CRYPTOSPORIDIUM POLYPEPTIDES, NUCLEIC ACID, VECTORS AND METHODS OF USE

摘要

A biologically pure polypeptide comprises a biologically pure, isolated peptides capable of specifically binding to a distinct anti-Cryptosporidium antibody. The polypeptides bind to different subgroups of anti-Cryptosporidium antibodies that selectively bind the > 900 kD, the 68 kD and 95 kD, the 45 kD, the 23 kD, or the 15 kD and 32 to 35 kD app. MW polypeptides from C. parvum among other Cryptosporidium polypeptides. Biologically pure DNA and RNA segments encode the polypeptides of this invention. Fusion proteins comprise at least one of the polypeptides and a second unrelated polypeptide operably coupled to the polypeptide of the invention. Fusion polydeoxyribonucleotides or deoxypolynucleotides comprise the RNA or DNA of the invention and a second unrelated deoxyribopolynucleotide or deoxypolynucleotide. A hybrid vector capable of replication, transcription and expression of DNA segments operably coupled thereto carries a DNA sequence expressing the polypeptide of this invention or a fusion protein thereof. Hybrid eukaryotic and prokaryotic hosts carry the hybrid vector of the invention. The polypeptides or anti-Cryptosporidium antibodies are used to retard, inhibit or counter Cryptosporidium infection and/or development in a subject. Infection diagnostic methods employ at least one of the polypeptides or anti-Cryptosporidium antibodies. Diagnostic kits comprise at least one of the polypeptides or anti-Cryptosporidium antibodies, and instructions for their use.