Diagnostics and treatments of Periodontal disease

Abstract

This invention relates to the PrtR-PrtK cell surface protein of Porphyromonas gingivalis and in particular a multimeric cell association protein complex comprising the PrtR and PrtK proteins. Accordingly the invention provides a substantially purified antigenic complex for use in raising an antibody response directed against Porphyromonas gingivalis. The complex comprises at least one multimeric protein complex of arginine-specific and lysine-specific thiol endopeptidases each containing at least one adhesin domain, the complex having a molecular weight of greater than about 200 kDa. The invention also relates to pharmaceutical compositions and associated agents based on said complex for the detection, prevention and treatment of Periodontal disease associated with P. gingivalis.

1 - 11 . (canceled)  
     
     
         12 . An antibody preparation comprising antibodies specifically directed against a substantially purified antigenic complex for use in raising an antibody response directed against  Porphyromonas gingivalis,  the complex comprising at least one multimeric protein complex of arginine-specific and lysine-specific thiol endopeptidases each containing at least one adhesin domain, the complex having a molecular weight of greater than about 200 kDa.  
     
     
         13 . An antibody preparation as claimed in  claim 12  in which the antibodies are polyclonal antibodies.  
     
     
         14 . An antibody preparation as claimed in  claim 12  in which the antibodies are monoclonal antibodies.  
     
     
         15 . A method of treating a subject suffering from  Porphyromonas gingivalis  infection, the method comprising administering to the subject an amount of the antibody preparation as claimed in  claim 12  effective to at least partially neutralize the PrtR-PrtK complex of  Porphyromonas gingivalis.    
     
     
         16 . A method as claimed in  claim 15  in which the antibody preparation is administered as a mouth wash or as a dentifrice.  
     
     
         17 . A method of reducing the prospect of  P. gingivalis  infection in an individual and/or severity of disease, the method comprising administering to the individual an amount of the composition as claimed in claim  11  effective to induce an immune response in the individual directed against  P. gingivalis.    
     
     
         18 . A recombinant host cell, the host cell being transformed with a DNA sequence(s) encoding PrtR-PrtK operatively linked to control sequences such that under appropriate conditions the host cell expresses PrtR-PrtK.  
     
     
         19 . A recombinant host cell as claimed in  claim 18  in which the host cell is an oral commensal.  
     
     
         20 . A recombinant host cell as claimed in  claim 18  in which the host cell is transformed with the DNA sequences shown in  FIG. 8   b  and  FIG. 9   b.