides that are capable of hybridizing under moderately stringent conditions to a polynucleotide sequence provided herein, or a fragment thereof, or a complementary sequence thereof. Hybridization techniques are well known in the art of molecular biology. For purposes of illustration, suitable moderately stringent conditions for testing the hybridization of a polynucleotide of this invention with other polynucleotides include prewashing in a solution of 5× SSC, 0.5% SDS, 1.0 mM EDTA (pH 8.0); hybridizing at 50° C-65° C., 5× SSC, overnight; followed by washing twice at 65° C. for 20 minutes with each of 2×, 0.5× and 0.2× SSC containing 0.1% SDS.

[0067] Moreover, it will be appreciated by those of ordinary skill in the art that, as a result of the degeneracy of the genetic code, there are many nucleotide sequences that encode a polypeptide as described herein. Some of these polynucleotides bear minimal homology to the nucleotide sequence of any native gene. Nonetheless, polynucleotides that vary due to differences in codon usage are specifically contemplated by the present invention. Further, alleles of the genes comprising the polynucleotide sequences provided herein are within the scope of the present invention. Alleles are endogenous genes that are altered as a result of one or more mutations, such as deletions, additions and/or substitutions of nucleotides. The resulting mRNA and protein may, but need not, have an altered structure or function. Alleles may be identified using standard techniques (such as hybridization, amplification and/or database sequence comparison).

[0068] “Polypeptides” as described herein also include combination polypeptides, also referred to as fusion proteins. A “combination polypeptide” is a polypeptide comprising at least one of the above immunogenic portions and one or more additional immunogenic Leishmania sequences, which are joined via a peptide linkage into a single amino acid chain. The sequences may be joined directly (i.e., with no intervening amino acids) or may be joined by way of a linker sequence (e.g., Gly-Cys-Gly) that does not significantly diminish the immunogenic properties of the component polypeptides.

[0069] Fusion proteins may generally be prepared using standard techniques, including chemical conjugation. Preferably, a fusion protein is expressed as a recombinant protein, allowing the production of increased levels, relative to a non-fused protein, in an expression system. Briefly, DNA sequences encoding the polypeptide components may be assembled separately, and ligated into an appropriate expression vector. The 3′ end of the DNA sequence encoding one polypeptide component is ligated, with or without a peptide linker, to the 5′ end of a DNA sequence encoding the second polypeptide component so that the reading frames of the sequences are in frame. This permits translation into a single fusion protein that retains the biological activity of both component polypeptides.

[0070] A peptide linker sequence may be employed to separate the first and the second polypeptide components by a distance sufficient to ensure that each polypeptide folds into its secondary and tertiary structures. Such a peptide linker sequence is incorporated into the fusion protein using standard techniques well known in the art. Suitable peptide linker sequences may be chosen based on the following factors: (1) their ability to adopt a flexible extended conformation; (2) their inability to adopt a secondary structure that could interact with functional epitopes on the first and second polypeptides; and (3) the lack of hydrophobic or charged residues that might react with the polypeptide functional epitopes. Preferred peptide linker sequences contain Gly, Asn and Ser residues. Other near neutral amino acids, such as Thr and Ala may also be used in the linker sequence. Amino acid sequences which may be usefully employed as linkers include those disclosed in Maratea et al., Gene 40:39-46, 1985; Murphy et al., Proc. Natl. Acad Sci. USA 83:8258-8262, 1986; U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,935,233 and 4,751,180. The linker sequence may generally be from 1 to about 50 amino acids in length. Linker sequences are not required when the first and second polypeptides have non-essential N-terminal amino acid regions that can be used to separate the functional domains and prevent steric interference.

[0071] The ligated DNA sequences are operably linked to suitable transcriptional or translational regulatory elements. The regulatory elements responsible for expression of DNA are located only 5′ to the DNA sequence encoding the first polypeptides. Similarly, stop codons required to end translation and transcription termination signals are only present 3′ to the DNA sequence encoding the second polypeptide. The preparation of fusion proteins of Leishmania antigens is described in detail below in Example 19.

[0072] In general, Leishmania antigens having immunogenic properties, and DNA sequences encoding such antigens, may be prepared using any of a variety of procedures from one or more Leishmania species including, but not limited to, L. donovani, L. chagasi, L. infantum, L. major, L. amazonensis, L. braziliensis, L. panamensis, L. mexicana, L. tropica, and L. guyanensis. Such species are available, for example, from the American Type Culture Collection (ATCC), Rockville, Md. For example, peptides isolated from MHC class II molecules of macrophages infected with a Leishmania species may be used to rescue the corresponding Leishmania donor antigens. MHC class II molecules are expressed mainly by cells of the immune system, including macrophages. These molecules present peptides, which are usually 13-17 amino acids long, derived from foreign antigens that are degraded in cellular vesicles. The bound peptide antigens are then recognized by CD4 T-cells. Accordingly, foreign peptides isolated from MHC class II molecules of, for example, Leishmania-infected murine macrophages may be used to identify immunogenic Leishmania proteins.

[0073] Briefly, peptides derived from Leishmania antigens may be isolated by comparing the reverse phase HPLC profile of peptides extracted from infected macrophages with the profile of peptides extracted from uninfected cells. Peptides giving rise to distinct HPLC peaks unique to infected macrophages may then be sequenced using, for example, Edman chemistry as described in Edman and Berg, Eur J Biochem, 80:116-132 (1967). A DNA fragment corresponding to a portion of a Leishmania gene encoding the peptide may then be amplified from a Leishmania cDNA library using an oligonucleotide sense primer derived from the peptide sequence and an oligo dT antisense primer. The resulting DNA fragment may then be used as a probe to screen a Leishmania library for a full length cDNA or genomic clone that encodes the Leishmania antigen. Such screens may generally be performed using techniques well known to those of ordinary skill in the art, such as those described in Sambrook et al., Molecular Cloning: 4 Laboratory Manual, Cold Spring Harbor Laboratories, Cold Spring Harbor, N.Y. (1989).

[0074] This approach may be used to identify a 23 kD Leishmania donovani antigen (referred to herein as Ldp23). The sequence of a polynucleotide encoding Ldp23 is provided in SEQ ID NO:3 and the amino acid sequence of Ldp23 is provided in SEQ ID NO:4. Using the methods described herein, Ldp23 has been shown to induce a Th1 immune response in T-cells prepared from Leishmania-infected mice.

[0075] Alternatively, a Leishmania cDNA or genomic expression library may be screened with serum from a Leishmania-infected individual, using techniques well known to those of ordinary skill in the art. Polynucleotides encoding reactive antigens may then be used to express the recombinant antigen for purification. The immunogenic properties of the purified Leishmania antigens may then be evaluated using, for example the representative methods described herein.

[0076] For example, sera from Leishmania-infected mice may be used to screen a cDNA library prepared from Leishmania amastigotes. Reactive clones may then be expressed and recombinant proteins assayed for the ability to stimulate T-cells or NK cells derived from Leishmania-immune individuals (i.e., individuals having evidence of infection, as documented by positive serological reactivity with Leishmania-specific antibodies and/or a Leishmania-specific DTH response, without clinical symptoms of leishmaniasis). This procedure may be used to obtain a recombinant polynucleotide encoding the Leishmania antigen designated M15. The sequence of such a polynucleotide is provided in SEQ ID NO:1, and the amino acid sequence of the encoded protein is provided in SEQ ID NO:2.

[0077] A similar approach may be used to isolate a genomic polynucleotide encoding an immunogenic Leishmania braziliensis antigen, referred to herein as Lbhsp83. More specifically, a genomic clone encoding Lbhsp83 may be isolated by screening a L. braziliensis expression library with sera from a Leishmania-infected individual. The DNA encoding Lbhsp83 is homologous to the gene encoding the eukaryotic 83 kD heat shock protein. The sequence of a polynucleotide encoding nearly all of Lbhsp83 is presented in SEQ ID NO:5, and the encoded amino acid sequence is provided in SEQ ID NO:6. Using the methods described below, Lbhsp83 has been found to stimulate proliferation, and a mixed Th1 and Th2 cytokine profile, in PBMC isolated from L. braziliensis-infected patients. Accordingly, Lbhsp83 is an immunogenic Leishmania antigen. Regions of Lbhsp83 that are not conserved with the mammalian gene have been found to be particularly potent for T-cell stimulation and antibody binding. Such regions may be identified, for example, by visual inspection of the sequence comparison provided in FIG. 19.

[0078] This approach may also be used to isolate a polynucleotide encoding a 210 kD immunogenic L. tropica antigen, referred to herein as Lt-210. The preparation and characterization of Lt-210, and immunogenic portions thereof (such as Lt-1 and immunogenic repeat and non-repeat sequences), is described in detail in U.S. patent application Ser. No. 08/511,872, filed Aug. 4, 1995. The sequence of a polynucleotide encoding Lt-1 is provided in SEQ ID NO:7 and the encoded amino acid sequence is presented in SEQ ID NO:8.

[0079] The above approach may further be used to isolate a polynucleotide encoding a L. braziliensis antigen referred to herein as LbeIF4A. Briefly, such a clone may be isolated by screening a L. braziliensis expression library with sera obtained from a patient afflicted with mucosal leishmaniasis, and analyzing the reactive antigens for the ability to stimulate proliferative responses and preferential Th1 cytokine production in PBMC isolated from Leishmania-infected patients, as described below. The preparation and characterization of LbeIF4A is described in detail in U.S. patent application Ser. Nos. 08/454,036 and 08/488,386, which are continuations-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 08/232,534, filed Apr. 22, 1994. The sequence of a polynucleotide encoding LbeIF4A is provided in SEQ ID NO:9 and the encoded amino acid sequence is presented in SEQ ID NO:10. Homologs of LbeIF4A, such as that found in L. major, may also be isolated using this approach, and are within the scope of the present invention.

[0080] Compositions of the present invention may also, or alternatively, contain soluble Leishmania antigens. As used herein, “soluble Leishmania antigens” refers to a mixture of at least 8 different Leishmania antigens that may be isolated from the supernatant of Leishmania promastigotes of any species grown for 8-12 hours in protein-free medium. Briefly, the organisms are grown to late log phase in complex medium with serum until they reach a density of 2-3×107 viable organisms per mL of medium. The organisms are thoroughly washed to remove medium components and resuspended at 2-3×107 viable organisms per mL of defined serum-free medium consisting of equal parts RPMI 1640 and medium 199, both from Gibco BRL, Gaithersburg, Md. After 8-12 hours, the supernatant containing soluble Leishmania antigens is removed, concentrated 10 fold and dialyzed against phosphate-buffered saline for 24 hours. The presence of at least eight different antigens within the mixture of Leishmania antigens may be confirmed using SDS-PAGE (i.e., through the observation of at least 8 different bands). The immunogenic properties of the soluble Leishmania antigens may be confirmed by evaluating the ability of the preparation to elicit an immune response in cultures of lymph node cells and/or peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) isolated from presently or previously Leishmania-infected individuals. Such an evaluation may be performed as described below.

[0081] Individual antigens present within the mixture of soluble Leishmania antigens may be isolated by immunizing mice or rabbits with Leishmania culture supernatant, containing soluble antigens, and employing the resultant sera to screen a Leishmania cDNA expression library as described in detail below. This procedure may be used to isolate recombinant polynucleotides encoding the L. major antigens referred to herein as Lmsp1a, Lmsp9a and MAPS-1A. DNA sequences encoding Lmsp1a, Lmsp9a and MAPS-1A are provided in SEQ ID NO: 19, 21 and 23, respectively, with the corresponding predicted amino acid sequences being presented in SEQ ID NO: 20, 22 and 24, respectively. Similarly, sera from mice or rabbits immunized with L. major culture supernatant may be used to screen an L. major genomic DNA library. As detailed below, this procedure may be used to isolate polynucleotides encoding the L. major antigens referred to herein as LmgSP1, LmgSP3, LmgSP5, LmgSP8, LmgSP9, LmgSP13, LmgSP19, and polynucleotides encoding the L. chagasi antigens LcgSP1, LcgSP3, LcgSP4, LcgSP8, and LcgSP10. The DNA sequences encoding these antigens are provided in SEQ ID NO:29-35 and 44-48, respectively, with the corresponding amino acid sequences being provided in SEQ ID NO: 36-42 and 49-53. The L. major antigens referred to herein as 1G6-34, 1E6-44, 4A5-63, 1B11-39, 2A10-37, 4G2-83, 4H6-41 and 8G3-100 may be isolated by means of CD4+ T cell expression cloning as described below. DNA sequences encoding these antigens are provided in SEQ ID NO: 72-79, respectively, with the corresponding predicted amino acid sequences being provided in SEQ ID NO: 80-87. The immunogenic properties of the isolated Leishmania antigens may be evaluated using, for example, the representative methods described herein.

[0082] Regardless of the method of preparation, the antigens described herein are immunogenic. In other words, the antigens (and immunogenic portions thereof) are capable of eliciting an immune response in cultures of lymph node cells and/or peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) isolated from presently or previously Leishmania- infected individuals. More specifically, the antigens, and immunogenic portions thereof, have the ability to induce T-cell proliferation and/or to elicit a dominantly Th1-type cytokine response (e.g., IL-2, IFN-γ, and/or TNF-α production by T-cells and/or NK cells; and/or IL-12 production by monocytes, macrophages and/or B cells) in cells isolated from presently or previously Leishmania-infected individuals. A Leishmania-infected individual may be afflicted with a form of leishmaniasis (such as subclinical, cutaneous, mucosal or active visceral) or may be asymptomatic. Such individuals may be identified using methods known to those of ordinary skill in the art. Individuals with leishmaniasis may be identified based on clinical findings associated with at least one of the following: isolation of parasite from lesions, a positive skin test with Leishmania lysate or a positive serological test. Asymptomatic individuals are infected individuals who have no signs or symptoms of the disease. Such individuals can be identified based on a positive serological test and/or skin test with Leishmania lysate.

[0083] The term “PBMC,” which refers to a preparation of nucleated cells consisting primarily of lymphocytes and monocytes that are present in peripheral blood, encompasses both mixtures of cells and preparations of one or more purified cell types. PBMC may be isolated by methods known to those in the art. For example, PBMC may be isolated by density centrifugation through, for example, Ficoll™ (Winthrop Laboratories, New York). Lymph node cultures may generally be prepared by immunizing BALB/c mice (e.g., in the rear foot pad) with Leishmania promastigotes emulsified in complete Freünd's adjuvant. The draining lymph nodes may be excised following immunization and T-cells may be purified in an anti-mouse Ig column to remove the B cells, followed by a passage through a Sephadex G10 column to remove the macrophages. Similarly, lymph node cells may be isolated from a human following biopsy or surgical removal of a lymph node.

[0084] The ability of a polypeptide (e.g., a Leishmania antigen or a portion or other variant thereof) to induce a response in PBMC or lymph node cell cultures may be evaluated by contacting the cells with the polypeptide and measuring a suitable response. In general, the amount of polypeptide that is sufficient for the evaluation of about 2×105 cells ranges from about 10 ng to about 100 μg, and preferably is about 1-10 μg. The incubation of polypeptide with cells is typically performed at 37° C. for about 1-3 days. Following incubation with polypeptide, the cells are assayed for an appropriate response. If the response is a proliferative response, any of a variety of techniques well known to those of ordinary skill in the art may be employed. For example, the cells may be exposed to a pulse of radioactive thymidine and the incorporation of label into cellular DNA measured. In general, a polypeptide that results in at least a three fold increase in proliferation above background (i.e., the proliferation observed for cells cultured without polypeptide) is considered to be able to induce proliferation.

[0085] Alternatively, the response to be measured may be the secretion of one or more cytokines (such as interferon-γ (IFN-γ), interleukin-4 (IL-4), interleukin-12 (p70 and/or p40), interleukin-2 (IL-2) and/or tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) or the change in the level of mRNA encoding one or more specific cytokines. In particular, the secretion of interferon-γ, interleukin-2, tumor necrosis factor-α and/or interleukin-12 is indicative of a Th1 response, which is responsible for the protective effect against Leishmania. Assays for any of the above cytokines may generally be performed using methods known to those of ordinary skill in the art, such as an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Suitable antibodies for use in such assays may be obtained from a variety of sources such as Chemicon, Temucula, Calif. and PharMingen, San Diego, Calif., and may generally be used according to the manufacturer's instructions. The level of mRNA encoding one or more specific cytokines may be evaluated by, for example, amplification by polymerase chain reaction (PCR). In general, a polypeptide that is able to induce, in a preparation of about 1-3×105 cells, the production of 30 pg/mL of IL-12, IL-4, IFN-γ, TNF-α or IL-12 p40, or 10 pg/mL of IL-12 p70, is considered able to stimulate production of a cytokine.

