| abstract |
A recombinant DNA molecule coding for a protein expressed by a Staphylococcus aureus bacterium, comprising the nucleotide sequence SEQ ID NO: 1 or a homologous sequence, or a partial or homologous sequence of SEQ ID NO: 1 coding for a polypeptide fragment comprising at least 15 amino acid residues, is described. Further, a protein expressed by such a bacterium or a polypeptide fragment comprising at least 15 amino acid residues, comprising the amino acid sequence SEQ ID NO: 2 binds IgG and apolipoprotein H. Examples of the polypeptide fragments comprise the SEQ ID NO: 3 through 6. These proteins and polypeptide fragments may be coupled to an inert carrier or matrix. Vectors comprising such a DNA molecule or the corresponding RNA molecule, and antibodies specifically binding to a polypeptide having an amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO:4 or SEQ ID NO:6, are also disclosed. The DNA or RNA molecules, the vectors and the antibodies mentioned may all be used in different types of vaccines against Staphylococcal infections. Moreover, a method of isolating and/or purifying apoliprotein H from a liquid medium, especially from serum, is described. |