Vmp-like sequences of pathogenic borrelia species and strains

Abstract

The present invention relates to DNA sequences encoding Vmp-like polypeptides of pathogenic Borrelia, 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 . An recombinant nucleic acid comprising (i) a nucleotide sequence operably linked to a heterologous promoter, wherein said nucleotide sequence encodes at least 12 contiguous amino acids of SEQ ID NO:32. 
     
     
         2 . The recombinant nucleic acid of  claim 1 , wherein the nucleotide sequence encodes at least 15 contiguous amino acids of SEQ ID NO:32. 
     
     
         3 . The recombinant nucleic acid of  claim 1 , wherein the nucleotide sequence encodes at least 20 contiguous amino acids of SEQ ID NO:32. 
     
     
         4 . The recombinant nucleic acid of  claim 1 , wherein the nucleotide sequence encodes a peptide comprising SEQ ID NO:32. 
     
     
         5 . The recombinant nucleic acid of  claim 1 , wherein the nucleic acid is an RNA segment. 
     
     
         6 - 20 . (canceled) 
     
     
         21 . A method of using an isolated nucleic acid that encodes at least 12 contiguous amino acids of SEQ ID NO:32 or 50 contiguous amino acids of SEQ ID NO:39, comprising the steps of: (a) preparing a recombinant vector in which the isolated nucleic acid is positioned under the control of a promoter; (b) introducing said recombinant vector into a host cell; (c) culturing said host cell under conditions effective to allow expression of the polypeptide; and (d) collecting said expressed polypeptide. 
     
     
         22 . A method of assaying for  Borrelia  infection comprising: (a) contacting a sample obtained from a subject with an isolated polypeptide, said isolated polypeptide being immobilized on a surface and comprising: (i) at least 15 contiguous amino acids of SEQ ID NO:32; or (ii) at least 50 contiguous amino acids of SEQ ID NO:39; and (b) determining whether immunologic binding occurs between the isolated polypeptide and an antibody in the sample, wherein immunologic binding is indicative of  Borrelia  infection. 
     
     
         23 . The method of  claim 22 , wherein the isolated polypeptide sequence comprises at least 15 contiguous amino acids of SEQ ID NO:32. 
     
     
         24 . The method of  claim 22 , wherein the isolated polypeptide sequence comprises at least 50 contiguous amino acids of SEQ ID NO:39. 
     
     
         25 . The method of  claim 22 , wherein the isolated polypeptide comprises a label. 
     
     
         26 . The method of  claim 22 , wherein the isolated polypeptide is a fusion protein. 
     
     
         27 . The method of  claim 22 , further defined as comprising performing an ELISA assay. 
     
     
         28 . An recombinant nucleic acid comprising (i) a nucleotide sequence operably linked to a heterologous promoter, wherein said nucleotide sequence encodes at least 50 contiguous amino acids of SEQ ID NO:39. 
     
     
         29 . The recombinant nucleic acid of  claim 1 , wherein the nucleotide sequence encodes at least 75 contiguous amino acids of SEQ ID NO:39. 
     
     
         30 . The recombinant nucleic acid of  claim 1 , wherein the nucleotide sequence encodes at least 100 contiguous amino acids of SEQ ID NO:39. 
     
     
         31 . The recombinant nucleic acid of  claim 1 , wherein the nucleotide sequence encodes a peptide comprising SEQ ID NO:39. 
     
     
         32 . The recombinant nucleic acid of  claim 28 , wherein the nucleic acid is an RNA segment.