[0086] Immunogenic portions of the antigens described herein may be prepared and identified using well known techniques, such as those summarized in Paul, Fundamental Immunology, 3rd ed., 243-247 (Raven Press, 1993) and references cited therein. Such techniques include screening polypeptides derived from the native antigen for immunogenic properties using, for example, the representative techniques described herein. An immunogenic portion of a polypeptide is a portion that, within such representative assays, generates an immune response (e.g., proliferation and/or cytokine production) that is substantially similar to that generated by the full length antigen. In other words, an immunogenic portion of an antigen may generate at least about 25%, and preferably at least about 50%, of the response generated by the full length antigen in the model ,assays described herein.

[0087] Portions and other variants of immunogenic Leishmania antigens may be generated by synthetic or recombinant means. Synthetic polypeptides having fewer than about 100 amino acids, and generally fewer than about 50 amino acids, may be generated using techniques well known to those of ordinary skill in the art. For example, such polypeptides may be synthesized using any of the commercially available solid-phase techniques, such as the Merrifield solid-phase synthesis method, where amino acids are sequentially added to a growing amino acid chain. See Merrifield, J. Am. Chem. Soc. 85:2149-2146, 1963. Equipment for automated synthesis of polypeptides is commercially available from suppliers such as Perkin Elmer/Applied BioSystemsDivision, Foster City, Calif., and may be operated according to the manufacturer's instructions.

[0088] Recombinant polypeptides containing portions and/or variants of a native antigen may be readily prepared from a DNA sequence encoding the antigen. For example, supernatants from suitable host/vector systems which secrete recombinant protein into culture media may be first concentrated using a commercially available filter. Following concentration, the concentrate may be applied to a suitable purification matrix such as an affinity matrix or an ion exchange resin. Finally, one or more reverse phase HPLC steps can be employed to further purify a recombinant protein.

[0089] In general, any of a variety of expression vectors known to those of ordinary skill in the art may be employed to express recombinant polypeptides of this invention. Expression may be achieved in any appropriate host cell that has been transformed or transfected with an expression vector containing a polynucleotide that encodes a recombinant polypeptide. Suitable host cells include prokaryotes, yeast and higher eukaryotic cells. Preferably, the host cells employed are E. coli, yeast or a mammalian cell line such as COS or CHO. The DNA sequences expressed in this manner may encode naturally occurring antigens, portions of naturally occurring antigens, or other variants thereof. For example, variants of a native antigen may generally be prepared using standard mutagenesis techniques, such as oligonucleotide-directed site-specific mutagenesis, and sections of the DNA sequence may be removed to permit preparation of truncated polypeptides.

[0090] In another aspect, the present invention provides epitope repeat sequences, or antigenic epitopes, of a Leishmania antigen, together with polypeptides comprising at least two such contiguous antigenic epitopes. As used herein an “epitope” is a portion of an antigen that reacts with sera from Leishmania-infected individuals (i.e. an epitope is specifically bound by one or more antibodies present in such sera). As discussed above, epitopes of the antigens described in the present application may be generally identified using techniques well known to those of skill in the art.

[0091] In one embodiment, antigenic epitopes of the present invention comprise an amino acid sequence provided in SEQ ID NO:43, 56, 57 or 58. As discussed in more detail below, antigenic epitopes provided herein may be employed in the diagnosis and treatment of Leishmania infection, either alone or in combination with other Leishmania antigens or antigenic epitopes. Antigenic epitopes and polypeptides comprising such epitopes may be prepared by synthetic means, as described generally above and in detail in Example 15.

[0092] In certain aspects of the present invention, described in detail below, the polypeptides, antigenic epitopes, fusion proteins and/or soluble Leishmania antigens of the present invention may be incorporated into pharmaceutical compositions or vaccines. For clarity, the term “polypeptide” will be used when describing specific embodiments of the inventive therapeutic compositions and diagnostic methods. However, it will be clear to one of skill in the art that the antigenic epitopes and fusion proteins of the present invention may also be employed in such compositions and methods.

[0093] Pharmaceutical compositions comprise one or more polypeptides, each of which may contain one or more of the above sequences (or variants thereof), and a physiologically acceptable carrier. Vaccines, also referred to as immunogenic compositions, comprise one or more of the above polypeptides and an immunostimulant, such as an adjuvant (e.g., LbeIF4A, interleukin-12 or other cytokines) or a liposome (into which the polypeptide is incorporated). Many adjuvants contain a substance designed to protect the antigen from rapid catabolism, such as aluminum hydroxide or mineral oil, and a stimulator of immune responses, such as lipid A, Bortadella pertussis or Mycobacterium tuberculosis derived proteins. Certain adjuvants are commercially available as, for example, Freund's Incomplete Adjuvant and Complete Adjuvant (Difco Laboratories, Detroit, Mich.); Merck Adjuvant 65 (Merck and Company, Inc., Rahway, N.J.); AS-2 (SmithKline Beecham, Philadelphia, Pa.); aluminum salts such as aluminum hydroxide gel (alum) or aluminum phosphate; salts of calcium, iron or zinc; an insoluble suspension of acylated tyrosine; acylated sugars; cationically or anionically derivatized polysaccharides; polyphosphazenes; biodegradable microspheres; monophosphoryl lipid A and quil A. Cytokines, such as GM-CSF, interleukin-2, -7, -12, and other like growth factors, may also be used as adjuvants.

[0094] Within certain embodiments of the invention, the adjuvant composition is preferably one that induces an immune response predominantly of the Th1 type. By virtue of its ability to induce an exclusive Th1 immune response, the use of LbeIF4A, and variants thereof, as an adjuvant in the vaccines of the present invention is particularly preferred. Certain other preferred adjuvants for eliciting a predominantly Th1 -type response include, for example, a combination of monophosphoryl lipid A, preferably 3-de-O-acylated monophosphoryl lipid A, together with an aluminum salt. MPL® adjuvants are available from Corixa Corporation (Seattle, WA; see, for example, U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,436,727; 4,877,611; 4,866,034 and 4,912,094). CpG-containing oligonucleotides (in which the CpG dinucleotide is unmethylated) also induce a predominantly Th1 response. Such oligonucleotides are well known and are described, for example, in WO 96/02555, WO 99/33488 and U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,008,200 and 5,856,462. Immunostimulatory DNA sequences are also described, for example, by Sato et al., Science 273:352, 1996. Another preferred adjuvant comprises a saponin, such as Quil A, or derivatives thereof, including QS21 and QS7 (Aquila Biopharmaceuticals Inc., Framingham, Mass.); Escin; Digitonin; or Gypsophila or Chenopodium quinoa saponins. Other preferred formulations include more than one saponin in the adjuvant combinations of the present invention, for example combinations of at least two of the following group comprising QS21, QS7, Quil A, β-escin, or digitonin.

[0095] Alternatively the saponin formulations may be combined with vaccine vehicles composed of chitosan or other polycationic polymers, polylactide and polylactide-co-glycolide particles, poly-N-acetyl glucosamine-based polymer matrix, particles composed of polysaccharides or chemically modified polysaccharides, liposomes and lipid-based particles, particles composed of glycerol monoesters, etc. The saponins may also be formulated in the presence of cholesterol to form particulate structures such as liposomes or ISCOMs. Furthermore, the saponins may be formulated together with a polyoxyethylene ether or ester, in either a non-particulate solution or suspension, or in a particulate structure such as a paucilamelar liposome or ISCOM. The saponins may also be formulated with excipients such as CarbopolR to increase viscosity, or may be formulated in a dry powder form with a powder excipient such as lactose.

[0096] In one preferred embodiment, the adjuvant system includes the combination of a monophosphoryl lipid A and a saponin derivative, such as the combination of QS21 and 3D-MPL® adjuvant, as described in WO 94/00153, or a less reactogenic composition where the QS21 is quenched with cholesterol, as described in WO 96/33739. Other preferred formulations comprise an oil-in-water emulsion and tocopherol. Another particularly preferred adjuvant formulation employing QS21, 3D-MPL® adjuvant and tocopherol in an oil-in-water emulsion is described in WO 95/17210.

[0097] Another enhanced adjuvant system involves the combination of a CpG-containing oligonucleotide and a saponin derivative particularly the combination of CpG and QS21 is disclosed in WO 00/09159. Preferably the formulation additionally comprises an oil in water emulsion and tocopherol.

[0098] Additional illustrative adjuvants for use in the compositions of the invention include Montanide ISA 720 (Seppic, France), SAF (Chiron, Calif., United States), ISCOMS (CSL), MF-59 (Chiron), the SBAS series of adjuvants (e.g., SBAS-2 or SBAS-4, available from SmithKline Beecham, Rixensart, Belgium), Enhanzyn™ (Corixa, Hamilton, Mont.), RC-529 (Corixa, Hamilton, Mont.) and other aminoalkyl glucosaminide 4-phosphates (AGPs), such as those described in U.S. Pat. No. 6,113,918 and pending U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09/074,720, the disclosures of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entireties, and polyoxyethylene ether adjuvants such as those described in WO 99/52549A1.

[0099] Other preferred adjuvants include adjuvant molecules of the general formula

HO(CH2CH2O)n—A—R,  (I)

[0100] wherein, n is 1-50, A is a bond or —C(O)—, R is C1-50 alkyl or Phenyl C1-50 alkyl.

[0101] One embodiment of the present invention consists of a vaccine formulation comprising a polyoxyethylene ether of general formula (I), wherein n is between 1 and 50, preferably 4-24, most preferably 9; the R component is C1-50, preferably C4-C20 alkyl and most preferably C12 alkyl, and A is a bond. The concentration of the polyoxyethylene ethers should be in the range 0.1-20%, preferably from 0.1-10%, and most preferably in the range 0.1-1%. Preferred polyoxyethylene ethers are selected from the following group: polyoxyethylene-9-lauryl ether, polyoxyethylene-9-steoryl ether, polyoxyethylene-8-steoryl ether, polyoxyethylene-4-lauryl ether, polyoxyethylene-35-lauryl ether, and polyoxyethylene-23-lauryl ether. Polyoxyethylene ethers such as polyoxyethylene lauryl ether are described in the Merck index (12th edition: entry 7717). These adjuvant molecules are described in WO 99/52549. The polyoxyethylene ether according to the general formula (I) above may, if desired, be combined with another adjuvant. For example, a preferred adjuvant combination is preferably with CpG as described in the pending UK patent application GB 9820956.2.

[0102] Vaccines may additionally contain a delivery vehicle, such as a biodegradable microsphere (disclosed, for example, in U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,897,268 and 5,075,109). Pharmaceutical compositions and vaccines within the scope of the present invention may also contain other Leishmania antigens, either incorporated into a combination polypeptide or present within one or more separate polypeptides.

[0103] Alternatively, a pharmaceutical or immunogenic composition may contain an immunostimulant, such as an adjuvant (e.g., LbeIF4A, interleukin-12 or other cytokines, or DNA coding for such enhancers), and DNA encoding one or more of the polypeptides or fusion proteins described above, such that the polypeptide is generated in situ. In such compositions, the DNA may be present within any of a variety of delivery systems known to those of ordinary skill in the art, including nucleic acid expression systems, bacteria and viral expression systems. Appropriate nucleic acid expression systems contain the necessary DNA sequences for expression in the patient (such as a suitable promoter and terminating signal). Bacterial delivery systems involve the administration of a bacterium (such as Bacillus-Calmette-Guerrin) that expresses an immunogenic portion of the polypeptide on its cell surface. In a preferred embodiment, the DNA may be introduced using a viral expression system (e.g., vaccinia or other pox virus, retrovirus, or adenovirus), which may involve the use of a non-pathogenic (defective), replication competent virus. Techniques for incorporating DNA into such expression systems are well known to those of ordinary skill in the art. The DNA may also be “naked,” as described, for example, in Ulmer et al., Science 259:1745-1749 (1993) and reviewed by Cohen, Science 259:1691-1692 (1993). The uptake of naked DNA may be increased by coating the DNA onto biodegradable beads, which are efficiently transported into the cells.

[0104] While any suitable carrier known to those of ordinary skill in the art may be employed in the pharmaceutical compositions of this invention, the type of carrier will vary depending on the mode of administration. For parenteral administration, such as subcutaneous injection, the carrier preferably comprises water, saline, alcohol, a fat, a wax or a buffer. For oral administration, any of the above carriers or a solid carrier, such as mannitol, lactose, starch, magnesium stearate, sodium saccharine, talcum, cellulose, glucose, sucrose, and magnesium carbonate, may be employed. Biodegradable microspheres (e.g., polylactic galactide) may also be employed as carriers for the pharmaceutical compositions of this invention. Suitable biodegradable microspheres are disclosed, for example, in U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,897,268 and 5,075,109.

[0105] In one preferred embodiment, compositions of the present invention include multiple polypeptides selected so as to provide enhanced protection against a variety of Leishmania species. Such polypeptides may be selected based on the species of origin of the native antigen or based on a high degree of conservation of amino acid sequence among different species of Leishmania. A combination of individual polypeptides may be particularly effective as a prophylactic and/or therapeutic vaccine because (1) stimulation of proliferation and/or cytokine production by a combination of individual polypeptides may be additive, (2) stimulation of proliferation and/or cytokine production by a combination of individual polypeptides may be synergistic, (3) a combination of individual polypeptides may stimulate cytokine profiles in such a way as to be complementary to each other and/or (4) individual polypeptides may be complementary to one another when certain of them are expressed more abundantly on the individual species or strain of Leishmania responsible for infection. A preferred combination contains polypeptides that comprise immunogenic portions of M15, Ldp23, Lbhsp83, Lt-1 and LbeIF4A. Alternatively, or in addition, the combination may include one or more polypeptides comprising immunogenic portions of other Leishmania antigens disclosed herein, and/or soluble Leishmania antigens.

[0106] In another preferred embodiment, compositions of the present invention include single polypeptides selected so as to provide enhanced protection against a variety of Leishmania species. A single individual polypeptide may be particularly effective as a prophylactic and/or therapeutic vaccine for those reasons stated above for combinations of individual polypeptides.

[0107] In another embodiment, compositions of the present invention include individual polypeptides and combinations of the above described polypeptides employed with a variety of adjuvants, such as IL-12 (protein or DNA) to confer a protective response against a variety of Leishmania species.

[0108] In yet another embodiment, compositions of the present invention include DNA constructs of the various Leishmania species employed alone or in combination with variety of adjuvants, such as IL-12 (protein or DNA) to confer a protective response against a variety of Leishmania species.

[0109] The above pharmaceutical compositions and vaccines may be used, for example, to induce protective immunity against Leishmania in a patient, such as a human or a dog, to prevent leishmaniasis. Appropriate doses and methods of administration for this purposes are described in detail below.

[0110] The pharmaceutical and immunogenic compositions described herein may also be used to stimulate an immune response, which may be cellular and/or humoral, in a patient. For Leishmania-infected patients, the immune responses that may be generated include a preferential Th1 immune response (i.e., a response characterized by the production of the cytokines interleukin-1, interleukin-2, interleukin-12 and/or interferon-γ, as well as tumor necrosis factor-α). For uninfected patients, the immune response may be the production of interleukin-12 and/or interleukin-2, or the stimulation of gamma delta T-cells. In either category of patient, the response stimulated may include IL-12 production. Such responses may also be elicited in biological samples of PBMC or components thereof derived from Leishmania-infected or uninfected individuals. As noted above, assays for any of the above cytokines may generally be performed using methods known to those of ordinary skill in the art, such as an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA).

[0111] Suitable pharmaceutical compositions and vaccines for use in this aspect of the present invention are those that contain at least one polypeptide comprising an immunogenic portion of a Leishmania antigen disclosed herein (or a variant thereof). Preferably, the polypeptides employed in the pharmaceutical compositions and vaccines are complementary, as described above. Soluble Leishmania antigens, with or without additional polypeptides, may also be employed.

[0112] The pharmaceutical compositions and vaccines described herein may also be used to treat a patient afflicted with a disease responsive to IL-12 stimulation. The patient may be any warm-blooded animal, such as a human or a dog. Such diseases include infections (which may be, for example, bacterial, viral or protozoan) or diseases such as cancer. In one embodiment, the disease is leishmaniasis, and the patient may display clinical symptoms or may be asymptomatic. In general, the responsiveness of a particular disease to IL-12 stimulation may be determined by evaluating the effect of treatment with a pharmaceutical composition or vaccine of the present invention on clinical correlates of immunity. For example, if treatment results in a heightened Th1 response or the conversion of a Th2 to a Th1 profile, with accompanying clinical improvement in the treated patient, the disease is responsive to IL-12 stimulation. Polypeptide administration may be as described below, or may extend for a longer period of time, depending on the indication. Preferably, the polypeptides employed in the pharmaceutical compositions and vaccines are complementary, as described above. A particularly preferred combination contains polypeptides that comprise immunogenic portions of M15, Ldp23, Lbhsp83, Lt-1and LbeIF4A, Lmspla, Lmsp9a, and MAPS-1A. Soluble Leishmania antigens, with or without additional polypeptides, may also be employed.

