Rsv f protein compositions amd methods for making same

Abstract

The present invention relates to immunogenic compositions comprising RSV F protein, methods for preparing compositions that contain RSV F protein ecto-domain polypeptides, and to certain engineered RSV F proteins and nucleic acids that encode the engineered RSV F proteins. Compositions prepared using the methods can contain RSV F protein ecto-domain polypeptides in a predominant or single desired form and conformation. The invention also relates to methods for inducing an immune response to RSV F.

1 - 98 . (canceled) 
     
     
         99 . An immunogenic composition comprising a population of soluble respiratory syncytial virus F (RSV F) polypeptides that are in the form of monomers, trimers, or a combination of monomers and trimers. 
     
     
         100 . The immunogenic composition of  claim 99 , wherein the timers are monodispersed trimers. 
     
     
         101 . The immunogenic composition of  claim 99 , wherein the RSV F polypeptides are in the form of a combination of monomers and trimers. 
     
     
         102 . The immunogenic composition of  claim 101 , wherein the monomers and trimers are in dynamic equilibrium. 
     
     
         103 . The immunogenic composition of  claim 99 , wherein the soluble RSV F polypeptides are ectodomain polypeptides. 
     
     
         104 . The immunogenic composition of  claim 103 , wherein the soluble RSV F polypeptides are uncleaved. 
     
     
         105 . The immunogenic composition of  claim 103 , wherein the soluble RSV F polypeptides are cleaved. 
     
     
         106 . The immunogenic composition of  claim 99 , further comprising an adjuvant. 
     
     
         107 . A method of inducing an immune response in a subject to RSV F comprising administering said subject an immunogenic composition of  claim 99 .