Pneumococcal vaccine combining selected alpha-helical and proline-rich domains of pneumococcal surface protein A

摘要

Embodiments of the present invention are compositions and methods relating to a novel recombinant protein immunogen comprising a specific portion of the alpha helical domain (aHD) of pneumococcal surface protein A (PspA) and the proline-rich region (PRD). Thus, compositions and methods are provided wherein said portions are linked to provide an aHD-PRD construct. The aHD and PRD proteins that make up the aHD-PRD construct are selected to maximize cross-reactivity and provide protection against a broad range of pneumococcal serotypes. Also, an immunogenic composition, such as a vaccine, comprising at least one aHD PRD construct may include an unlinked aHD moiety. Also, recombinant nucleic acid molecules encoding aHD-PRD constructs, vectors and recombinant host cells containing such molecules, aHD-PRD expression products, and such for expressing the aHD-PRD constructs by recombinant techniques. Also provided is the use of the nucleic acid molecule, as well as the use of the expression product to elicit an immune or protective response against pneumococcal disease in a suitable host.