[0113] Routes and frequency of administration, as well as dosage, for the above aspects of the present invention will vary from individual to individual and may parallel those currently being used in immunization against other infections, including protozoan, viral and bacterial infections. In general, the pharmaceutical compositions and vaccines may be administered by injection (e.g., intracutaneous, intramuscular, intravenous or subcutaneous), intranasally (e.g., by aspiration) or orally. Between 1 and 12 doses may be administered over a 1 year period. For therapeutic vaccination (i.e., treatment of an infected individual), 12 doses are preferably administered, at one month intervals. For prophylactic use, 3 doses are preferably administered, at 3 month intervals. In either case, booster vaccinations may be given periodically thereafter. Alternate protocols may be appropriate for individual patients. A suitable dose is an amount of polypeptide or DNA that, when administered as described above, is capable of raising an immune response in an immunized patient sufficient to protect the patient from leishmaniasis for at least 1-2 years. In general, the amount of polypeptide present in a dose (or produced in situ by the DNA in a dose) ranges from about 100 ng to about 1 mg per kg of host, typically from about 10 μg to about 100 μg. Suitable dose sizes will vary with the size of the patient, but will typically range from about 0.1 mL to about 5 mL.

[0114] In another aspect, this invention provides methods for using one or more of the polypeptides described above to diagnose Leishmania infection in a patient using a skin test. As used herein, a “skin test” is any assay performed directly on a patient in which a delayed-type hypersensitivity (DTH) reaction (such as induration and accompanying redness) is measured following intradermal injection of one or more polypeptides as described above. Such injection may be achieved using any suitable device sufficient to contact the polypeptide or polypeptides with dermal cells of the patient, such as a tuberculin syringe or 1 mL syringe. Preferably, the reaction is measured at least 48 hours after injection, more preferably 72 hours after injection.

[0115] The DTH reaction is a cell-mediated immune response, which is greater in patients that have been exposed previously to a test antigen (i.e., an immunogenic portion of a polypeptide employed, or a variant thereof). The response may measured visually, using a ruler. In general, induration that is greater than about 0.5 cm in diameter, preferably greater than about 1.0 cm in diameter, is a positive response, indicative of Leishmania infection, which may or may not be manifested as an active disease.

[0116] The polypeptides of this invention are preferably formulated, for use in a skin test, as pharmaceutical compositions containing at least one polypeptide and a physiologically acceptable carrier, as described above. Such compositions typically contain one or more of the above polypeptides in an amount ranging from about 1 μg to 100 μg, preferably from about 10 μg to 50 μg in a volume of 0.1 mL. Preferably, the carrier employed in such pharmaceutical compositions is a saline solution with appropriate preservatives, such as phenol and/or Tween 80™.

[0117] The inventive polypeptides may also be employed in combination with one or more known Leishmania antigens in the diagnosis of leishmaniasis, using, for example, the skin test described above. Preferably, individual polypeptides are chosen in such a way as to be complementary to each other. Examples of known Leishmania antigens which may be usefully employed in conjunction with the inventive polypeptides include K39 (Burns et al., Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA, 1993 90:775-779).

[0118] The following Examples are offered by way of illustration and not by way of limitation.

EXAMPLES

Example 1

Preparation of M15

[0119] This Example illustrates the preparation of a Leishmania antigen M15, having the sequence provided in SEQ ID NO:2.

[0120] An L. major (Friedlan strain) amastigote cDNA expression library prepared in the λZAP II vector (Stratagene, La Jolla, Calif.) was screened according to manufacturer's instructions using sera obtained from L. major infected BALB/c mice (8 weeks post inoculation). Approximately 40,000 plaques were screened and four clones expressing reactive antigens were purified to homogeneity by two subsequent rounds of low density screening. Bluescript phagemid inserts were excised from positive clones for further analysis. An EcoRI/SstII restriction fragment from the 5′ end of one partial cDNA insert isolated during first round screening (pLmal-1) was subsequently used as a probe to rescreen for clones containing full length cDNA inserts. The probe was labeled to high specific activity (˜109 cpm/μg) with [α-32P]dCTP using the random primer method and was used to screen ˜10,000 plaques of the L. major expression library described above. Positive clones were compared by restriction enzyme digestion and the clone with the largest insert (pfl1-1) was chosen for subsequent analysis.

[0121] DNA sequence analyses were performed on an Applied Biosystems automated sequencer using Taq polymerase and dye coupled ddNTP terminators or dye-labeled sequencing primers. The complete sequence of the 2685 bp insert was determined using a combination of primer-directed sequencing and by sequencing a series of overlapping Exonuclease III deletion subclones generated using the Erase-a-base system (Promega, Madison, Wis.). The sequence of this insert is provided in SEQ ID NO: 1, and the deduced amino acid sequence is provided in SEQ ID NO:2.

[0122] The complete insert of clone pf1-1 was excised by digestion with BamHI/KpnI and was subcloned in frame into BamHI/KpnI digested pQE31 (QUIAGEN) to generate the construct pM151A. E. coli containing this construct inducibly expressed high levels of the L. major antigen encoded by pfl1-1 (designated as M15) with the addition of a 6-histidine tag at the amino terminus. Large volume cultures (500 ml) of E. coli host cells containing the pM151 A construct were induced to express recombinant protein by the addition of 2 mM IPTG at mid-log phase of growth. Growth was continued for 4 to 5 hours and bacteria were then pelleted and washed once with cold PBS. Bacteria were resuspended in 20 ml of lysis buffer (50 mM Na2HPO4, pH 8.0, 300 mM NaCl, 10 mM β-mercaptoethanol) containing 20 mg of lysozyme and were lysed by a 1 hour incubation at 4 ° C. followed by brief sonication. Insoluble material was removed by centrifugation at 10,000× g for 10 minutes and although the recombinant protein was found to be evenly distributed between the soluble and insoluble fractions the insoluble material was discarded at this point. Recombinant protein containing the amino terminal histidine tag was affinity purified using Ni-NTA resin (QIAGEN) according to the manufacturer's recommendations. Briefly, 8 ml of Ni-NTA resin resuspended in lysis buffer was added to the soluble lysate fraction and binding was conducted with constant mixing for 1 hour at 4° C. The mixture was then loaded into a gravity flow column and the non-binding material was allowed to flow through. The Ni-NTA matrix was washed 3 times with 25 ml of wash buffer (50 mM Na2HPO4, pH 6.0, 300 mM NaCl, 10 mM β-mercaptoethanol) and bound material was eluted in 25 ml of elution buffer (50 mM Na2HPO4, pH 5.0, 300 mM NaCl, 10 mM β-mercaptoethanol). The eluted material was then dialyzed against 3 changes of PBS, sterile filtered and stored at −20° C. The purified recombinant protein was shown by SDS-PAGE analysis to be free of any significant amount of E. coli protein. A small number of bands of lower molecular weight were assumed to be proteolytic products of the L. major antigen based on their reactivity by western blot analysis. A high titre polyclonal antisera against M15 was generated in rabbits by repeated subcutaneous injection of recombinant protein. Western blot analysis of lysates from L. major promastigotes and amastigotes using this antisera indicated that the protein is constitutively expressed throughout the parasite lifecycle.

Example 2

Preparation of LDP23

[0123] This Example illustrates the preparation of a Leishmania antigen Ldp23, having the sequence provided in SEQ ID NO:4.

[0124] A. Purification of MHC Class II-associated Peptides from P388D1 Macrophages Infected with L. donovani

[0125] To ascertain that in vitro infection of macrophages would load their MHC class II molecules with parasite peptides, initial experiments were carried out to test the ability of L. donovani-infected macrophage cell line P388D1 to present parasite antigens to L. donovani specific T-cells. This macrophage cell line was chosen because it has the same H-2 haplotype as the BALB/c mouse, which is a strain of mouse moderately susceptible to L. donovani infection and selected to conduct the in vivo experiments. Using a proportion of 3-5 parasites per cell and an initial incubation at room temperature for 4-6 hours follows by 37° C. for 24-48 hours, close to 90% of the macrophages were infected. The level of MHC class II molecule expression, as determined by FACS analysis, indicated that infection did not cause an effect on the levels of MHC class II expression when compared to non-infected control cells.

[0126] To test the ability of the L. donovani-infected P388D1 cells to present parasite antigens, macrophages were infected as indicated above and incubated at 26° C. for 6 hours, and then as 37° C. for either 24, 48 or 72 hours. At each of these time points the non-adherent cells and free parasites were washed out and the adherent cells were mechanically dislodged, washed and fixed with paraformaldehyde. These cells were then used as antigen presenting cells (APCs) for purified lymph node T-cells from BALB/c mice immunized with L. donovani promastigotes. To generate these anti-L. donovani specific T-cells, BALB/c mice (H-2d) of both sexes (The Jackson Laboratory, Bar Harbor, Me.) were immunized at 8 to 14 weeks of age in the rear foot pad with 5-10×106 L. donovani promastigotes emulsified in complete Freund's adjuvant (CFA) (Difco Laboratories, Madison, Mich.) as described in Rodrigues et al., Parasite Immunol. 14:49 (1992). The draining lymph nodes were excised 8 days after the immunization and T-cells were purified in an anti-mouse Ig column to remove the B cells, as described in Bunn-Moreno and Campos-Neto, J. Immunol. 127:427 (1981), followed by a passage through a Sephadex G10 column to remove the macrophages.

[0127] Stimulation index was calculated by dividing the cpm obtained for the cells cultured in the presence of infected P388D1 macrophages by the cpm obtained for the cells cultured in the presence of non-infected macrophages, but subjected to the same conditions as the infected macrophages. The results shown FIG. 1 indicate that L. donovani-infected P388D1 macrophage process parasite antigens and that optimal presentation occurs after 48 hours of infection. No stimulation of the T-cells by the non-infected macrophages was observed.

[0128] To isolate the MHC class II associated L. donovani peptides, P388D1 macrophages were infected with L. donovani promastigotes for an initial incubation of 6 hours at room temperature. The cultures were then transferred to 37° C. for the remainder of the 48 hour incubation period. At a ratio of 3-5 parasites per macrophage nearly 90% of the macrophages were infected after 24 hours of incubation at 37° C.

[0129] The MHC class II molecules were then affinity-purified. Approximately 1.5×1010 L. donovani-infected or an equal number of non-infected P388D1 macrophages were used for each purification. The cells were harvested, washed with PBS and incubated for 30 minutes in cold lysis buffer (PBS, 1% Nonidet P40, 25 mM iodoacetamide, 0.04% sodium azide, 1 mM aprotinin and 1 mM PMSF). The insoluble material was removed by centrifugation at 40,000 g for 1 hour and the supernatant was recycled overnight at 4° C. over a 5 ml anti-MHC class II molecules (H-2d) Sepharose column (Protein G Sepharose column to which the monoclonal antibody MK-D6 has been bound). Culture supernatants of MK-D6 hybridoma cells (American Type Culture Collection, Rockville, Md.) were employed as the source for anti-MHC class II (H-2 d) monoclonal antibody. The column was washed with 50 ml of lysis buffer and then with 50 ml of PBS containing 0.5% octyl glucopyranoside detergent. Bound molecules were eluted from the column with 1M acetic acid in 0.2% NaCl. The MHC/peptide molecules were separated from the IgG (MK-D6 monoclonal antibody) using a Centricon 100 filter unit (Amicon Division, W.R. Grace & Co., Beverly, Mass.). The peptides were then dissociated from the class II molecules by the addition of acetic acid to 2.5M, followed by separation using a Centricon 10 filter unit. The resulting peptide preparation, present in the low molecular weight sample, was then dried using a speed vac concentrator (Savant Instrument Inc., Farmingdale, N.Y.).

[0130] The peptides were redissolved in 200 μl of 0.05% TFA and separated by reverse-phase high performance liquid chromatography (RP-HPLC) using a 2.1 mm×25 cm Vydac C-18 column at a flow rate of 0.15 ml/min employing a 1 to 30% acetonitrile gradient (60 min) followed by a 30 to 60% gradient (30 min) and then a 60 to 80% gradient (90-110 min). Non-infected P388D1 cells were similarly processed to serve as background control for endogenous MHC class II associated peptides. FIG. 2 shows a representative experiment; four distinct peaks which are present only in the material isolated from infected macrophages (panel B), and not in the material isolated from uninfected macrophages (panel A) are indicated.

[0131] Out of three independent peptide extractions, twenty five distinct HPLC peptide peaks were isolated from L. donovani-infected macrophages and were subjected to protein sequence analysis using automated Edman degradation on an Applied Biosystems 477 gas-phase protein sequencer. Protein sequence and amino acid analysis were performed by the W.M. Keck Foundation, Biotechnology Resource Laboratory, Yale University, New Haven, Conn. In practically all determinations, no assignment could be made for the first position. Also, in most cases the definition of the amino acid residues of the 10-15 positions was based on the quantitative dominance of one residue over others. Using this approach, the sequences obtained for several peptides showed the presence of 3-6 different residues in many of the 10-15 sequence cycles analyzed for each determination, reflecting a mixture of peptides. In addition, sequences could not be obtained for some peaks because the peptides were blocked. Notwithstanding, three peptides sequences were determined. Amino-acid sequences were searched for identity with proteins in the GenBank database using the GENPETP, PIR and SWISSPROT programs. The sequence data base analysis revealed that one of the peptides was highly homologous to glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate dehydrogenase of various species. Another peptide had homology with elongation factor of several species, including Leishmania. The third sequence was not clearly related to any known proteins, and is shown below:

[0132] XQXPQ(L/K)VFDEXX (SEQ ID NO:11).

[0133] B. Cloning and Sequencing of the Ldp23 Gene

[0134] In order to retrieve the L. donovani protein that was processed into a peptide associated with the MHC class II molecules of infected macrophages, the peptide sequence of uncertain origin was chosen to guide the strategy for cloning the corresponding parasite gene. A DNA fragment was initially amplified from L. donovani promastigote cDNA by PCR. The sense primer was a peptide derived oligonucleotide (5′ >GGAATTCCCCInCAGCTInGTInTTCGAC <3′) (SEQ ID NO:12) containing an EcoRI restriction endonuclease site (underlined). The bases were selected following the preferential codon usage of L. donovani, as described in Langford et al., Exp. Parasitol. 74:360 (1992). Inosine was used for the residues of positions 4, 6 and 7 because of the low codon usage assurance for the corresponding amino acids. In addition, the carboxyl-terminal L-glutamic acid was not included for the design of the primer. The antisense primer was a poly-thymidine oligonucleotide (oligo dT, downstream primer) containing a XhoI restriction endonuclease site.

[0135] The gene fragment was amplified from a L. donovani promastigote cDNA preparation using the following reaction conditions: one cycle of 3 min at 94° C. immediately followed by 35 cycles of 1 min at 94° C., 1 min at 45° C. and 1 min at 72° C. The L. donovani cDNA was prepared from 5×107 washed promastigote forms harvested at the log growth phase (3 days culture). The cDNA was obtained using an Invitrogen cDNA cycle™ kit (Invitrogen Co., San Diego, Calif.). Oligonucleotide primers were synthesized by the DNA Synthesis Laboratory, Department of Pathology, Yale University School of Medicine.

[0136] The PCR products were analyzed by gel electrophoresis. Only one band of approximately 300 bp was obtained. This fragment was cloned and its sequence confirmed the sequence of the peptide-based primer including the glutamic acid codon, deliberately not included in the primer sequence.

[0137] The PCR amplified gene fragment was ligated into the pCR™ vector using the TA cloning system (Invitrogen Co., San Diego, Calif.). Transformants were selected in LB medium containing 100μg/ml ampicillin and the plasmid DNA was isolated using the Wizard™ Minipreps DNA purification kit (Promega Co., Madison, Wis.). Insert DNA was released with the restriction enzymes EcoRI and XhoI (New England Biolabs, Beverly, Mass.), purified from an agarose gel electrophoresis and labeled with 32P using a random priming method (Megaprime Labeling Kit, Amersham Life Science, Buckinghamshire, England).

[0138] This DNA fragment was used as probe to screen a L. donovani promastigote cDNA library as described in Skeiky et al., Infect. Immun. 62:1643 (1994). An approximately 650 bp cDNA (Ldp23) was excised from the phagemid by in vivo excision using the Stratagene protocol. DNA sequencing was performed using the Sequenase version 2 system (DNA sequencing kit) in the presence or absence of 7-deaza-GTP (United States Biochemical, Cleveland, Ohio). The sequence is provided as SEQ ID NO:3, and shows complete homology with the original 300 bp PCR fragment. A 525 bp open reading frame containing an ATG codon that follows the last 4 bases of the spliced leader sequence and 3 stop codons adjacent to the poly A tail was identified. This frame also codes the carboxyl terminal sequence (KVFDE) (SEQ ID NO:13) of the purified MHC class II associated peptide. The sequence analysis of the deduced protein sequence revealed one potential glycosylation site (Asn-Cys-Ser) at positions 68-70.

[0139] Sequence analysis was performed using the University of Wisconsin Genetics Computer Group Programs and the GenBank and EMBL data bases of protein and DNA sequences. The search for homology of the Ldp23 gene with known sequences revealed no significant homology.

