Meningococcal antigens

Abstract

The invention provides proteins from Neisseria meningitidis (strains A & B), including amino acid sequences, the corresponding nucleotide sequences, expression data, and serological data. The proteins are useful antigens for vaccines, immunogenic compositions, and/or diagnostics.

1 - 17 . (canceled)  
     
     
         18 . An isolated polypeptide comprising a member selected from the group consisting of 
 (a) the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 4; and    (b) an immunogenic fragment of at least 15 contiguous amino acids of SEQ ID NO: 4, wherein the immunogenic fragment, when administered to a subject in a suitable composition which can include an adjuvant, or a suitable carrier coupled to the polypeptide, induces an antibody or T-cell meditated immune response that recognizes the isolated polypeptide SEQ ID NO: 4.    
     
     
         19 . The isolated polypeptide of  claim 18 , wherein the polypeptide is according to (a).  
     
     
         20 . The isolated polypeptide of  claim 18 , wherein the polypeptide is according to (b).  
     
     
         21 . The isolated polypeptide of  claim 18 , wherein the immunogenic fragment of (b) comprises at least 20 contiguous amino acids of SEQ ID NO:4; wherein the immunogenic fragment, when administered to a subject in a suitable composition which can include an adjuvant, or a suitable carrier coupled to the polypeptide, induces an antibody or T-cell meditated immune response that recognizes the polypeptide SEQ ID NO: 4.  
     
     
         22 . The isolated polypeptide of  claim 18 , wherein the isolated polypeptide consists of SEQ ID NO: 4.  
     
     
         23 . A fusion protein comprising the isolated polypeptide of  claim 18 .  
     
     
         24 . An immunogenic composition comprising the polypeptide of  claim 18 , and a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier.  
     
     
         25 . The isolated polypeptide of  claim 18 , wherein the isolated polypeptide is a recombinant polypeptide.  
     
     
         26 . The isolated polypeptide of  claim 19 , wherein the isolated polypeptide is a recombinant polypeptide.  
     
     
         27 . The isolated polypeptide of  claim 20 , wherein the isolated polypeptide is a recombinant polypeptide.  
     
     
         28 . An immunogenic composition comprising the isolated polypeptide of  claim 19 .  
     
     
         29 . An immunogenic composition comprising the isolated polypeptide of  claim 20 .  
     
     
         30 . A fusion protein comprising the isolated polypeptide of  claim 19 .  
     
     
         31 . A fusion protein comprising the isolated polypeptide of  claim 20.