Expression and secretion of mature human beta interleukin-1 in Bacillus subtilis and means and methods for its achievement

摘要

A new plasmid vector is described which can replicate in B. subtilis and which can express and secrete, in the culture medium, human beta interleukin-1 (beta IL-1) without amino acid sequences extraneous to the natural molecule, a strain of B. subtilis transformed by the vector and a method for the expression and secretion of mature human beta interleukin- 1. The human beta interleukin-1 thus obtained shows a specific acitvity of 110.sup.9 U/mg of protein and is particularly suitable as a stimulant for the immune system, as an adjuvant in vaccines for the activation of the repair mechanism in cases of tissue damage, and for the treatment of auto-immune diseases in man.