Chlamydia trachomatis antigens

Abstract

Proteins encoded by Chlamydia trachomatis which are immunogenic in humans as a consequence of infection have been identified using Western blots of two-dimensional electrophoretic maps. Several known immunogens were identified, as were proteins not previously known to be immunogens, and proteins not previously reported as expressed gene products.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . A method of eliciting a  Chlamydia -specific immune response in a patient, the method comprises the step of administering to the patient an effective amount of an immunogenic composition selected from the group consisting of (i) an immunogenic protein comprising a  Chlamydia trachomatis  htrA protein having an N-terminal sequence as shown in SEQ ID NO:3; (ii) a nucleic acid encoding a  Chlamydia trachomatis  htrA protein having an N-terminal sequence as shown in SEQ ID NO:3; (iii) an antibody specific for a  Chlamydia trachomatis  htrA protein having an N-terminal sequence as shown SEQ ID NO:3; and (iv) combinations of (i), (ii) and (iii). 
     
     
         2 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the immunogenic composition comprises an immunogenic protein comprising a  Chlamydia trachomatis  htrA protein having an N-terminal as shown in SEQ ID NO:3. 
     
     
         3 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the immunogenic composition comprises a nucleic acid encoding a  Chlamydia trachomatis  htrA protein having an N-terminal sequence as shown in SEQ ID NO:3. 
     
     
         4 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the immunogenic composition comprises an antibody specific for a  Chlamydia trachomatis  htrA protein having an N-terminal sequence as shown SEQ ID NO:3.