The invention relates to bacterial choline binding proteins (CBPs) which
bind choline. Such proteins are particularly desirable for vaccines
against appropriate strains of Gram positive bacteria, particularly
streptococcus, and more particularly pneumococcus. Also provided are DNA
sequences encoding the bacterial choline binding proteins or fragment
thereof, antibodies to the bacterial choline binding proteins,
pharmaceutical compositions comprising the bacterial choline binding
proteins, antibodies to the bacterial choline binding proteins suitable
for use in passive immunization, and small molecule inhibitors of choline
binding protein mediated adhesion. Methods for diagnosing the presence of
the bacterial choline binding protein, or of the bacteria, are also
provided. In a specific embodiment, a streptococcal choline binding
protein is an enolase, which demonstrates strong affinity for fibronectin.