[0140] C. Bacterial Expression and Purification of Recombinant Protein

[0141] The recombinant L. donovani peptide donor protein was produced in E. coli transformed with the pGEX 2T expression vector in which the Ldp23 gene was subcloned in frame. PCR was used to subclone the cloned gene in frame into the expression vector pGEX 2T. Primers containing the appropriate restriction site enzymes, initiation and termination codons were: 5′>GGATCCATGGTCAAGTCCCACTACATCTGC <3′ (SEQ ID NO:14) for the upstream primer and 5′ >GAATTCAGACCGGATAGAAATAAGCCAATGAAA <3′ (SEQ ID NO:15) for the downstream primer (restriction sites of BamHI and EcoRI are underlined respectively). PCR conditions were as indicated above for the amplification of the original peptide related DNA fragment. The template used was pBluescript plasmid containing the cloned gene from the cDNA library.

[0142] Overexpression of the recombinant fusion protein was accomplished by growing the transformed E. coli (DH5α) and inducing the tac promoter with 1 mM isopropyl-β-thiogalactopyranoside (IPTG) (Stratagene, La Jolla, Calif.). Cells were collected, centrifuged, and analyzed for the presence of the fusion protein by SDS-PAGE. A glutathione-S-transferase fusion protein of 43-44 kD was produced, indicating a leishmanial protein of approximately 18 kD, as glutathione-S-transferase (GST) has a MW of 26 kD. However, the fusion protein was very insoluble and therefore could not be purified by affinity chromatography using a glutathione column. The use of low concentrations of detergents like SDS, sarcosyl, deoxycolate, and octyl-glucopyranoside during the extraction steps was efficient to solubilize the protein but unfortunately prevented its binding to the glutathione column. Other maneuvers, such as the growth of the E. coli and incubation and induction of the tac promoter with IPTG at 33° C., did not improve the protein solubility. However, the purification was achieved by preparative SDS-PAGE. The band was visualized with 0.1M KCl, cut and electroeluted from the gel followed by extensive dialysis against PBS and concentration on Centricon 10 filters.

[0143] Approximately 500 μg of purified protein was obtained. The purified protein is shown in FIG. 3. In panel A, E. coli (DH5α) transformed with the expression vector pGEX 2T containing the Ldp23 gene was grown in LB medium and the tac promoter was induced with IPTG for 3 hours. The cells were pelleted, resuspended in loading buffer and submitted to SDS-PAGE (10%) under reducing condition. The gel was stained with Coomassie blue. Lane 1 shows the uninduced E. coli and land 2 shows the induced E. coli. The arrow indicates the recombinant protein. Panel B shows the protein prepared as in panel A and submitted to a preparative SDS-PAGE. The band corresponding to the overexpressed recombinant fusion protein was identified by KCl, cut out, electroeluted from the gel strip, dialyzed against PBS and submitted to analytical SDS-PAGE (12%). Numbers on the left side indicate the molecular weights of the markers. Attempts to further purify the leishmanial protein by cleaving it out from the fusion protein GST with thrombin were unsuccessful.

[0144] D. Expression of Ldp23

[0145] To ascertain that the Ldp23 peptide is expressed in Leishmania organisms, a Northern blot analysis was performed using RNA prepared from different promastigote growth phases (logarithmic and stationary) and from the amastigote form of these parasites.

[0146] The RNA was prepared from 2×107 parasite cells using the Micro RNA isolation kit (Stratagene, La Jolla, Calif.) according to the company's recommended instructions. RNA was prepared from L. donovani promastigotes (logarithmic growth phase); from L. major promastigotes (logarithmic and stationary growth phases); from L. amazonensis, both promastigotes (logarithmic and stationary growth phases) and amastigotes purified from CBA/J infected mice; and from L. pifanoi, both promastigotes (logarithmic and stationary growth phases) and amastigotes (from axenic culture medium). L. donovani (1S strain), L. amazonensis (MHOM/BR/77/LTB0016), L. major (MHOM/IR/79/LRC-L251) and L. pifanoi (MHOM/VE/60/Ltrod) promastigotes were grown and maintained at 26° C. in Schneider's medium containing 20% FCS and 50 μg/ml gentamicin. The amastigote forms of L. amazonensis were obtained by differential centrifugation of a “pus-like” foot pad lesion of a CBA/J mouse infected for 6 months with this parasite. L. pifanoi amastigotes were obtained from axenic culture as previously reported by Pan et al., J. Euk. Microbiol. 40:213 (1993).

[0147] The hybridization was carried out at 45° C. in the presence of 50% formamide, 5× Denhardt's solution, 0.1% SDS, 100 μg/ml single stranded salmon sperm DNA and 5× SSPE using 0.45 μm Nytran membrane filters (Schleicher & Schuell, Keene, NH). The probe was the 32P labeled Ldp23 gene.

[0148] FIG. 4 shows that one single RNA band of 680 bp was observed for all growth phases and forms of all tested Leishmania. Within FIG. 4, the numbers 1, 2 and 3 refer to RNA obtained from promastigotes at the logarithmic growth phase, promastigotes at the stationary growth phase and amastigote forms, respectively, and the numbers on the left side indicate the molecular weights of the markers in base pairs. This result is consistent with the corresponding gene size (525 bp) and with the molecular weight of the expressed protein and points to the ubiquitous distribution and expression of this gene within the genus Leishmania.

[0149] E. Induction of Anti-L. donovani Antibody Response in Mice and Rabbits by Purified Recombinant Protein

[0150] In order to evaluate the immunogenicity of the recombinant leishmanial protein, and to investigate its expression in the parasites, mice and rabbits were immunized with the GST-fusion protein in CFA. BALB/c mice were immunized in the rear foot pad with 5-10 μg of protein emulsified in CFA. Protein concentration was determined using the Bio-Rad Protein Assay reagent (Bio-Rad Laboratories, Richmond, Calif.). The mice were boosted 7 days later with 5-10 μg of protein emulsified in incomplete Freund's adjuvant (IFA) inoculated into the peritoneal cavity. The mice were bled 7 days after the second immunization. New Zealand white rabbits (Millbrook Farm, Amherst, Mass.) were immunized according to the following protocol: one intramuscular (IM) injection of 25-30 μg of purified recombinant protein emulsified in CFA into each thigh on day one; one 1M injection of 25-30 μg of purified protein emulsified in IFA into each shoulder on day 7; on day 15, 25-30 μg of the purified protein in PBS was injected into the subcutaneous tissue. The rabbit was bled 7 days after the last immunization.

[0151] Sera were prepared and the anti-Leishmania antibody response was measured by Western blot analysis and by FACScan. In both cases L. donovani promastigotes were used as antigen. Approximately 2×106 L. donovani promastigotes were grown in Schneider's medium for 3 days (log phase), were washed with PBS, lysed with SDS-PAGE loading buffer and submitted to electrophoresis under reducing conditions using a 15% polyacrylamide gel. The proteins were transferred onto 0.45μ Immobilon-P transfer membrane (Millipore Co., Bedford, Mass.) using a wet-type electroblotter (Mini Trans-Blot Electrophoretic Transfer Cell, Bio Rad Life Science Division, Richmond, Calif.) for 2 hours at 50 V. The membranes were blocked overnight at room temperature with PBS containing 3% normal goat serum (NGS), 0.2% Tween-20 and 0.05% sodium azide, followed by 3 washes with PBS. The blots were then incubated for 3-4 hours at 4° C. with a {fraction (1/200)} dilution of pre-immune rabbit serum (lane A, FIG. 5) or with the same dilution of anti-fusion protein rabbit antiserum (lane B, FIG. 5). The sera was previously absorbed 2× with non-viable desiccated Mycobacterium tuberculosis H-37 RA (Difco Laboratories, Detroit, Mich.) and were diluted in PBS containing 1% NGS and 5% powdered non-fat bovine milk (Carnation, Nestlé Food Company, Glendale, Calif.). The membranes were then washed with PBS, incubated for 1 hour at room temperature with goat anti-rabbit IgG antibody conjugated with alkaline phosphatase (Promega, Madison, Wis.), washed once with PBS and 2× with veronal buffer pH 9.4. The reaction was visualized using the substrate mixture 5-bromo-4-chloro-3-indoyl-phosphate and nitroblue tetrazolium (Kirkegaard & Perry Laboratories Inc., Gaithersburg, Md.) according to the manufacturer's instructions.

[0152] FIG. 5 shows that the rabbit anti-recombinant protein antiserum detects a single protein of 23 kDa (Ldp23) in the Leishmania crude extract antigen preparation. No bands were observed when an anti-GST antiserum was used (not shown). Moreover, the FACScan analysis (FIG. 6) shows that the antibody induced by the recombinant Ldp23 reacts with intact live L. donovani promastigotes, thus pointing to a cell surface expression of this molecule on these organisms. The dotted line in FIG. 6 shows the indirect immunofluorescence performed using pre-immune mouse serum and the solid line in FIG. 6 shows the result obtained with mouse anti-GST-Ldp23 antiserum. Both sera were diluted at {fraction (1/100)}. Parasites were washed with staining buffer and incubated with FITC conjugated goat anti-mouse immunoglobulin antibody. Fluorescence intensity was analyzed by FACScan.

[0153] F. Recognition of Recombinant Ldp23 by Leishmania-specific Lymph Node T-cells

[0154] To test the responsiveness of T-cells to the Ldp23 protein, two sets of experiments were performed. In the first experiment, lymph node T-cells (105/well) from BALB/c mice immunized with L. donovani promastigotes (as described above) were stimulated to proliferate with 2×105 Mitomycin C-treated normal mononuclear spleen cells (APC) and pulsed with the purified recombinant fusion protein. Proliferation of T-cells was measured at 72 hours of culture. Values are expressed in FIG. 7 as cpm and represent the mean of [3H]TdR incorporation of triplicate cultures. Background cpm of cells (T cells+APC) cultured in the presence of medium alone was 1291. FIG. 7 shows that Leishmania specific T-cells proliferate well and in a dose response manner to recombinant Ldp23. No response was observed when purified GST was added instead of the recombinant fusion protein nor when lymph node T-cells from mice immunized with CFA alone were stimulated to proliferate in the presence of the Leishmanial fusion protein (not shown).

[0155] The recognition of the recombinant Ldp23 protein by Leishmania-specific T-cells was also tested using two murine models of leishmaniasis, the L. major highly susceptible BALB/c mice and the L. amazonensis susceptible CBA/J mice as described in Champsi and McMahon-Pratt, Infect. Immun. 56:3272 (1988). These models were selected to investigate the cytokine pattern induced by Ldp23. In the mouse model of leishmaniasis, resistance is associated with Th 1 cytokines while susceptibility is linked to Th 2 responses.

[0156] Lymph node cells were obtained 3 weeks after the initiation of infection of BALB/c mice with L. major and the ability of these cells to recognize the recombinant Ldp23 was measured by proliferation and by the production of the cytokines IFN-γ and IL-4. 2×106 cells obtained from the draining popliteal lymph node of infected mice were cultured for 72 hours in the presence of recombinant Ldp23 or Leishmania lysate. The levels of IFN-γ and IL-4 in culture supernatants were measured by ELISA as previously described (Chatelain et al., J. Immunol. 148:1172 (1992), Curry et al., J. Immunol. Meth. 104:137 (1987), and Mossman and Fong, J. Immunol. Meth. 116:151 (1989)) using specific anti IFN-γ and IL-4 monoclonal antibodies (PharMingen, San Diego, Calif.).

[0157] Ldp23 did stimulate these cells to proliferate (not shown) and induced a typical Th 1 type of cytokine response as indicated by the production of high levels of IFN-γ (panel A of FIG. 8) and no IL-4 (panel B of FIG. 8). Stimulation of these cells with a Leishmania crude lysate yielded a mixed Th cytokine profile. Exactly the same pattern of cytokine production was obtained from the CBA/J mice infected with L. amazonensis (not shown). These results clearly indicate that Ldp23 is a powerful and selective activator of the Th 1 cytokines by mouse cells.

Example 3

Preparation of HsP83

[0158] This Example illustrates the preparation of a Leishmania antigen Hsp83, having the sequence provided in SEQ ID NO:6.

[0159] A genomic expression library was constructed with sheared DNA from L. braziliensis (MHOM/BR/75/M2903) in bacteriophage λZAP II (Stratagene, La Jolla, Calif.). The expression library was screened with Escherichia coli preadsorbed serum from an L. braziliensis-infected individual with ML. Immunoreactive plaques were purified, and the pBSK(−) phagemid was excised by protocols suggested by the manufacturer. Nested deletions were performed with exonuclease III to generate overlapping deletions for single-stranded template preparations and sequencing. Single-stranded templates were isolated following infection with VCSM13 helper phage as recommended by the manufacturer (Stratagene, La Jolla, Calif.) and sequenced by the dideoxy chain terminator method or by the Taq dye terminator system using the Applied Biosystems automated sequencer model 373A.

[0160] Recombinant antigens produced by these clones were purified from 500 ml of isopropyl-β-D-thiogalactopyranoside (IPTG)-induced cultures as described in Skeiky et al., J. Exp. Med. 176:201-211 (1992). These antigens were then assayed for the ability to stimulate PBMC from Leishmania-infected individuals to proliferate and secrete cytokine. Peripheral blood was obtained from individuals living in an area (Corte de Pedra, Bahia, Brazil) where L. braziliensis is endemic and where epidemiological, clinical, and immunological studies have been performed for over a decade, and PBMC were isolated from whole blood by density centrifugation through Ficoll (Winthrop Laboratories, New York, N.Y.). For in vitro proliferation assays, 2×105 to 4×105 cells per well were cultured in complete medium (RPMI 1640 supplemented with gentamicin, 2-mercaptoethanol, L-glutamine, and 10% screened pooled A+ human serum; Trimar, Hollywood, Calif.) in 96-well flat-bottom plates with or without 10 μg of the indicated antigens per ml or 5 μg of phytohemagglutinin per ml (Sigma Immunochemicals, St. Louis, Mo.) for 5 days. The cells were then pulsed with 1 μCi of [3H]thymidine for the final 18 h of culture. For determination of cytokine production 0.5 to 1 ml of PBMC was cultured at 1×106 to 2×106 cells per ml with or without the Leishmania antigens for 48 and 72 h.

[0161] The supernatants and cells were harvested and analyzed for secreted cytokine or cytokine mRNAs. Aliquots of the supernatants were assayed for gamma interferon (IFN-γ), tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α), interleukin-4 (IL-4), and IL-10 as described in Skeiky et al., J. Exp. Med. 181:1527-1537 (1995). For cytokine mRNA PCR analysis, total RNA was isolated from PBMC and cDNA was synthesized by using poly(dT) (Pharmacia, Piscataway, N.J.) and avian mycloblastosis virus reverse transcriptase. Following normalization to β-actin, diluted cDNA was amplified by PCR using Taq polymerase (Perkin-Elmer Cetus, Foster City, Calif.) with 0.2 μM concentrations of the respective 5′ and 3′ external primers in a reaction volume of 50 μl. The nucleotide sequences of the primary pairs and the PCR conditions used were as described in Skeiky et al., J. Exp. Med. 181:1527-1537 (1995). We verified that our PCR conditions were within the semiquantitative range by initially performing serial dilutions of the cDNAs and varying the number of cycles used for PCR. Plasmids containing the human sequences for IL-2, IFN-γ, IL-4, IL-10, and β-actin were digested, and the DNA inserts were purified after separation on 1% agarose gels. Radiolabeled 32P probes were prepared by the random priming method. PCR products were analyzed by electrophoresis on 1.5% agarose gels, transferred to nylon membranes, and probed with the appropriate 32P-labeled DNA insert.

[0162] A recombinant clone was identified in the above assays which, following sequence comparison of its predicted amino acid sequence with sequences of other proteins, was identified as a Leishmania braziliensis homolog of the eukaryotic 83 kD heat shock protein (Lbhsp83). The sequence of the clone is provided in SEQ ID NO:5 and the deduced protein sequence is provided in SEQ ID NO:6. On the basis of the homology, this clone, designated Lbhsp83a, appears to lack the first 47 residues of the full length 703 amino acid residues. Lbhsp83 has an overall homology of 94% (91% identity and 3% conservative substitution), 91% (84% identity and 7% conservative substitution) and 77% (61% identity and 16% conservative substitution) with L. amazonensis hsp83, T. cruzi hsp83 and human hsp89, respectively. A second clone (designated Lbhsp83b), which contained the 43 kD C-terminal portion of hsp83 (residues 331 to 703) was also isolated. FIG. 19 presents a comparison of the Lbhsp83 sequence with L. amazonensis hsp83(Lahsp83), T. cruzi hsp83 (Tchsp83) and human hsp89 (Huhsp89).

[0163] The results of proliferation assays using Lbhsp83a are shown in Table 1. Cells from all mucosal leishmaniasis (ML) patients proliferated strongly in response to Lbhsp83a, with stimulation indices (SIs) ranging from 19 to 558 (as compared to 20 to 1,634 for parasite lysate). Proliferation of PBMC from cutaneous leishmaniasis (CL) patients was variable and except for levels in two patients (IV and VII), levels were significantly lower than those of ML patients. By comparison, the proliferative responses of individuals with self-healing CL to Lbhsp83a were similar to those of individuals with ML. However, the responses of all six self-healing individuals to Lbhsp83 were consistently higher than those to Lbhsp83b. This suggests that PBMC from self-healing CL patients preferentially recognize one or more T-cell epitopes located within the amino portion of Lbhsp83.

