| abstract |
The present invention provides antigens that are present on the surface of Neisseria meningitidis organisms and which are highly conserved and immunologically accessible. Provided are immunotherapy, prophylactic and diagnostic methods and compositions useful for treating, preventing and diagnosing Neisseria meningitidis disease. Neisseria meningitidis surface protein resistant to proteinase K and having an apparent molecular weight of 22 kDa, the corresponding nucleotide and the amino acid sequence derived therefrom (SEQ ID NO: 1, SEQ ID NO: 3, SEQ ID NO: 5 and SEQ ID NO: 7: SEQ ID NO: 2, SEQ ID NO: 4, SEQ ID NO: 6 and SEQ ID NO: 8), recombinant DNA method for producing the Neisseria meningitidis 22 kDa surface protein, and the Neisseria meningitidis 22 kDa surface protein An antibody that binds to is provided. |