Recombinant Neospora antigens and their uses

Abstract

The present invention provides isolated bovine Neospora cultures. Also provided are recombinant immunodominant Neospora antigens. The cultures and antigens are used to develop diagnostic assays for the detection of Neospora infections in cattle and other animals. Also provided are pharmaceutical compositions for the treatment and prevention of Neospora infections.

1 - 27 . (canceled)  
     
     
         28 . An isolated nucleic acid comprising a polynucleotide sequence encoding the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO:19 or an immunodominant epitope thereof.  
     
     
         29 . The nucleic acid of  claim 28 , wherein the polynucleotide sequence is SEQ ID NO:18.  
     
     
         30 . An isolated polypeptide comprising the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO:19 or an immunodominant epitope thereof.  
     
     
         31 . The polypeptide of  claim 30 , which is recombinantly produced.  
     
     
         32 . The polypeptide of  claim 31 , which is encoded by a nucleic acid comprising the polynucleotide sequence of SEQ ID NO:18.  
     
     
         33 . An immunological composition comprising a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier and an immunologically effective amount of a polypeptide comprising the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO:19 or an immunodominant epitope thereof.  
     
     
         34 . The composition of  claim 33 , wherein the polypeptide is recombinantly produced.  
     
     
         35 . The composition of  claim 34 , wherein the polypeptide is encoded by a nucleic acid comprising the polynucleotide sequence of SEQ ID NO:18.  
     
     
         36 . The composition of  claim 33 , further comprising an adjuvant.