TABLE 1
In vitro Proliferation of PMBC from L. braziliensis-infected
Individuals in Response to Lbhsp83
	Mean [3H]thymidine
Group and	incorporation [103 cpm (SD)], SI with:
Patient	Lysate	Lbhsp83a	Lbhsp83b
ML
I	41.3, (1.3), 294	32.5, (6.6), 221	46.7, (1.4), 318
II	44.2, (0.5), 104	20, (3.7), 47	36.7, (0.76), 86
III	27.4, (1.5), 150	8.1, (1.7), 44	9.9, (0.32), 54
IV	52.7, (3.3), 138	54.1, (6.2), 142	32.0, (1.3), 84
V	140.6, (7.6), 308	151.8, (57), 333	150.4, (7.9), 331
VI	15.8, (1.8), 20	21.3, (4.4), 28	14.4, (1.3), 19
VII	300.1, (9.4), 1634	102.1, (7.6), 558	41.7, (4.9), 228
CL
I	0.26, (0.0), 1.5	0.57, (0.3), 3.3	0.43, (0.17), 3.3
II	55.63, (8.6), 218	0.42, (0.0), 1.6	0.8, (0.14), 3.2
III	0.39, (0.5), 4.0	3.4, (0.5), 9	2.6, (0.9), 6.6
IV	19.14, (1.3), 87	7.17, (0.6), 32	5.9, (0.9), 27
V	0.32, (0.2), 3.0	1.47, (0.5), 14	0.3, (0.1), 3.0
VI	0.77, (0.1), 4.7	1.44, (0.2), 9	1.3, (0.6), 8.0
VII	4.01, (1.0), 2.0	60.3, (8.5), 15	66.7, (3.9), 16.6
Self-healing
CL
I	19.7, (4.4), 94	61.3, (4.6), 293	5.0, (2.0), 24
II	0.6, (0.1), 6.5	7.0, (2.0), 79	1.2, (0.8), 13
III	59.6, (7.1), 519	49.4, (3.1), 429	21.4, (3.7), 186
IV	0.2, (0.1), 1.6	13.1, (1.7), 108	0.6, (0.1), 5
V	27.1, (2.0), 225	6.3, (2.6), 52	3.0, (1.5), 25
VI	130.3, (14), 340	28.2, (2.9), 74	7.7, (3.8), 20
Control
(uninfected)
I	0.19, (0.0), 1.4	0.18, (0.0), 1.3	0.40, (0.16), 2.8
II	0.31, (0.1), 1.7	0.19, (0.0), 1.0	0.27, (0.0), 1.5
III	0.44, (0.2), 4.1	0.48, (0.1), 5.0	0.51, (0.2), 5.2
IV	0.4, (0.1), 3.2	0.52, (0.2), 5.1	0.50, (0.1), 5.0

[0164] A more detailed analysis of cytokine patterns of PBMC from ML patients was performed by reverse transcriptase PCR. Cytokine mRNAs were evaluated in cells prior to culturing (FIG. 9, lanes O) or following culturing in the absence (lanes −) or presence of the indicated antigen for 48 and 72 h. FIG. 4A shows the results for five of the six ML patients whose PBMC were analyzed. In about half of the ML patients, noncultured (resting) PBMC had detectable levels of mRNA for IFN-γ, IL-2, and IL-4 but not IL-10. CL patient PBMC, however, had IL-10 mRNA in the resting state in addition to mRNAs for the other cytokines tested (FIG. 4B). Following in vitro culture without antigen, the levels of mRNA for IFN-γ, IL-2, and IL-4 in resting cells from ML patients decreased to background levels while IL-10 mRNA levels increased. In contrast, PBMC of most CL patients had stable or increased IL-10 mRNA, while the mRNAs for IL-2, IFN-γ, and IL-4 were reduced to barely detectable levels in the absence of antigen stimulation.

[0165] In PBMC of three ML patients, stimulation with lysate resulted in increased expression of mRNA for IFN-Y, IL-2, and IL-4 but not IL-10. By comparison, both Lbhsp83 polypeptides elicited the production of mRNA for IFN-γ and IL-2 from all ML patient PBMC tested. In contrast, profiles of mRNA for IL-10 and IL-4 differed for the two hsp83 polypeptides. Lbhsp83a stimulated the production of IL-10 but not IL-4 mRNA (patients I, II, III, and IV), while Lbhsp83b stimulated the production of IL-4 but not IL-10 mRNA in all six patients.

[0166] All CL patients tested responded to both Lbhsp83 polypeptides as well as to the parasite lysate by upregulating the synthesis of mRNAs for IL-2 and IFN-γ, and in two of four patients (I and IV), the level of IL-4 mRNA also increased, indicating stimulation of both Th1 and Th2 cytokines. Interestingly and as in the case of ML patient uncultured PBMC which did not have detectable levels of IL-10 mRNA, Lbhsp83a and not Lbhsp83b stimulated PBMC from one CL patient (IV) to synthesize IL-10 mRNA. However, in the other three patients (I, II, and III) with resting levels of IL-10 mRNA, both rLbhsp83 polypeptides as well as the parasite lysate downregulated the expression of IL-10 mRNA.

[0167] PBMC supernatants were also assayed for the presence of secreted IFN-γ, TNF-α, IL-4, and IL-10. Cells from all ML and self-healing CL patients (seven and six patients, respectively) and from four of seven CL patients were analyzed for secreted IFN-γ following stimulation with both rLbhsp83 polypeptides, parasite lysate and Lbhsp70, an L. braziliensis protein homologous to the eukaryotic 70 kD heat shock protein (FIG. 10A). In general, rLbhsp83a stimulated patient PBMC to secrete higher levels of IFN-γ than did rLbhsp83b (0.2 to 36 and 0.13 to 28 ng/ml, respectively). The presence of secreted IFN-γ correlated well with the corresponding mRNA detected by PCR.

[0168] PBMC from four of five ML patients (I, II, V, and VII) had supernatant TNF-α levels (0.8 to 2.2 ng/ml) higher than those detected in cultures of PBMC from uninfected controls following stimulation with parasite lysate (FIG. 10B). Similarly, the same PBMC were stimulated by rLbhsp83 to produce levels of TNF-α in supernatant ranging from 0.61 to 2.9 ng/ml. Compared with those of uninfected controls, PBMC from three (I, V, and VI), five (I, II, IV, V, and VI), and two (II and V) of six individuals analyzed produced higher levels of TNF-α in response to parasite lysate, rLbhsp83a, and rLbhsp83b, respectively. The levels of TNF-α produced by PBMC from CL patients in response to parasite lysate were comparable to those produced by uninfected controls. However, rLbhsp83 stimulated TNF-α production in the PBMC of two of these patients. rLbhsp83a stimulated higher levels of TNF-α, production than did rLbhsp83b. In the absence of antigen stimulation, only PBMC from ML patients (five of six) produced detectable levels of supernatant TNF-α (60 to 190 pg/ml).

[0169] In agreement with the IL-10 mRNA, IL-10 was detected by ELISA in the antigen-stimulated PMBC culture supernatants from ML and CL patients. The levels (49 to 190 pg) were significantly higher (up to 10-fold) following stimulation with rLbhsp83a compared with those after parallel stimulation of the same cells with rLbhsp83b (FIG. 11). Parasite lysate also stimulated PMBC from some of the patients to produce IL-10. Although rLbhsp83 stimulated PMBC from uninfected individuals to produce IL-10, with one exception, the levels were lower than those observed with patient PMBC. IL-4 was not detected in any of the supernatants analyzed. Therefore, the level of any secreted IL-4 is below the detection limit of the ELISA employed (50 pg/ml). Taken together, the results demonstrate that a predominant Th1 -type cytokine profile is associated with PMBC from L. braziliensis-infected individuals following stimulation with rLbhsp83 polypeptides.

[0170] To determine the correlation between the observed T-cell responses and antibody production to Lbhsp83, we compared the antibody (immunoglobulin G) reactivities to Lbhsp83 in sera from the three patient groups (FIG. 12). The ELISA reactivities of ML patient sera with rLbhsp83a were comparable to those observed with parasite lysate, and in general, there was a direct correlation between ML patient anti-Lbhsp83 antibody titer and T-cell proliferation. Of 23 serum samples from ML patients analyzed, 22 were positive (˜96%) with absorbance values of 0.20 to >3.0. Eleven of the ML patient serum samples had optical density values that were >1. In general, CL patients had significantly lower anti-Lbhsp83 antibody titers (=0.74; standard error of the mean [SEM]=0.1) compared to those of ML patients. Therefore, ML and CL patient anti-rhsp83 antibody titers correlated with their respective T-cell proliferative responses. Anti-rLbhsp83 antibody titers were significantly higher in patients with ML (=1.5; SEM=0.2) than in self-healing CL patients (=0.35; SEM=0.056), although their T-cell proliferative responses were similar. In fact, anti-Lbhsp83 antibody titers in serum from self-healing CL patients were comparable to those from uninfected controls (=0.24; SEM=0.028). By using 2 standard deviations greater than the mean absorbance value of uninfected control (0.484) as a criterion for positive reactivity to Lbhsp83, eight of nine of the self-healing patient serum samples tested were negative.

Example 4

Preparation Of Clones Encoding LT-210

[0171] This Example illustrates the preparation of clones encoding portions of the Leishmania antigen Lt-210, and which has the sequence provided in SEQ ID NO:8.

[0172] An expression library was constructed from L. tropica (MHOM/SA/91/WR1063C) genomic DNA. The DNA was isolated by solubilizing L. tropica promastigotes in 10 mM Tris-HCl, pH 8.3, 50 mM EDTA, 1% SDS and treating with 100 μg/ml RNaseA and 100 μg/ml proteinase K. The sample was then sequentially extracted with an equal volume of phenol, phenol: chloroform (1:1), and Chloroform. DNA was precipitated by adding 0.1 volume of 3M sodium acetate (pH 5.2) and 2.5 volume 95% ethanol. The precipitate was resuspended in 10 μM Tris, 1 mM EDTA. DNA was sheared by passage through a 30-gauge needle to a size range of 2-6 kilobase, and was repaired by incubation with DNA poli in the presence of 100 μM each DATP, dCTP, dGTP, and dTTP. EcoRI adapters were ligated to the DNA fragments. After removal of unligated adapters by passage over a G-25 Sephadex™ column, the fragments were inserted in EcoRI cut Lambda ZapII (Stratagene, La Jolla, Calif.).

[0173] Approximately 43,000 pfu were plated and screened with sera isolated from viscerotropic leishmaniasis (VTL) patients. Sera from VTL patients were received from Drs. M. Grogl and A. Magill. The VTL patient group included eight individuals from whom parasites were isolated and cultured, seven of which had confirmed infection with L. tropica. Four other patients were culture negative, but were still considered to be infected based on either PCR analysis or a positive monoclonal antibody smear (Dr. Max Grogl, personal communication). Serum samples from the 11 infected patients were pooled and anti-E. coli reactivity removed by affinity chromatography (Sambrook et al., supra, p. 12.27-12.28). Lambda phage expressing reactive proteins were detected after antibody binding by protein A-horseradish peroxidase and ABTS substrate.

[0174] Three clones, Lt-1, Lt-2, and Lt-3, containing a portion of the Lt-210 gene were identified and purified. The clones ranged in size from 1.4 to 3.3 kb and encoded polypeptides of 75 kD, 70 kD, and 120 kD, respectively. These three clones contain partial sequences of the Lt-210 gene. Lt-1 and Lt-2 are overlapping clones and were chosen for further study.

[0175] The DNA sequences of Lt-1 and Lt-2 were determined. Exonuclease III digestion was used to create overlapping deletions of the clones (Heinikoff, Gene 28:351-359, 1984). Single strand template was prepared and the sequence determined with Applied Biosystems Automated Sequencer model 373A or by Sanger dideoxy sequencing. The sequence on both strands of the coding portion of Lt-1 clone was determined. The partial sequence of one strand of Lt-2 clone was determined.

[0176] SEQ ID NO:7 presents the DNA sequence of Lt-1, and SEQ ID NO:8 provides the predicted amino acid sequence of the open reading frame. The DNA sequence of the coding portion of the Lt-1 clone includes a repeated nucleotide sequence at the 5′ portion of the clone containing eight copies of a 99 bp repeat, three copies of a 60 bp repeat unit, which is part of the larger 99 bp repeat, and 800 bp of non-repeat sequence. The deduced amino acid sequence of the 99 bp repeat contains limited degeneracies. The mass of the predicted recombinant protein is 67,060 Daltons. A database search of PIR with the predicted amino acid sequence of the open reading frame yielded no significant homology to previously submitted sequences. Predicted secondary structure of the repeat portion of the clone is entirely α-helical.

[0177] Sequence analysis of Lt-2 revealed that the 3′ portion of the clone consisted of a mixture of 60 and 99 bp repeats that were identical, excepting occasional degeneracies, to the 60 and 99 bp repeats observed in Lt-1. Collectively, the sequencing data suggest that Lt-1 and Lt-2 are different portions of the same gene, Lt-2 being upstream of Lt-1, with possibly a small overlap.

[0178] Hybridization analysis confirmed that rLt-2 and rLt-1 contain overlapping sequences. Genomic DNAs of various Leishmania species were restricted with a variety of enzymes, separated by agarose gel electrophoresis, and blotted on Nytran membrane filter (Schleicher & Schuell, Keene, N.H.). Inserts from rLt-1 and rLt-2 were labeled with 32P CTP by reverse transcriptase from random oligonucleotide primers and used as probes after separation from unincorporated nucleotides on a Sephadex G-50 column. Hybridizations using the rLt-1 or the rLt-2 probe are performed in 0.2M NaH2PO4/3.6 M NaCl at 65° C., whereas hybridization using the rLt-lr probe is performed in 0.2 M NaH2PO4/3.6 M NaCl/0.2 M EDTA at 60° C. overnight. Filters are washed in 0.075 M NaCl/0.0075 M sodium citrate pH 7.0 (0.15 M NaCl/0.0150 M sodium citrate for the Lt-lr probe), plus 0.5% SDS at the same temperature as hybridization.

[0179] Genomic DNA from a number of Leishmania species including L. tropica were analyzed by Southern blots as described above using the Lt-1, Lt-2, and Lt-1r inserts separately as probes. Collectively, various digests of L. tropica DNA indicate that this gene has a low copy number. A similar, overlapping pattern was observed using either the Lt-1 or Lt-2 insert as a probe, consistent with the premise that these two clones contain sequences near or overlapping one another. In addition, sequences hybridizing with these clones are present in other Leishmania species.

[0180] L. tropica isolates have limited heterogeneity. Southern analyses of digested genomic DNA from four L. tropica parasite strains isolated from VTL patients and three L. tropica parasite strains isolated from CL cases (two human, one canine) were performed. The Lt-1r insert described below was labeled and used as a probe. The seven different L. tropica isolates yielded similar intensities and restriction patterns, with only a single restriction fragment length polymorphism among the isolates. These data, along with Southern analyses with additional enzymes, indicate limited heterogeneity in this region among the L. tropica isolates.

[0181] The recombinant proteins of Lt-1 and Lt-2 were expressed and purified. The nested deletion set of Lt-1 formed for sequencing included a clone referred to as Lt-1r, which contains one and one-third repeats. This polypeptide was also expressed and purified. In vivo excision of the pBluescript SK− phagemid from Lambda Zap II was performed according to the manufacturer's protocol. Phagemid virus particles were used to infect E. coli XL-1 Blue. Production of protein was induced by the addition of IPTG. Protein was recovered by first lysing pellets of induced bacteria in buffer (LB, 50 mM Tris-HCl, pH 8.0, 100 mM NaCl, 10 mM EDTA) using a combination of lysozyme (750 μg/mL) and sonication. rLt-1, rLt-2, and rLt-1r, were recovered from the inclusion bodies after solubilization in 8M urea (rLt-1 and rLt-2) or 4M urea (rLt-1r). Proteins rLt-1 and rLt-2 were enriched and separated by precipitation with 25%-40% ammonium sulfate and rLt-1r was enriched by precipitation with 10%-25% ammonium sulfate. The proteins were further purified by preparative gel electrophoresis in 10% SDS-PAGE. Recombinant proteins were eluted from the gels and dialyzed in phosphate-buffered saline (PBS). Concentration was measured by the Pierce (Rockford, Ill.) BCA assay, and purity assessed by Coomassie blue staining after SDS-PAGE.

Example 5

Preparation of LBEIF4A

[0182] This example illustrates the molecular cloning of a DNA sequence encoding the L. braziliensis ribosomal antigen LbeIF4A.

