Vmp-like sequences of pathogenic borrelia

Abstract

The present invention relates to DNA sequences encoding Vmp-like polypeptides of pathogenic Borreliae , the use of the DNA sequences in recombinant vectors to express polypeptides, the encoded amino acid sequences, application of the DNA and amino acid sequences to the production of polypeptides as antigens for immunoprophylaxis, immunotherapy, and immunodiagnosis. Also disclosed are the use of the nucleic acid sequences as probes or primers for the detection of organisms causing Lyme disease, relapsing fever, or related disorders, and kits designed to facilitate methods of using the described polypeptides, DNA segments and antibodies.

1 - 30 . (canceled) 
     
     
         31 . An isolated polypeptide comprising the sequence of SEQ ID NO:15, SEQ ID NO:16, SEQ ID NO:17, SEQ ID NO:18, SEQ ID NO:19, SEQ ID NO:20, SEQ ID NO:21, SEQ ID NO:22, SEQ ID NO:23, SEQ ID NO:24, SEQ ID NO:25, SEQ ID NO:26, SEQ ID NO:27, SEQ ID NO:28, SEQ ID NO:29, or SEQ ID NO:30, said polypeptide being immobilized on a solid support. 
     
     
         32 . The isolated polypeptide of  claim 31 , further bound to an antibody. 
     
     
         33 . The isolated polypeptide of  claim 32 , wherein the antibody is a monoclonal antibody. 
     
     
         34 . The isolated polypeptide of  claim 32 , wherein the antibody is a polyclonal antibody. 
     
     
         35 . The isolated polypeptide of  claim 31 , further comprising a label. 
     
     
         36 . The isolated polypeptide of  claim 32 , wherein the antibody is further defined as conjugated to a secondary binding ligand. 
     
     
         37 . The isolated polypeptide of  claim 32 , wherein the antibody is further defined as bound by a secondary antibody directed against the antibody. 
     
     
         38 . The isolated polypeptide of  claim 31 , wherein the solid support is a synthetic solid support. 
     
     
         39 . The isolated polypeptide of  claim 31 , wherein the synthetic solid support is comprised in an affinity column. 
     
     
         40 . The isolated polypeptide of  claim 35 , wherein the label is radioactive. 
     
     
         41 . The isolated polypeptide of  claim 35 , wherein the label is chemiluminescent. 
     
     
         42 . The isolated polypeptide of  claim 35 , wherein the label is colorimetric. 
     
     
         43 . The isolated polypeptide of  claim 36 , wherein the secondary binding ligand is biotin. 
     
     
         44 . The isolated polypeptide of  claim 36 , wherein the secondary binding ligand is avidin. 
     
     
         45 . The isolated polypeptide of  claim 44 , wherein the secondary binding ligand is streptavidin. 
     
     
         46 . A kit comprising the isolated polypeptide of  claim 31  and a reagent for detecting antibody immunological binding to the polypeptide. 
     
     
         47 . The polypeptide of  claim 31 , further defined as non-covalently immobilized. 
     
     
         48 . The isolated polypeptide of  claim 31 , wherein the solid support is a well or plate.