Bivm (basic, immunoglobulin-like variable motif-containing) gene, transcriptional products, and uses thereof

Abstract

The subject invention provides polynucleotide sequences, designated BIVM, and transcriptional/translational products obtained from the polynucleotide sequences of the invention. The subject invention also provides polynucleotide and polypeptide sequences provided by SEQ ID NOs: 1-28. Also provided are methods of detecting the presence of BIVM nucleic acids or polypeptides in samples suspected of containing BIVM genes, BIVM transcriptional products, or BIVM translational products. These methods are also useful for the detection of BIVM orthologs. Other embodiments provide polypeptide and/or nucleic acid vaccines for the induction of an immune response to in an individual. Kits for detecting the presence of BIVM genes, orthologs thereof, BIVM polypeptides, or BIVM transcriptional products are also provided.

1 . A method of inducing an immune response in an individual comprising administering a composition comprising a carrier and a polypeptide comprising SEQ ID NO: 2 or a biologically active fragment of SEQ ID NO: 2 to an individual in an amount sufficient to induce an immune response. 
     
     
         2 . The method according to  claim 1 , wherein said biologically active fragment comprises at least five consecutive amino acids of SEQ ID NO: 2 fused to a heterologous protein sequence. 
     
     
         3 . The method according to  claim 1 , wherein said biologically active fragment comprises at least ten consecutive amino acids of SEQ ID NO: 2 fused to a heterologous protein sequence. 
     
     
         4 . The method according to  claim 1 , wherein said biologically active fragment comprises at least fifteen consecutive amino acids of SEQ ID NO: 2 fused to a heterologous protein sequence. 
     
     
         5 . The method according to  claim 1 , wherein said composition comprises SEQ ID NO: 2 and a carrier. 
     
     
         6 . The method according to  claim 1 , wherein said biologically active fragment comprises at least twenty consecutive amino acids of SEQ ID NO: 2 fused to a heterologous protein sequence. 
     
     
         7 . The method according to  claim 1 , wherein said biologically active fragment comprises at least twenty-five consecutive amino acids of SEQ ID NO: 2 fused to a heterologous protein sequence. 
     
     
         8 . The method according to  claim 1 , wherein said biologically active fragment comprises at least thirty consecutive amino acids of SEQ ID NO: 2 fused to a heterologous protein sequence. 
     
     
         9 . An isolated polypeptide comprising SEQ ID NO: 2 or a biologically active fragment thereof, said biologically active fragment comprising at least five consecutive amino acids of SEQ ID NO: 2 fused to a heterologous protein sequence. 
     
     
         10 . The isolated polypeptide according to  claim 9 , wherein said biologically active fragment comprises at least ten consecutive amino acids of SEQ ID NO: 2 fused to a heterologous protein sequence. 
     
     
         11 . The isolated polypeptide according to  claim 9 , wherein said biologically active fragment comprises at least fifteen consecutive amino acids of SEQ ID NO: 2 fused to a heterologous protein sequence. 
     
     
         12 . A composition comprising a carrier and a polypeptide according to  claim 9 . 
     
     
         13 . An isolated antibody that specifically binds to SEQ ID NO: 2. 
     
     
         14 . A composition comprising a carrier and an antibody according to  claim 13 .