[0183] A genomic expression library was constructed with sheared DNA from L. braziliensis (MHOM/BR/75/M2903) in bacteriophage λZAPII (Stratagene, La Jolla, Calif.). The expression library was screened with E. coli-preadsorbed patient sera from an L. braziliensis-infected individual with mucosal leishmaniasis. Plaques containing immunoreactive recombinant antigens were purified, and the pBSK(−) phagemid excised using the manufacturer's protocols. Nested deletions were performed with Exonuclease III to generate overlapping deletions for single stranded template preparations and sequencing. Single stranded templates were isolated following infection with VCSM13 helper phage as recommended by the manufacturer (Stratagene, La Jolla, Calif.) and sequenced by the dideoxy chain terminator method or by the Taq dye terminator system using the Applied Biosystems Automated Sequencer Model 373A.

[0184] The immunoreactive recombinant antigens were then analyzed in patient T-cell assays for their ability to stimulate a proliferative and cytokine production, as described in Examples 7 and 8 below.

[0185] A recombinant clone was identified in the above assays which, following sequence comparison of its predicted amino acid sequence with sequences of other proteins, was identified as a Leishmania braziliensis homolog of the eukaryotic initiation factor 4A (eIF4A). The isolated clone (pLeIF.1) lacked the first 48 amino acid residues (144 nucleotides) of the full length protein sequence. The pLeIF. 1 insert was subsequently used to isolate the full length genomic sequence.

[0186] SEQ ID NO:9 shows the entire nucleotide sequence of the full-length LbeIF4A polypeptide. The open reading frame (nucleotides 115 to 1323) encodes a 403 amino acid protein with a predicted molecular weight of 45.3 kD. A comparison of the predicted protein sequence of LbeIF4A with the homologous proteins from tobacco (TeIF4A), mouse (MeIF4A), and yeast (YeIF4A) shows extensive sequence homology, with the first 20-30 amino acids being the most variable. The lengths (403, 413, 407, and 395 amino acids), molecular weights (45.3, 46.8, 46.4, and 44.7 kDa), and isoelectric points (5.9, 5.4, 5.5, and 4.9) of LbeIF4A, TeIF4A, MeIF4A and YeIF4A, respectively, are similar. LbeIF4A shows an overall homology of 75.5% (57% identity, 18.5% conservative substitution) with TeIF4A, 68.6% (50% identity, 18.6% conservative substitution) with MeIF4A and 67.2% (47.6% identity, 19.6% conservative substitution) with YeIF4A.

Example 6

Preparation of Soluble Leishmania Antigens

[0187] This Example illustrates the preparation of soluble Leishmania antigens from an L. major culture supernatant. L. major promastigotes were grown to late log phase in complex medium with serum until they reached a density of 2-3×107 viable organisms per mL of medium. The organisms were thoroughly washed to remove medium components and resuspended at 2-3×107 viable organisms per mL of defined serum-free medium consisting of equal parts RPMI 1640 and medium 199, both from Gibco BRL, Gaithersburg, Md. After 8-12 hours, the supernatant was removed, concentrated 10 fold and dialyzed against phosphate-buffered saline for 24 hours. Protein concentration was then determined and the presence of at least eight different antigens confirmed by SDS- PAGE. This mixture is referred to herein as “soluble Leishmania antigens.”

Example 7

Comparison of Intepleukin-4 and Interferon-γ Production Stimulated by Leishmani Antigens

[0188] This Example illustrates the immunogenic properties of the antigens prepared according to Examples 1, 2, 5 and 6, as determined by their ability to stimulate IL-4 and IFN-γ in lymph node cultures from infected mice and in human PBMC preparations. Lymph node cultures for use in these studies were prepared from L. major-infected BALB/c mice 10 days after infection, as described in Example 2. PBMC were prepared using peripheral blood obtained from individuals with cured L. donovani infections who were immunologically responsive to Leishmania. Diagnosis of the patients was made by clinical findings associated with at least one of the following: isolation of parasite from lesions, a positive skin test with Leishmania lysate or a positive serological test. Uninfected individuals were identified based on a lack of clinical signs or symptoms, a lack of history of exposure or travel to endemic areas, and the absence of a serological or cellular response to Leishmania antigens. Peripheral blood was collected and PBMC isolated by density centrifugation through Ficoll™ (Winthrop Laboratories, New York).

[0189] Culture supernatants were assayed for the levels of secreted IL-4 and IFN-γ. IFN-γ was quantitated by a double sandwich ELISA using mouse anti-human IFN-γ mAb (Chemicon, Temucula, Calif.) and polyclonal rabbit anti-human IFN-γ serum. Human rIFN-γ(Genentech Inc., San Francisco, Calif.) was used to generate a standard curve. IL-4 was quantitated in supernatants by a double sandwich ELISA using a mouse anti-human IL-4 mAb (M1) and a polyclonal rabbit anti-human IL-4 sera (P3). Human IL-4 (Immunex Corp., Seattle, Wash.) was used to generate a standard curve ranging from 50 pg/ml to 1 ng/ml.

[0190] FIGS. 13A and 13B, illustrate the mean level of secreted IL-4 and IFN-γ, respectively, 72 hours after addition of 10 μg/mL of each of the following antigens to a lymph node culture prepared as described above: soluble Leishmania antigen (i.e., an extract prepared from ruptured promastigotes which contains membrane and internal antigens (SLA)), Ldp23, LbeIF4A (LeIF), Lbhsp83, M15 and LmeIF (the L. major homolog of LbeIF4A). The levels of secreted IL-4 and IFN-γ in medium alone (i.e., unstimulated) are also shown. While SLA elicits a predominantly Th2 response from lymph node cells of Leishmania-infected mice, Ldp23, LbeIF4A, Lbhsp83 and M15 elicited relatively little IL-4 and large amounts of IFN-γ, consistent with a Th1 response profile.

[0191] FIG. 14 shows the level of secreted IFN-γ in culture filtrate from infected and uninfected human PBMC preparations 72 hours after addition of 10 μg/mL L. major lysate, M15 or L-Rack, an immunodominant leishmanial antigen in murine leishmaniasis. Similarly, FIG. 15 illustrates the level of secreted IFN-γ in culture filtrate from infected and uninfected human PBMC preparations 72 hours after addition of 10 μg/mL L. major lysate, soluble Leishmania antigens (prepared as described in Example 6) or L-Rack. These results indicate that M15 and soluble Leishmania antigens, but not L-Rack, are potent stimulators of IFN-γ production in patient PBMC, but not in PBMC obtained from uninfected individuals. Thus, M15 and soluble Leishmania antigens elicit a dominant Th1 cytokine profile in both mice and humans infected with Leishmania.

Example 8

Comparison of Proliferation Stimulated by Leishmania Antigens

[0192] This Example illustrates the immunogenic properties of the antigens prepared according to Examples 1, 2, 5 and 6, as determined by their ability to stimulate proliferation in lymph node cultures from infected mice and in human PBMC preparations.

[0193] For in vitro proliferation assays, 2-4×105 cells/well were cultured in complete medium (RPMI 1640 supplemented with gentamycin, 2-ME, L-glutamine, and 10% screened pooled A+ human serum; Trimar, Hollywood, Calif.) in 96-well flat bottom plates with or without 10 μg/ml of the indicated antigens or 5 μg/ml PHA (Sigma Immunochemicals, St. Louis, Mo.) for five days. The cells were then pulsed with 1 μCi of [3H] thymidine for the final 18 hours of culture.

[0194] FIG. 16 illustrates the proliferation observed after addition of 10 μg/mL or 20 μg/mL of each of the following antigens to a lymph node culture prepared as described in Example 7: SLA, Ldp23, LbeIF4A, Lbhsp83, and M15. The level of proliferation without the addition of antigen is also shown. Data are represented as mean cpm. These results demonstrate that a variety of leishmanial antigens are capable of stimulatory lymph node cell proliferation from Leishmania-infected mice.

[0195] FIGS. 17 and 18 illustrate the proliferation observed in human PBMC preparations from Leishmania-immune and uninfected individuals following the addition of 10 μg/mL M15 and soluble Leishmania antigens, respectively. These values are compared to the proliferation observed following the addition of culture medium, L. major lysate or L-Rack. The results show that M15 and soluble Leishmania antigens stimulate proliferation in Leishmania-immune PBMC, but not in PBMC obtained from uninfected individuals, demonstrating that M15 and soluble antigens (but not L-Rack) are recognized by PBMC from individuals immune to Leishmania due to a previous infection.

Example 9

Preparation of Lmsp1A and Lmsp9A

[0196] This Example illustrates the preparation of two soluble Leishmania antigens, Lmsp1a and Lmsp9a.

[0197] A. Purification of Lmsp1a and Lmsp9a from a Mixture of Soluble L. major Antigens

[0198] A high titer rabbit sera was raised against L. major soluble antigens, prepared as described above in Example 6. Specifically, a New Zealand white rabbit was immunized subcutaneously at multiple sites with 180 μg of L. major soluble antigens in a suspension containing 100 μg muramyl dipeptide and 50% incomplete Freund's adjuvant. Six weeks later the rabbit was given a subcutaneous boost of 100 μg of the same soluble antigen preparation in incomplete Freund's adjuvant. This was followed by two intravenous boosts spaced two weeks apart, each with 100 μg of the soluble antigen preparation. Sera was collected from the rabbit 11 days after the final boost.

[0199] Anti E. coli antibody reactivities were removed from the rabbit sera by pre-adsorbing on nitrocellulose filters containing lysed E. coli. Adsorbed sera were evaluated by Western blot analysis using 10 μg Leishmania promastigote lysate (lane 1) and 1 μg soluble L. major antigen mixture (lane 2). As shown in FIG. 20, the rabbit sera was found to be reactive with seven dominant antigens of the soluble L. major antigen mixture with molecular weights ranging from 18 to >200 kDa. A four times longer exposure of the same blot revealed three additional immunoreactive species with molecular weights less than 18 kDa. The same sera reacted with approximately 10 antigens of the promastigote lysate, but with a pattern significantly different from that observed with the soluble L. major antigens (FIG. 20). This is suggestive of potential post-translational modification of the same antigen before (intracellular localization) and after secretion/shedding. Such modifications may include cleavage of a leader sequence and/or the addition of carbohydrate molecules to the secreted/shed antigens.

[0200] The rabbit sera described above was subsequently used to screen an L. major cDNA expression library prepared from L. major promastigote RNA using the unidirectional Lambda ZAP (uni-ZAP) kit (Stratagene) according to the manufacturer's protocol. A total of 70,000 pfu of the amplified cDNA library was screened with the rabbit sera at a 1:250 dilution. Nineteen positive clones were confirmed in the tertiary screening. The phagemid were excised and DNA from each of the 19 clones was sequenced using a Perkin Elmer/Applied Biosystems Division automated sequencer Model 373A. All 19 clones were found to represent two distinct sequences, referred to as Lmsp1a and Lmsp9a. The determined cDNA sequences for Lmsp1a and Lmsp9a are provided in SEQ ID NO: 19 and 21, respectively, with the corresponding amino acid sequences being provided in SEQ ID NO: 20 and 22, respectively.

[0201] B. Characterization of Lmsp1a and Lmsp9a

[0202] FIG. 21 shows the full-length cDNA (SEQ ID NO: 19) and predicted amino acid sequence (SEQ ID NO: 20) for the antigen Lmsp1a. The EcoRI/XhoI insert is 1019 bp long and contains the following features: a) the last 17 nt of the spliced leader sequence characteristic of all trypanosoma nuclearly encoded mRNA; b) 39 nt of 5′ untranslated sequence; c) an open reading frame of 453 nt long coding for a 151 deduced amino acid sequence with a predicted molecular mass of 16.641 kDa; and d) 471 nt of 3′ untranslated sequence terminating with a poly A tail. The predicted amino acid sequence contains three potential phosphorylation sites at amino acid residues 3, 85 and 102. In addition, Lmsp1a contains an RGD sequence at residue 104, a sequence that may play a role in parasite invasion of the macrophage. RGD sequences have been shown to mediate the binding of various adhesion proteins to their cell surface receptors. There is no obvious leader sequence (secretory signal) at the amino terminal portion suggesting that the protein might be shed or excreted. Lmsp1a appears to be one of the most abundant antigens found in the culture supernatant of live promastigote, since 17 of the 19 clones contain sequences of variable lengths identical to Lmsp1a.

[0203] Comparison of the amino acid sequence of Lmps1a with known sequences using the DNA STAR system (Version 87) revealed that Lmsp1a shares between 65% to 70% homology with the eukaryotic nucleoside diphosphate kinase protein, also referred to in the mouse and human as a tumor metastasis inhibitor gene.

[0204] Southern blot analysis of genomic DNA from L. major (Friedlander strain) digested with a panel of restriction enzymes (lanes 1 to 7) and six other Leishmania species of different geographic locations digested with PstI (lanes 8 to 13) using the full-length cDNA insert of Lmps1a, demonstrated that Lmsp1a is present in all the species characterized with a high degree of conservation (FIG. 22). This suggests evolutionary significance for the maintenance of Lmsp1a and the existence of homologous species among all the Leishmania species.

[0205] The remaining two cDNA clones isolated from the soluble L. major antigen mixture represent identical sequences (referred to as Lmsp9a; SEQ ID NO: 21), suggesting that the two copies resulted from amplification of the primary library. Sequencing of the Lmsp9a cDNA revealed that the clone does not contain the full length 5′ sequence since it is lacking both the spliced leader and 5′ untranslated sequences. The 3′ end of the cDNA contains a poly A stretch, as would be expected for a Leishmania mRNA. Of the predicted translated sequence (SEQ ID NO: 22), 34 of the 201 amino acids (17%) represent cysteine residues. Comparison of the predicted protein sequence with those of known proteins as described above, revealed some homology with other cysteine rich proteins such as the major surface trophozoite antigen of Giardia lamblia and furin proteases.

Example 10

Preparation and Characterization of MAPS-1A

[0206] This Example illustrates the preparation and characterization of the Leishmania antigen MAPS-1A (SEQ ID NO: 24).

[0207] A pool of sera was obtained from 5 BALB/c mice that had been given a primary immunization and two boosts with crude L. major promastigote culture supernatant as described below in Example 12. These mice were subsequently shown to be protected when challenged with a dose of live L. major promastigotes generally found to be lethal. The mouse sera thus obtained were used to screen an L. major amastigote cDNA expression library prepared as described in Example 1. Several seroreactive clones were isolated and sequenced using a Perkin Elmer/Applied Biosystems Division automated sequencer Model 373A (Foster City, Calif.).

[0208] One of these clones, referred to herein as MAPS-1A, was found to be full-length. Comparison of the cDNA and deduced amino acid sequences for MAPS-1A (SEQ ID Nos: 23 and 24, respectively) with known sequences in the gene bank using the DNA STAR system revealed no significant homologies to known Leishmania sequences, although some sequence similarity was found to a group of proteins, known as thiol-specific antioxidants, found in other organisms.

[0209] Recombinant MAPS-1A protein having an amino-terminal HIS-Tag was prepared using a high level E. coli expression system and recombinant protein was purified by affinity chromatography as described in Example 1. Southern blot analysis of genomic DNA from L. major digested with a panel of restriction enzymes, seven other Leishmania species digested with PstI, and two other infectious-disease pathogens (T. cruzi and T. brucei), using the full length insert of MAPS-1A, demonstrated that MAPS-1A is present in all eight Leishmania species tested (FIG. 23). Northern blot analysis of L. major promastigote and amastigote RNAs indicated that MAPS-1A is constitutively expressed.

[0210] Using oligonucleotide primers (SEQ ID NOs:27 and 28) based on the MAPS-1A cDNA sequence provided in SEQ ID NO: 23, the corresponding gene was isolated from L. tropica by means of PCR (using 30 cycles of the following temperature step sequence: 94° C., 1 minute; 50° C., 1 minute; 72° C., 1 minute) The determined cDNA sequence for the L. tropica MAPS-1A protein is provided in SEQ ID NO: 25, with the corresponding amino acid sequence being provided in SEQ ID NO: 26.

[0211] The ability of recombinant MAPS-1A to stimulate cell proliferation was investigated as follows. PBMC from 3 L. braziliensis-infected patients having active mucosal leishmaniasis, from 4 patients post kala-azar infection (previously infected with L. chagasi and/or L. donovani) and from 3 uninfected-individuals were prepared as described above in Example 7. The ability of MAPS-1A to stimulate proliferation of these PBMC was determined as described in Example 8 above. As shown in FIG. 24, significant levels of MAPS-1A specific PBMC proliferation were seen in 2 of the 7 Leishmania patients.

[0212] The ability of MAPS-1A to stimulate proliferation in mice lymph node cultures was determined as described in Example 8. FIG. 25 shows the amount of proliferation stimulated by MAPS-1A (at 25 μg/ml, 5 μg/ml and 1 μg/ml) as compared to that stimulated by the positive control ConA and by crude L. major promastigote supernatant proteins, 20 days post-infection with L. major. Cells isolated 20 days post-infection were highly responsive to MAPS-1A, whereas cells isolated 10 days post-infection were unresponsive.

