Cloning, sequencing and expression of a gene encoding an eukaryotic amino acid racemase, and diagnostic, therapeutic, and vaccination applications of parasite and viral mitogens

Abstract

A method of preventing or inhibiting infection by a parasite or virus in vivo comprises administering to a human in need thereof a parasite or virus mitogen in a sub-mitogenic amount sufficient to induce a protective immune response against the parasite or virus in the human.

1 - 78 . (canceled)  
     
     
         79 . A purified nucleic acid molecule comprising: 
 (A) a molecule that hybridizes to either strand of a denatured, double-stranded DNA comprising the nucleic acid molecule of SEQ ID NO: 7 under conditions of moderate stringency and that encodes an amino acid racemase activity;    (B) a molecule that is derived by in vitro mutagenesis from SEQ ID NO: 7 and encodes an amino acid racemase activity; and/or    (C) a molecule that is degenerate from SEQ ID NO: 7 as a result of the genetic code and that encodes an amino acid racemase activity.    
     
     
         80 . A recombinant vector that directs the expression of a nucleic acid molecule as claimed in  claim 79 .  
     
     
         81 . A host cell transfected or transduced with the vector as claimed in  claim 80 .  
     
     
         82 . A kit for detecting a parasite, said kit comprising: 
 (A) a polynucleotide probe, which hybridizes with the nucleic acid as claimed in  claim 79  under moderate stringency; and    (B) reagents to perform a nucleic acid hybridization reaction.