Abstract: Purified antibodies that bind to M. tuberculosis ERP protein are disclosed. In one embodiment, a purified antibody, which binds specifically with a polypeptide comprising SEQ ID NO: 39 or SEQ ID NO: 41 is provided. In some embodiments the polypeptide has a theoretical molecular weight of about 28 kDa. In other embodiments the polypeptide has an observed molecular weight of about 36 kDa, as determined by denaturing polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (SDS-PAGE). The purified antibody may be a monoclonal or a polyclonal antibody. Further embodiments provide antibodies that does not bind specifically with M. leprae P28 protein. The antibodies of the invention have many uses including the identification of M. tuberculosis.

Abstract: Purified antibodies that bind to M. tuberculosis ERP protein are disclosed. In one a embodiment, a purified antibody, which binds specifically with a polypeptide comprising SEQ ID NO: 39 or SEQ ID NO: 41 is provided. In some embodiments the polypeptide has a theoretical molecular weight of about 28 kDa. In other embodiments the polypeptide has an observed molecular weight of about 36 kDa, as determined by denaturing polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (SDS-PAGE). The purified antibody may be a monoclonal or a polyclonal antibody. Further embodiments provide antibodies that does not bind specifically with M. teprae P28 protein. The antibodies of the invention have many uses including the identification of M. tuberculosis.

Abstract: Recombinant screening, cloning and/or expression vector characterized in that it replicates in mycobacteria and contains: 1) a mycobacteria functional replicon, 2) a selection marker, 3) a reporter cassette comprising: a) a multiple cloning site (polylinker), b) a transcription terminator which is active in mycobacteria and is located upstream of the polylinker, and c) a coding nucleotide sequence derived from a gene coding for an expression, export and/or secretion protein marker, the nucleotide sequence being deprived of its initiation codon and its regulating sequences. This vector is used for identification and expression of exporter polypeptides, such as the Mycobacterium tuberculosis P28 antigen.

Abstract: Recombinant screening, cloning and/or expression vector characterized in that it replicates in mycobacteria and contains 1) a mycobacteria functional replicon; 2) a selection marker, 3) a reporter cassette comprising a) a multiple cloning site (polylinker) b) a transcription terminator which is active in mycobacteria and is located upstream of the polylinker, and c) a coding nucleotide sequence derived from a gene coding for an expression, export and/or secretion protein marker, the nucleotide sequence being deprived of its initiation codon and its regulating sequences. This vector is used for identification and expression of exporter polypeptides, such as the Mycobacterium tuberculosis P28 antigen.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a nucleotide sequence characterized in that it is selected amongst the following nucleotide sequences: the sequence of the gene coding for a B-lactamase, or any part of said gene, particularly the sequence between nucleotides 1 and 394 containing the signals for expression of the gene, or the coding sequence comprising nucleotides 395 to 1274, or any sequence hybridizing under stringent conditions with the above sequence. Utilization of B-lactamase as a carrier protein for carrying heterolog epitopes for the preparation of vaccine compositions is also disclosed.