Example 11

Immunoreactivity of Soluble Leishmania Antigens with Sera from Leishmania-infected Patients

[0213] The reactivity of MAPS-1A with sera from uninfected individuals, from human leishmaniasis patients with cutaneous infection, from human patients with acute visceral leishmaniasis, and from L. major-infected BALB/c mice was determined as follows.

[0214] Assays were performed in 96-well plates coated with 200 ng antigen diluted to 50 μL in carbonate coating buffer, pH 9.6. The wells were coated overnight at 4° C. (or 2 hours at 37° C.). The plate contents were then removed and the wells were blocked for 2 hours with 200 μL of PBS/1% BSA. After the blocking step, the wells were washed five times with PBS/0.1% Tween 20™. 50 μL sera, diluted 1:100 in PBS/0.1% Tween 20™/0.1% BSA, was then added to each well and incubated for 30 minutes at room temperature. The plates were then washed again five times with PBS/0.1% Tween 20™.

[0215] The enyzme conjugate (horseradish peroxidase—Protein A, Zymed, San Francisco, Calif.) was then diluted 1:10,000 in PBS/0.1% Tween 20™/0.1% BSA, and 50 μL of the diluted conjugate was added to each well and incubated for 30 minutes at room temperature. Following incubation, the wells were washed five times with PBS/0.1% Tween 20™. 100 μL of tetramethylbenzidine peroxidase (TMB) substrate (Kirkegaard and Perry Laboratories, Gaithersburg, Md.) was added, undiluted, and incubated for about 15 minutes. The reaction was stopped with the addition of 100 μL of 1 N H2SO4 to each well, and the plates were read at 450 mn.

[0216] As shown in FIG. 26, approximately 50% of the samples from human leishmaniasis patients showed reactivities with recombinant MAPS-1A substantially above background. FIG. 27 shows the reactivity of MAPS-1A with increasing dilutions of sera from BALB/c mice previously administered either (i) saline solution; (ii) the adjuvant B. pertussis; (iii) soluble Leishmania antigens plus B. pertussis; (iv) live L. major promastigotes; or (v) soluble Leishmania antigens plus B. pertussis followed by live L. major promastigotes (as described below in Example 12). Considerably higher absorbances were seen with sera from mice infected with live L. major promastigotes and with mice infected with live L. major promastigotes following immunization with soluble Leishmania antigens plus B. pertussis, than with sera from the other three groups of mice, indicating that anti-MAPS-1A antibody titers increase following Leishmania infection.

Example 12

Use of Leishmania Antigens for Vaccination Against Leishmania Infection

[0217] This example illustrates the effectiveness of Leishmania antigens in conferring protection against disease in the experimental murine leishmaniasis model system. For a discussion of the murine leishmaniasis model system see, for example, Reiner et al. Annu. Rev. Immunol., 13:151-77, 1995.

[0218] The effectiveness of (i) crude soluble Leishmania antigens, (ii) MAPS-1A, and (iii) a mixture of Ldp23, LbeIF4A and M15, as vaccines against Leishmania infection was determined as follows. BALB/c mice (5 per group) were immunized intra-peritoneally three times at biweekly intervals with either (i) 30 μg crude soluble Leishmania antigens, (ii) 20 μg MAPS-1A or (iii) a mixture containing 10 μg each of LeIF, Ldp23 and M15, together with 100 μg of the adjuvant C. parvum. Two control groups were immunized with either saline or C. parvum alone. Two weeks after the last immunization, the mice were challenged with 2×105 late-log phase promastigotes of L. major. Infection was monitored weekly by measurement of footpad swelling. The amount of footpad swelling seen in mice immunized with either crude soluble Leishmania antigens, a mixture of Ldp23, LbeiF4A and M15 (FIG. 28), or MAPS-1A (FIG. 29) was significantly less than that seen in mice immunized with C. parvum alone. These results demonstrate that the Leishmania antigens of the present invention are effective in conferring protection against Leishmania infection.

Example 13

Isolation of DNA Encoding for Soluble Antigens from an L. major Genomic DNA Library

[0219] This example illustrates the isolation of seven soluble Leishmania antigen genes from an L. major genomic DNA library.

[0220] An L. major genomic DNA expression library was prepared from L. major promastigotes using the unidirectional Lambda ZAP (uni-ZAP) kit (Stratagene) according to the manufacturer's protocol. This library was screened with a high titer rabbit sera raised against L. major soluble antigens, as described above in Example 9. Seven positive clones were identified. The phagemid were excised and DNA from each of the seven clones was sequenced using a Perkin Elmer/Applied Biosystems Division automated sequencer Model 373A. The DNA sequences for these antigens, referred to as LmgSP1, LmgSP3, LmgSP5, LmgSP8, LmgSP9, LmgSP13, LmgSP19, are provided in SEQ ID NO:29-35, respectively, with the corresponding amino acid sequences being provided in SEQ ID NO: 36-42, respectively. LmgSP13 was found to contain a 39 amino acid repeat sequence shown in SEQ ID NO:43.

[0221] Subsequent studies led to the isolation of an extended cDNA sequence for LmgSP13 which contains an ORF (cDNA sequence provided in SEQ ID NO: 114) encoding a 194 amino acid sequence (SEQ ID NO: 119). Comparison of these sequences with those in the public databases revealed that LmgSP13 encodes a portion of a clone recently identified in the L. major genome sequencing project (genomic DNA sequence provided in SEQ ID NO: 115). The full-length ORF encodes a 2310 amino acid polypeptide sequence (provided in SEQ ID NO: 120) containing unique amino- and carboxy-terminal regions flanking 42 highly related 39 amino acid repeats.

[0222] The 5 repeats of the original LmgSP 13 clone were subcloned into a modified pET vector both alone and as a fusion downstream of the M. tuberculosis antigen Ra12. The resulting recombinant protein was expressed, purified and used to generate a highly specific rabbit antiserum. Western blotting indicated that L. chagasi contains a LmgSp13 homologue.

[0223] Subsequent studies resulted in the isolation of an extended sequence for LmgSP9. The extended DNA sequence is provided in SEQ ID NO: 54, with the corresponding predicted amino acid sequence being provided in SEQ ID NO: 55. The amino acid sequence was found to contain six 14 amino acid repeat units (SEQ ID NO: 56), with each unit being further divided into two 7 amino acid units, provided in SEQ ID NO: 57 and 58. Comparison of the isolated sequences for LmgSP9 with sequences in the public databases, revealed that LmgSP9 encodes for the carboy-terminal region of a larger DNA sequence (SEQ ID NO: 116) that encodes a 708 amino acid polypeptide (SEQ ID NO: 121) identified in the L. major genome sequencing project. LmgSP9 was found to share low homology with serine protease, endo-protease furin and the major surface-labeled trophozoite antigen of Giardia lamblia (25-30% identity). Surface localization of LmgSP9 is consistent with motif predictions of an amino-terminal signal sequence, carboxy-terminal transmembrane domain and GPI anchor. Southern hybridization using the original LmgSP9 clone indicated that homologous sequences are present in all tested Leishmania species. The amino-terminal 295 amino acids of LmgSP9 excluding the signal sequence (referred to as LmgSP9N-ht; cDNA sequence provided in SEQ ID NO: 117 and amino acid sequence provided in SEQ ID NO: 122) were subcloned into a modified pET vector and recombinant protein was expressed and purified.

[0224] Comparison of the DNA and amino acid sequences for the isolated antigens as described above, revealed no significant homologies to LmgSP1 and LmgSP3. LmgSP5 was found to be related to the known Promastigote surface antigen-2 (PSA2) family. LmgSP8 was found to bear some homology to a sequence previously identified in E. coli (2-succinyl-6-hydroxy-2,4-cyclohexadiene-1-carboxylic acid synthase). LmgSP9 and LmgSP 19 were found to be homologous to a L. major hydrophilic surface protein referred to as Gene B (Flinn, H. M. et al. Mol. Biochem. Parasit. 65:259-270, 1994), and to ubiquitin, respectively. To the best of the inventors' knowledge, none of these antigens have been previously shown to elicit T or B cell responses.

[0225] In further studies, a 220 bp DNA fragment was amplified from LmgSP5 and used to screen a L. major genomic library in Lambda ZAP. Seventeen positive clones were purified after secondary screening. To select for a clone that had a likelihood of having the 5′ sequence of the LmgSP5 insert, a labeled oligonucleotide from the 5′ region was used to screen the DNA from the secondary positive clones. DNA from three clones hybridized to the 5′ oligonucleotide, with one clone hybridizing stronger than the other two. This clone (cDNA sequence provided in SEQ ID NO: 103) was found to contain an insert of 2421 bp which contained the entire open reading frame for the novel PSA-2 gene. This ORF was amplified and cloned in the expression vector pET-17b for expression of recombinant protein in E. coli. The cDNA sequence of the ORF is provided in SEQ ID NO: 102, with the corresponding amino acid sequence being provided in SEQ ID NO: 104.

[0226] The reactivity of recombinant LmgSP9 with sera from patients with visceral leishmaniasis, (from both Sudan and Brazil) and from normal donors was evaluated by ELISA as described above. The absorbance values were compared with those obtained using the known Leishmania antigen K39 described above, with L. chagasi lysate being employed as a positive control. Representative results of these assays are provided below in Table 2, wherein all the patients from Brazil and those from the Sudan designated as “VL” were inflicted with visceral leishmaniasis. The results demonstrated that LmgSP9 specifically detects antibody in most individuals with visceral leishmaniasis, regardless of geographical location. In several cases, the absorbance values of the antibody reactivity to LmgSP9 were comparable to that observed with K39. In addition, LmgSP9 detected several cases of leishmaniasis that were not detected using K39. These results indicate that LmgSP9 can be used to complement the reactivity of K39.

TABLE 2
REACTIVITY OF LMGSP9 WITH SERA FROM
LEISHMANIA PATIENTS
	Patient No.	L. chagasi lysate	K39	LmgSP9
	Sudanese samples:
	B19	1.067	0.306	0.554
	B25	1.884	3.435	0.974
	B43	1.19	3.225	0.86
	B47	2.405	2.892	0.375
	B50	0.834	0.748	0.432
	B58	0.921	0.235	0.92
	B63	1.291	0.303	0.764
	B70	0.317	0.089	3.056
	VL4	1.384	3.035	2.965
	VL11	0.382	0.144	0.142
	VL12	0.277	0.068	0.098
	VL13	0.284	0.12	0.194
	Brazilian samples:
	105	3.508	3.53	0.374
	106	2.979	3.373	2.292
	107	2.535	3.444	0.46
	109	1.661	3.415	3.319
	111	3.595	3.537	0.781
	112	2.052	3.469	0.63
	113	3.352	3.429	0.963
	114	2.316	3.437	1.058
	115	2.073	3.502	1.186
	116	3.331	3.461	0.96
	Normal Donors:
	129	0.157	0.104	0.08
	130	0.195	0.076	0.095
	131	0.254	0.134	0.086
	132	0.102	0.035	0.043

[0227] In subsequent ELISA analyses performed as described above, LmgSP 13 was demonstrated to react as strongly with sera from patients infected with L. chagasi as with sera from L. major infected patients. This is consistent with the Western blot studies discussed above wherein L. chagasi was found to contain an LmgSp13 homologue.

[0228] In order to obtain a higher specificity for the detection of antibodies in sera from visceral leishmaniasis patients, a homologue of LmgSP9 was isolated from L. chagasi, one of the causative agents of visceral leishmaniasis. A total of 80,000 pfu of an amplified L. chagasi genomic library were screened with the entire coding region of LmgSP9 (amplified from L. major genomic DNA). Seven hybridizing clones were purified to homogeneity. The determined DNA sequences for two of these clones, referred to as Lc Gene A and LcGene B, are provided in SEQ ID NO: 59 and 60, respectively, with the corresponding predicted amino acid sequences being provided in SEQ ID NO: 61 and 62, respectively. The open reading frame for Lc Gene A was found to show some homology to Gene A/C, previously isolated from L. major (McKlean et al., Mol. Bio. Parasitol., 85:221-231, 1997). The open reading frame for Lc Gene B showed some homology to Gene B of L. major, discussed above, and was found to contain eleven repeats of a 14 amino acid repeat unit (SEQ ID NO: 63), with each repeat being further divided into two 7 amino acid units, provided in SEQ ID NO: 64 and 65.

[0229] The diagnostic potentials of Lc Gene A and Lc Gene B were evaluated by ELISA as described above using sera from visceral leishmaniasis patients from Sudan and Brazil, and from uninfected controls. Absorbance values were compared to those obtained using LmgSP9. Much higher absorbance values were obtained with Lc Gene A and Lc Gene B than with LmgSP9, with Lc Gene B appearing to be more effective that Lc Gene A in detecting antibodies in certain cases. These results indicate that Lc Gene B is highly effective in the diagnosis of visceral leishmaniasis.

[0230] In order to assess the diagnostic potential of the repeats found within Lc Gene B, a series of 6 peptides were synthesized (SEQ ID NO: 66-71; referred to as Pep 1-6), differing in an R or H residue. An ELISA was carried out using the full-length LcGene B protein and the six peptides. The absorbance values obtained with Pep 3 were higher than those obtained with the other 5 peptides, however they were not as high as those obtained with the full length protein.

Example 14

Isolation and Characterization of DNA Encoding for Soluble Antigens from an L. chagasi Genomic DNA Library

[0231] This example illustrates the preparation of five soluble Leishmania antigen genes from an L. chagasi genomic DNA library.

[0232] An L. chagasi genomic DNA expression library was prepared from L. chagasi promastigotes using the unidirectional Lambda ZAP (uni-ZAP) kit (Stratagene) according to the manufacturer's protocol. This library was screened with a high titer rabbit sera raised against L. major soluble antigens, as described above in Example 9. Five positive clones were identified. The phagemid were excised and DNA from each of the Five clones was sequenced using a Perkin Elmer/Applied Biosystems Division automated sequencer Model 373A. The DNA sequences for these antigens, referred to as LcgSP1, LcgSP3, LcgSP4, LcgSP8, and LcgSP10 are provided in SEQ ID NO:44-48, respectively, with the corresponding amino acid sequences being provided in SEQ ID NO:49-53, respectively.

[0233] Comparison of these sequences with known sequences in the gene bank as described above, revealed no known homologies to LcgSP3, LcgSP4, LcgSP8 and LcgSP10. LcgSP1 was found to be homologous to the known antigen HSP70.

[0234] Subsequent studies led to the isolation of a longer cDNA sequence for LcgSP3. This clone was found to contain an ORF (cDNA sequence provided in SEQ ID NO: 113) encoding an amino acid sequence of 539 residues (SEQ ID NO: 118). Comparison of the sequence for LcgSP3 with those in the public database, revealed it to be most closely related to the thermostable carboxypeptidase of Vibrio cholera (45% identity). Moreover, LcgSP3 was found to contain the active site residues characteristic of this class of carboxypeptidase. Southern hybridization using the LcgSP3 ORF indicated that homologous sequences are present in all tested Leishmania species. The LcgSP3 ORF was subcloned into a modified pET vector and recombinant protein was expressed, purified and used to generate a highly specific rabbit antiserum, using conventional techniques.

[0235] FIGS. 30A and B illustrate the proliferative response of murine lymph nodes to recombinant LcgSP8, LcgSP10 and LcgSP3. Lymph nodes were taken BALB/c mice 17 days after infection with L. major. Infection occurred by footpad injection of 2×106 parasites/footpad. The cells were stimulated with recombinant antigen and proliferation was measured at 72 hours using 3H-thymidine. FIG. 30A shows the CPM, a direct measurement of mitotic activity in response to the antigens, and FIG. 30B shows the stimulation index, which measures the proliferative response relative to the negative control.

Example 15

Isolation of DNA Encoding for L. major Antigens By CD4+ T Cell Expression Cloning

[0236] This example illustrates the isolation of T cell antigens of L. major using a direct T cell screening approach.

[0237] Leishmania-specific CD4+ T cell lines were derived from the PBMC of an individual who tested positive in a leishmania skin test but had no clinical history of disease. These T cell lines were used to screen a L. major amastigote cDNA expression library prepared as described in Example 1. Immunoreactive clones were isolated and sequenced as described above. The determined cDNA sequences for the 8 isolated clones referred to as 1G6-34, 1E6-44, 4A5-63, 1B11-39, 2A10-37, 4G2-83, 4H6-41, 8G3-100 are provided in SEQ ID NO: 72-79, respectively, with the corresponding predicted amino acid sequences being provided in SEQ ID NO: 80-87, respectively. The cDNA sequences provided for 1E6-44, 2A10-37, 4G2-83, 4H6-41 and 8G3-100 are believe to represent partial clones. All of these clones were shown to stimulate T cell proliferation.

