Chiron Corporation

Novartis Vaccines and Diagnostics Srl

Chiron S.r.l.

Giovanni Macchia

Rino Rappuoli

John Telford

Antonello Covacci

Massimo Bugnoli

This invention provides polynucleotides encodingcytotoxin associated immunodominant antigen. The polynucleotides can be used as probes to identify the presence of complementary target nucleotide sequences. The invention also provides kits and vectors containing the polynucleotides of the invention.

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This invention provides polypeptides ofcytotoxin associated immunodominant (CAI) antigen. The invention also provides prophylactic and therapeutic vaccines comprising polypeptides ofCAI antigen, and methods for their preparation. The invention also provides methods of treatment ofinfection using these vaccines.

A cytotoxin associated immunodominant antigen and the nucleic acid encoding the antigen from Helicobacter pylori are described. This antigen was identified from the cytotoxin positive CCUG 17874 Helicobacter pylori strain, and both the antigen and the DNA encoding it have been sequenced. The antigen is a hydrophilic, surface-exposed protein having a molecular weight of 120-132 kDa. The nucleic acid encoding the antigen may be incorporated into a vector for transformation of host cells for expression of the antigen. Both the DNA and the antigen can be used in assays for detection of disease or infection by Helicobacter pylori, and may find use in treating and preventing infection by Helicobacter pylori and the diseases associated with such infection.

Helicobacter pylori proteins useful for vaccines and diagnostics

Helicobacter pylori known to cause or be a cofactor in type B gastritis, peptic ulcers, and gastric tumors. In both developed and developing countries, a high percentage of people are infected with this bacterium. The present invention relates generally to certain H. pylori proteins, to the genes which express these proteins, and to the use of these proteins for diagnostic and vaccine applications. Specifically, molecular cloning, nucleotide, and amino add sequences for the H. pylori cytotoxin (CT), the 'Cytotoxin Associated Immunodominant' (CAI) antigen, and the heat shock protein (hsp60) are described herein.

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Avezzano, Italy

Giovanni Macchia