DNA MOLECULE CONFERRING ON MYCOBACTERIUM TUBERCULOSIS RESISTANCE AGAINST ANTIMICROBIAL REACTIVE OXYGEN AND NITROGEN INTERMEDIATES

摘要

The present invention relates to a DNA molecule conferring on Mycobacterium tuberculosis resistance to antimicrobial reactive oxygen intermediates and reactive nitrogen intermediates. The protein encoded by this DNA molecule is useful in vaccines to prevent infection by Mycobacterium tuberculosis, while the antibodies raised against this protein can be employed in passively immunizing those already infected by the organism. Both these proteins and antibodies may be utilized in diagnostic assays to detect Mycobacterium tuberculosis in tissue or bodily fluids. The protein or polypeptide is also useful as a therapeutic in treating conditions mediated by the production of reactive oxygen intermediates and nitrogen intermediates.