Non-splicing variants of gp350/220

Abstract

Compositions comprising gp350 variant DNA and amino acid sequences are provided, as are vectors and host cells containing such sequences. Also provided is a process for producing homogeneous gp350 protein recombinantly and in the absence of production of gp220 protein, pharmaceutical compositions containing such protein and prophylactic treatments making use of such proteins.

1 . An isolated DNA sequence that codes on expression for an homogeneous gp350 protein. 
     
     
         2 . A DNA sequence of  claim 1  further characterized by having a nucleotide sequence in which at least one native nucleotide encoding serine at position 501 of  FIG. 1  is replaced with a non-native nucleotide and in which at least one native nucleotide encoding glycine at position 698 is replaced with a non-native nucleotide. 
     
     
         3 . A DNA sequence of  claim 1  wherein said homogeneous gp350 protein is further characterized by encoding an amino acid sequence having a deletion of at least 8 amino acids in the transmembrane region. 
     
     
         4 . A DNA sequence of  claim 3  wherein said homogeneous gp350 protein is further characterized by encoding an amino acid sequence selected from the group consisting of
 (a) amino acid 19 through amino acid 862 of  FIG. 1 . 
 (b) amino acid 1 through amino acid 862 of  FIG. 1 . 
 (c) amino acid 19 through amino acid 862 and amino acid 882 through amino acid 907 of  FIG. 1 . 
 (d) amino acid 1 through amino acid 862 and amino acid 882 through amino acid 907 of  FIG. 1 . 
 
     
     
         5 . A vector comprising a DNA sequence of  claim 1 ,  claim 2 ,  claim 3  or  claim 4 . 
     
     
         6 . A host cell transformed with a DNA sequence of  claim 1 ,  claim 2 ,  claim 3  or  claim 4  in operative association with an expression control sequence capable of directing replicated and expression of said DNA sequence. 
     
     
         7 . A process for producing a homogenous gp350 protein comprising culturing a host cell of  claim 6  in a suitable culture medium and isolating said homogeneous gp350 protein from said cell. 
     
     
         8 - 11 . (canceled)