[0238] Comparison of these sequences with those in the gene bank as described above revealed no known homologies to the antigen 4A5-63. 1G6-34 was found to have some homology to histone H2B previously identified in L. enrietti. Antigens 1E6-44, 1B11-39 and 8G3-100 showed some homology to sequences previously identified in other eukaryotes, in particular Saccharomyces cerevisae. 2A10-37 and 4H6-41 were found to be homologous to the two previously identified proteins alpha tubulin from L. donovani and beta tubulin from L. major, respectively, and 4G2-83 was found to be homologous to elongation initiation factor 2 previously identified in T. cruzi.

[0239] Subsequent full-length cloning studies, using standard techniques, led to the isolation of an extended cDNA sequence for 1E6-44, provided in SEQ ID NO: 105. The corresponding amino acid sequence is provided in SEQ ID NO: 106. An extended cDNA sequence for 2A10-37 is provided in SEQ ID NO: 107. This sequence was found to contain a complete open reading frame which encodes the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 108. An extended cDNA sequence for 4G2-83 is provided in SEQ ID NO: 109. This sequence contains a complete open reading frame which encodes the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 110. An extended cDNA sequence for 8G3-100 is provided in SEQ ID NO: 111, with the corresponding amino acid sequence being provided in SEQ ID NO: 112.

[0240] All eight of the antigens described above (1G6-34, 1E6-44, 4A5-63, 1B11-39, 2A10-37, 4G2-83, 4H6-41, 8G3-100) were expressed in E. coli as recombinant fusion proteins containing N-terminal histidine tags and were purified to homogeneity using nickel affinity chromatography. All 8 purified recombinant proteins elicited strong proliferative responses from the CD4+ T cell lines employed in the library screening. T cell reactivity to 1G6-34, 4H6-41 and 8G3-100 was also observed in T cells generated against both Leishmania promastigote culture filtrate and amastigote culture filtrate, indicating that these antigens are expressed in both the promastigote and amastigote life stages at levels that are sufficient to evoke strong cellular immunes response.

[0241] The ability of the 8 antigens to stimulate proliferation and IFN-γ production in PBMC from patients with active cutaneous leishmaniasis (CL) and from normal donors was examined as described above. In addition to the 8 antigens, leishmanial promastigote lysate (LPr) and purified protein derivative from M. tuberculosis (PPD) were also tested. The number of patients and/or donors responding to each antigen is shown in Table 3 below. All CL patients responded to at least one of the 8 antigens. Most notably, the antigens 1G6-34 and 4H6-41 elicited cell proliferation in 6/7 and 7/7 CL patients, respectively, and IFN-γ production in 6/7 and 5/7 CL patients, respectively. In addition 1G6-34 was not recognized by PBMC from uninfected control donors.

TABLE 3
CELL PROLIFERATION AND IFN-γ PRODUCTION IN PBMC
FROM PATIENTS WITH CUTANEOUS LEISHMANIASIS
	CL Patients	Normal donors
	IFN-γ	Cell	IFN-γ	Cell
Antigen	production	Proliferation	production	Proliferation
LPr	7/7	6/7	3/8	5/8
1G6-34	6/7	5/7	0/8	0/8
1E6-44	0/7	4/7	5/8	2/8
4A5-63	1/7	1/7	0/8	0/8
1B11-39	5/7	3/7	1/8	0/8
2A10-37	1/7	3/7	1/8	0/8
4H6-41	7/7	5/7	3/8	1/8
8G3-100	0/7	2/7	5/8	2/8
PPD	7/7	7/7	7/8	7/8

Example 16

Synthesis of Polypeptides

[0242] Polypeptides may be synthesized on a Perkin Elmer/Applied Biosystems Division 430A peptide synthesizer using FMOC chemistry with HPTU (O-Benzotriazole-N,N,N,′,N′-tetramethyluronium hexafluorophosphate) activation. A Gly-Cys-Gly sequence may be attached to the amino terminus of the peptide to provide a method of conjugation, binding to an immobilized surface, or labeling of the peptide. Cleavage of the peptides from the solid support may be carried out using the following cleavage mixture: trifluoroacetic acid:ethanedithiol:thioanisole:water:phenol (40:1:2:2:3). After cleaving for 2 hours, the peptides may be precipitated in cold methyl-t-butyl-ether. The peptide pellets may then be dissolved in water containing 0.1% trifluoroacetic acid (TFA) and lyophilized prior to purification by C18 reverse phase HPLC. A gradient of 0%-60% acetonitrile (containing 0.1% TFA) in water (containing 0.1% TFA) may be used to elute the peptides. Following lyophilization of the pure fractions, the peptides may be characterized using electrospray or other types of mass spectrometry and by amino acid analysis.

Example 17

Use of Leishmania Antigens Plus Adjuvant for Vaccination Against Leishmania Infection

[0243] This example illustrates the effectiveness of recombinant Leishmania antigens, M15 and MAPS, plus an adjuvant, IL-12, in conferring protection against disease in the experimental murine leishmaniasis model system. For discussion of the murine leishmaniasis model system see, for example, Reiner et al., Annu. Rev. Immunol., 13:151 -77, 1995. The effectiveness of M15 and MAPS in combination with IL-12, as vaccine against Leishmania infection was determined as follows: BALB/c mice (5 per group) were immunized subcutaneously in the left footpad, twice (3 weeks apart) with the 10 μg of the individual antigens mixed with 1 μg of IL-12. As controls, three separate groups of mice were immunized with soluble leishmania lysate antigens (SLA) plus IL-12, with IL-12 alone or with PBS. Three weeks after the last immunization the mice were infected in the right footpad with 2×105 promastigote forms of L. major (stationary phase). Footpad swelling was then measured weekly. Results are expressed in FIG. 31 and clearly indicate that the mice immunized with either M15 or MAPS and IL-12 were greatly protected against the infection; whereas mice immunized with IL-12 alone did not show protection from infection. The protection induced by these antigens was as efficient or better than that induced by SLA+IL-12, a regimen known to induce good protection against leishmaniasis in this animal model (Afonso, L. C. C., T. M. Scharton, L. Q. Vieira, M. Wysocka, G. Trinchieri, and P. Scott. 1994. The adjuvant effect of interleukin-12 in a vaccine against Leishmania major. Science 263:235-237). The same pattern of protection described above, was obtained i.e., M15, MAPS, and SLA, induced protection against L. major infection when C. parvum instead of IL-12 was used as adjuvant (Example 12). These results demonstrate that both M15 and MAPS recombinant antigens induce excellent protection against L. major infection in the BALB/c model of human leishmaniasis. In addition, both antigens induced protection when tested in two different adjuvant formulations, (e.g., IL-12 and C. parvim.) This finding is of high significance because it demonstrates that immunity to leishmaniasis can be induced by the specific antigens delivered in adjuvants that are suitable for human use.

Example 18

Use of Leishmania DNA for Vaccination Against Leishmania Infection

[0244] This example illustrates the effectiveness of Leishmania DNA in conferring protection against disease in the experimental murine leishmaniasis model system. For discussion of the murine leishmaniasis model system see, for example, Reiner et al., Annu. Rev. Immunol., 13:151-77, 1995. The protection properties of the recombinant antigens was tested by immunizing mice with naked DNA containing the corresponding M15 and MAPS genes. The DNA construct used was the pcDNA3.1 vector (Invitrogen) containing a CMV promotor. BALB/c mice (5 per group) were injected in the left footpad three times (3 weeks apart) with 100 g of the indicated naked DNA preparations. Mice were bled before and after the immunizations to monitor the development of specific immune response. The antibody response was evaluated by ELISA. Specific anti-M15 and anti-MAPS IgG2a antibodies were detected after the second immunization in the sera of the mice immunized with the respective naked DNA. The presence of specific antibodies indicates that the DNA immunization resulted in the production of specific protein antigen. Three weeks after the last immunization, the mice were then challenged in the right footpad with 2×105 promastigote forms of L. major (stationary phase). Footpad swelling was then measured weekly thereafter. Results are expressed in FIG. 32 and clearly indicated that, again, mice immunized with naked DNA containing either the M15 or MAPS genes were greatly protected against the infection with L. major. These results demonstrate that both M15 and MAPS genes induce excellent protection against L. major infection in the BALB/c model of human leishmaniasis.

Example 19

Preparation and Characterization of Leishmania Fusion Proteins

[0245] Fusion proteins comprising the Leishmania antigens MAPS-iA (SEQ ID NO: 24), M15 (SEQ ID NO: 2), Lbhsp83 (SEQ ID NO: 6) and LbeIF4A (SEQ ID NO: 10) were prepared as follows.

[0246] A fusion construct of MAPS-1A and M15 was prepared by first PCR amplifying the full-length coding sequence of MAPS-1A using the primers of SEQ ID NO: 88 and 89. The resulting products were digested with NdeI and BamHI follows by sub-cloning into the pET17b expression vector, also digested with NdeI and BamHI. The ligated products were transformed into E. coli and transformants containing the correct insert were identified by restriction digest and verified by DNA sequencing. The MAPS-1A-pET plasmid was digested with BamHI and EcoRI. The latter cuts within the poly-linker sequence of the pET vector which is located downstream of the BamHI site.

[0247] The primers of SEQ ID NO: 90 and 91 were employed to PCR amplify the full-length coding sequence of M15 and the resulting product was digested with BamHI and EcoRI followed by sub-cloning into the predigested MAPS1A-pET plasmid above. The ligated products were then transformed into E. coli and transformants with the correct insert were identified by restriction digest and verified by DNA sequencing. The MAPS1A-M15 pET construct was transformed into the bacterial host (BL21; pLysE). Expression of the protein resulted in a single recombinant molecule with a predicted molecular weight of 85.7 kDa. The recombinant MAPS1A-M15 fusion protein also contained 33 amino acid residues of run-through vector as a result of the removal of the stop codon of M15 and was subsequently digested with EcoRI. The DNA sequence of the MAPS1A-M15 construct is provided in SEQ ID NO: 101.

[0248] The primers of SEQ ID NO: 92 and 93 were used to PCR amplify the first 226 amino acid residues of LbeIF4A. The resulting PCR product was digested with EcoRi and sub-cloned into the MAPS1A-M15-pET plasmid. The ligated products were then transformed into E. coli and transformants with the correct insert and orientation were identified by restriction digest and verified by DNA sequencing. The expressed recombinant protein was purified by affinity chromatography over a Ni column. The DNA and amino acid sequences of the fusion protein MAPS1A-M15-LbeIF4A are provided in SEQ ID NO: 94 and 95, respectively.

[0249] Additional fusion proteins were prepared using the methodology described above. The amino acid sequences for the fusion proteins MAPS1A-M15-Lbhsp83 and MAPS1A-M15-Lbhsp83-LeIF4A are provided in SEQ ID NO: 96 and 97, respectively. The DNA sequence that encodes the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 97 is provided in SEQ ID NO: 98. The DNA sequences of MAPS1A-M15-Lbhsp83 and MAPSlA-Mi5-Lbhsp83-LeIF4A vectors employed in DNA vaccines are provided in SEQ ID NO: 99 and 100, respectively.

Example 20

Use of Leishmania Fusion Proteins Plus Adjuvant for Vaccination against Leishmania Infection

[0250] The ability of the Leishmania fusion proteins MAPS1A-M15 (referred to as the diFusion) and MAPS1A-M15-LbeIF4A (referred to as the triFusion), plus adjuvant, to confer protection against disease in the experimental murine leishmaniasis model system was examined as follows.

[0251] The diFusion and triFusion were prepared as described above. In a first series of experiments, groups of BALB/c mice were immunized with either the individual recombinant antigens, (MAPS1A, M15 or LbeIF4A), the diFusion or the triFusion, with IL-12 as an adjuvant, as described above in Example 17. Control mice were immunized with IL-12 alone or saline. Before challenge, some mice (three per group) were sacrificed and the immune responses to the fusion proteins and to the individual antigens were investigated. Both T cell (cytokine production by spleen cells) and B cell responses (antibody response) were evaluated. The results indicated that immunization of mice with the fusion proteins did not interfere with the immunogenicity of the individual antigens. More specifically, Th1 responses (namely induction of IFN-γ production and specific IgG2a production) were observed to both MAPS1A and M15, when mice were immunized with both the diFusion and triFusion recombinant proteins. In addition, immunization with the triFusion resulted in good immune response to LeIF.

[0252] To evaluate the protection conferred by these fusion proteins, the immunized and control mice were infected in the right footpad with 2×103 amastigote forms of L. major and footpad swelling was measured weekly thereafter. The results, shown in FIG. 33, clearly indicated that both fusion proteins induced protection comparable to MAPS1A and M15.

[0253] A second series of experiments was performed in which MPL-SE (Ribi ImmunoChem Research Inc. (Hamilton, Mont.) was employed as the adjuvant. BALB/c mice were immunized three times (three weeks interval) with 2 μg of the individual antigens (MAPS1A, M15 or LbeIF4A), diFusion or triFusion proteins plus MPL-SE, and tested for immunogenicity of the antigens and for protection as described above. As with the experiments performed with IL-12 as adjuvant, the mice immunized with the individual antigens as well as with the fusion proteins showed both specific T and B cell responses to the immunizing antigens. Moreover, no antigen competition between the individual antigens was observed when the fusion proteins were used as immunogens.

[0254] As with the protection studies in which IL-12 was used as adjuvant, protection was achieved with the individual antigens MAS1A and M15, as well as with the two fusion proteins (FIG. 34). Slightly better protection was observed in the group of mice immunized with the triFusion than in mice immunized with the diFusion.

Example 21

Formulation of Compositions Comprising Leishmania Fusion Proteins

[0255] A stable preparation of the tri-fusion of MAPS1A, M15 and LbeIF4A described above was prepared as follows. The purified protein was put into ammonium bicarbonate buffer (pH 8.0) by dialysis, and the following were added: 5% (w/v) mannitol, sucrose at 10:1 (w/w) excess sucrose to protein and 0.1% (v/v) polysorbate 80. The protein was lyophilized to dryness to yield a stable powder which can be readily resuspended as needed.

[0256] From the foregoing, it will be appreciated that, although specific embodiments of the invention have been described herein for the purpose of illustration, various modifications may be made without deviating from the spirit and scope of the invention.

Claims

1. An isolated polypeptide comprising an immunogenic portion of a Leishmania antigen or a variant thereof, wherein said antigen comprises an amino acid sequence selected from the group consisting of SEQ ID NO: 2, 4, 20, 22, 24, 26, 36-38, 41, 50-53, 82, 104, 106, 108, 110, 112 and 118-122, and variants thereof.

2. An isolated antigenic epitope of a Leishmania antigen comprising an amino acid sequence selected from the group consisting of: SEQ ID NO: 43, 56, 57 or 58.

3. An isolated polypeptide comprising at least two contiguous antigenic epitopes according to claim 2.

4. An isolated polynucleotide comprising a DNA sequence encoding a polypeptide according to any one of claims 1 and 3.

5. The polynucleotide of claim 4, wherein the DNA sequence is selected from the group consisting of: SEQ ID NO: 1, 3, 19, 21, 23, 25, 29-31, 34, 45-48, 74, 102, 103, 105, 107, 109, 111 and 113-117.

6. A recombinant expression vector comprising a polynucleotide according to claim 5.

7. A host cell transformed with an expression vector according to claim 6.

8. The host cell of claim 7 wherein the host cell is selected from the group consisting of E. coli, yeast and mammalian cells.

9. A fusion protein comprising at least two polypeptides according to any one of claims 1 and 3.

10. A fusion protein comprising at least two antigenic epitopes according to claim 2.

11. A pharmaceutical composition comprising a polypeptide according to any one of claims 1 and 3, and a physiologically acceptable carrier.

12. A pharmaceutical composition comprising a fusion protein according to any one of claims 9 and 10, and a physiologically acceptable carrier

13. An immunogenic composition comprising a polypeptide according to any one of claims 1 and 3 and an immunostimulant.

14. An immunogenic composition according to claim 13 further comprising a delivery vehicle.

15. The immunogenic composition of claim 14, wherein the delivery vehicle is a biodegradable microsphere.

16. An immunogenic composition comprising a polynucleotide according to claim 4 and an immunostimulant.

17. An immunogenic composition comprising a fusion protein according to any one of claims 9 and 10 and an immunostimulant

18. A method for inducing protective immunity against leishmaniasis in a patient comprising administering a pharmaceutical composition according to any one of claims 11 and 12.

19. A method for inducing protective immunity against leishmaniasis in a patient comprising administering an immunogenic composition according to any one of claims 13, 16 and 17.

20. A method for detecting Leishmania infection in a patient, comprising: (a) contacting dermal cells of the patient with a pharmaceutical composition according to any one of claims 11 and 12; and (b) detecting an immune response on the patient's skin.

21. The method of claim 20, wherein the immune response is induration.

22. A diagnostic kit comprising: (a) a pharmaceutical composition according to any one of claim 11 and 12; and (b) apparatus sufficient to contact dermal cells of a patient with the pharmaceutical composition.

23. The composition of claim 17, wherein the immunostimulant is selected from the group consisting of: aminoalkyl glucosaminide 4-phosphates; monophosphoryl lipid A; and 3-de-O-acylated monophosphoryl lipid A.