| abstract |
The present invention relates generally to immunogenic combinations comprising at least five antigens of a Mycobacterium species as well as fusion thereof and nucleic acid molecules encoding such combined antigens and fusion. The present invention also relates to nucleic acid molecules, vectors, host cells and compositions comprising or encoding said combinations of mycobacterial antigens and fusion polypeptides as well as to methods for recombinantly producing them. The present invention also relates to methods of using said combinations of mycobacterial antigens, fusion polypeptides, vectors, host cells, compositions particularly for inducing or stimulating an immune response against a Mycobacterium infection or any disease caused by or associated with a Mycobacterium infection. The present invention also concerns antibodies directed to such mycobacterial antigens and fusion polypeptides that can be used in the diagnosis of a Mycobacterium infection and method of detection as well as kits of reagent comprising said combinations of mycobacterial antigens, fusion polypeptides, vectors, host cells, compositions or antibodies. |