Lutozmyia longipalpis Polypeptides and Methods of Use
Description of Invention: Leishmania parasites are transmitted to their vertebrate hosts by infected phlebotomine sand fly bites. Sand fly saliva is known to enhance Leishmania infection, while immunity to the saliva protects against infection. This invention claims a number of major salivary proteins from the sand fly vector of Leishmania major, Lutzomyia longipalpis, nucleic acids encoding the proteins, vaccines comprising the proteins and/or nucleic acids, and methods of producing an immune response to prevent Leishmaniasis.
The inventors have shown that similar salivary proteins are able to protect vaccinated mice challenged with parasites plus salivary gland homogenates (SGH). The vaccine comprises a DNA vaccine encoding the salivary proteins. In one experiment with mice, the vaccine produced both intense humoral and delayed-type hypersensitivity (DTH) response. The inventors are continuing to experiment preclinically with this vaccine.
For Additional Information Please Contact: Peter A. Soukas J.D.
NIH Office of Technology Transfer
6011 Executive Blvd, Suite 325
Rockville, MD 20852-3804
Phone: (301) 435-4646
Email: soukasp@mail.nih.gov
Fax: (301) 402-0220
