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.

The invention provides compositions (e.g., peptide compositions) useful for the detection of antibodies that bind to Borrelia antigens. The peptide compositions comprise polypeptide sequences comprising variants in the IR6 domain of the Borrelia VlsE protein. The invention also provides devices, methods, and kits comprising such peptide compositions and useful for the detection of antibodies that bind to Borrelia antigens and the diagnosis of Lyme disease.

The invention provides compositions (e.g., peptide compositions) useful for the detection of antibodies that bind to Borrelia antigens. The peptide compositions comprise polypeptide sequences comprising variants in the IR6 domain of the Borrelia VlsE protein. The invention also provides devices, methods, and kits comprising such peptide compositions and useful for the detection of antibodies that bind to Borrelia antigens and the diagnosis of Lyme disease.

The present invention relates to compositions and methods for the prevention and treatment of Borrelia infection. Particularly, the present invention relates to a polypeptide comprising a hybrid C-terminal fragment of an outer surface protein A (OspA), a nucleic acid coding the same, an antibody specifically binding the same, a pharmaceutical composition (particularly for use as a medicament or in a method of treating or preventing a Borrelia infection) comprising the polypeptide and/or the nucleic acid and/or the antibody, a method of treating or preventing a Borrelia infection and a method of immunizing a subject.

The present invention relates to compositions and methods for the prevention and treatment of Borrelia infection. Particularly, the present invention relates to a polypeptide comprising a hybrid C-terminal fragment of an outer surface protein A (OspA), a nucleic acid coding the same, an antibody specifically binding the same, a pharmaceutical composition (particularly for use as a medicament or in a method of treating or preventing a Borrelia infection) comprising the polypeptide and/or the nucleic acid and/or the antibody, a method of treating or preventing a Borrelia infection and a method of immunizing a subject.

The present invention relates to a nucleic acid construct having a chimeric nucleic acid molecule comprising a first nucleic acid moiety encoding an amphipathic shield domain protein; a second nucleic acid moiety encoding an integral membrane protein; and a third nucleic acid moiety encoding a water soluble expression decoy protein, as well as a chimeric nucleic acid molecule having a first nucleic acid moiety encoding an amphipathic shield domain protein and a second nucleic acid moiety encoding an integral membrane protein. The present invention further relates to an expression vector, a host cell, and a protein encoded by the nucleic acid construct. Also disclosed is a method of recombinantly producing an integral membrane protein in soluble form.

The present invention relates to a nucleic acid construct having a chimeric nucleic acid molecule comprising a first nucleic acid moiety encoding an amphipathic shield domain protein; a second nucleic acid moiety encoding an integral membrane protein; and a third nucleic acid moiety encoding a water soluble expression decoy protein, as well as a chimeric nucleic acid molecule having a first nucleic acid moiety encoding an amphipathic shield domain protein and a second nucleic acid moiety encoding an integral membrane protein. The present invention further relates to an expression vector, a host cell, and a protein encoded by the nucleic acid construct. Also disclosed is a method of recombinantly producing an integral membrane protein in soluble form.

Novel compounds carrying ligands capable of binding to counter receptors on relevant target cells are disclosed. The compounds possess a number of advantageous features, rendering them very suitable for a wide range of applications, including use as detection systems, detection of relevant target cells as well as a number of other methods. In particular, novel MHC complexes comprising one or more MHC molecules containing one or more Borrelia derived peptides are disclosed. The possibility of presenting to the target cells a plurality of MHC-peptide complexes makes the MHC complexes according to the present invention an extremely powerful tool e.g. in the field of therapy and diagnosis. The invention generally relates to the sample-mounted use of MHC complexes and MHC multimers. Also comprised by the invention is the field of therapy and vaccine, including therapeutic/vaccine methods and therapeutic/vaccine compositions.

Novel compounds carrying ligands capable of binding to counter receptors on relevant target cells are disclosed. The compounds possess a number of advantageous features, rendering them very suitable for a wide range of applications, including use as detection systems, detection of relevant target cells as well as a number of other methods. In particular, novel MHC complexes comprising one or more MHC molecules containing one or more Borrelia derived peptides are disclosed. The possibility of presenting to the target cells a plurality of MHC-peptide complexes makes the MHC complexes according to the present invention an extremely powerful tool e.g. in the field of therapy and diagnosis. The invention generally relates to the sample-mounted use of MHC complexes and MHC multimers. Also comprised by the invention is the field of therapy and vaccine, including therapeutic/vaccine methods and therapeutic/vaccine compositions.

This disclosure relates to antigenic OspA polypeptides and their use in eliciting antibodies against OspA. Also disclosed are antigenic polypeptides comprising an OspA polypeptide and a ferritin protein.