Vaccine antigens of Moraxella

Abstract

The present invention relates to antigens of Moraxella, in particular, Moraxella bovis, nucleic acid sequences encoding these antigens and formulations for use in raising an immune response against Moraxella.

1 . An isolated polypeptide comprising an amino acid sequence as set out in SEQ ID NO:3 from amino acid 26 to 616 or a sequence having at least 50% identity thereto, or a functional fragment thereof, wherein the polypeptide or the fragment has lipase activity.  
     
     
         2 . The polypeptide, as claimed in  claim 1 , having a sequence of at least 70% identity with the sequence shown in SEQ ID NO:3 from amino acid 26 to 616.  
     
     
         3 . The polypeptide, as claimed in  claim 2 , having a sequence of at least 80% identity with the sequence shown in SEQ ID NO:3 from amino acid 26 to 616.  
     
     
         4 . The polypeptide, as claimed in  claim 3 , having a sequence of at least 90% identity with the sequence shown in SEQ ID NO:3 from amino acid 26 to 616.  
     
     
         5 . An isolated nucleic acid molecule comprising a sequence encoding a polypeptide having an amino acid sequence as set out in SEQ ID NO:3 from amino acid 26 to 616, or a sequence having at least 50% identity thereto, or a functional fragment thereof.  
     
     
         6 . An isolated nucleic acid molecule comprising a sequence as set out in SEQ ID NO:4 or a sequence having at least 60% identity thereto, or a sequence which hybridizes thereto under stringent conditions.  
     
     
         7 . The nucleic acid molecule, as claimed in  claim 6 , comprising a sequence having at least 70% identity with the sequence shown in SEQ ID NO:4.  
     
     
         8 . The nucleic acid molecule, as claimed in  claim 7 , comprising a sequence having at least 80% identity with the sequence shown in SEQ ID NO:4.  
     
     
         9 . The nucleic acid molecule, as claimed in  claim 8 , comprising a sequence having at least 90% identity with the sequence shown in SEQ ID NO:4.  
     
     
         10 . A composition for use in raising an immune response in an animal, the composition comprising a substantially purified polypeptide having an amino acid sequence as set out in SEQ ID NO:3 from amino acid 26 to 616, or a sequence having at least 50% identity thereto, or a functional fragment thereof and optionally a carrier and/or adjuvant.  
     
     
         11 . A composition for use in raising an immune response in an animal, the composition comprising a nucleic acid sequence encoding a polypeptide having an amino acid sequence as set out in SEQ ID NO:3 from amino acid 26 to 616, or a sequence having at least 50% identity thereto, or a functional fragment thereof and optionally a carrier and/or adjuvant.  
     
     
         12 . An antibody which specifically recognizes the polypeptide of  claim 1.