ANTIGENIC PROTEINS AND VACCINES CONTAINING THEM AND PROTECTIVE ANTIBODIES DIRECTED TO THEM FOR PREVENTION OF COCCIDIOSIS CAUSED BY EIMERIA TENELLA AND EIMERIA NECATRIX

摘要

A purified antigenic protein has been obtained which iscapable of inducing in a chicken an immune response conferingprotection against infection by Eimeria tenella orEimeria necatrix. The protein has a molecular weight ofabout 25,000 and is composed of two polypeptides joined by adisulfide bond. The two polypeptide subunits have molecularweights of about 17,000 and about 8,000, respectively. Thegene encoding the protein has been sequenced and the aminoacid sequence of the protein deduced therefrom and by directpeptide sequencing. The protein and antigenic polypeptideshaving an amino acid sequence included within the proteinmay be incorporated into a vaccine for conferring upon achicken active immunity against infection by E. tenella andE. necatrix. A hybridoma cell line (ATCC No. HB8561) hasbeen developed which produces a monoclonal antibodydesignated Ptn 7.2A4/4. This antibody may be used to conferupon a chicken specific passive protection against infectionby E. tenella and E. necatrix. The antibody may also beused to obtain the purified protein antigen and the 11,500and 6,500 dalton polypeptide fragments thereof. Finally, ananti-idiotype antibody to the Ptn 7.2A4/4 monoclonalantibody may be prepared and used to confer upon a chickenactive immunity against E. tenella and E. necatrixinfection.