AAV Capsid Variants for Antibody-Evasive CNS Gene Delivery

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Current AAV capsids have low transduction efficiency and are neutralized by pre-existing antibodies, limiting their effectiveness in delivering payloads to target cells or tissues, particularly in the CNS and muscle.

Innovation Solution

Development of AAV capsid variants with specific amino acid modifications, such as SPHSKA or HDSPHK, to enhance tropism for CNS and liver cells, overcoming neutralization by antibodies and improving delivery efficiency.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If natural AAV capsids are used for gene delivery, then low immunogenicity and long-term expression are achieved, but transduction efficiency in certain organs is too low

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvelong-term transgene expressionVSAvoidtransduction efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies parameter changes by modifying the amino acid sequence of the AAV capsid at specific positions (e.g., positions 453-455) to alter the capsid's biological properties. This enables the capsid to maintain long-term expression while achieving enhanced transduction efficiency in target organs such as the CNS and liver.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements local quality by introducing specific amino acid modifications at particular locations within the capsid structure (e.g., the SG region at positions 453-455). These localized changes confer enhanced tissue tropism and transduction efficiency without compromising the overall stability and long-term expression capabilities of the capsid.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

2Reliability

If natural AAV capsids are used for gene delivery, then non-pathogenic nature is maintained, but capsid neutralization by pre-existing antibodies prevents treatment

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvenon-pathogenic natureVSAvoidcapsid neutralization by antibodies
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies parameter changes by modifying the capsid amino acid sequence to alter its epitopic structure. This reduces recognition by pre-existing neutralizing antibodies while preserving the non-pathogenic nature of the AAV vector, thereby enabling treatment in patients with pre-existing immunity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent converts the harmful effect of pre-existing antibodies into a benefit by designing capsid variants that are specifically engineered to evade antibody neutralization. The modifications allow the vector to overcome immune barriers while maintaining safety, effectively turning the challenge of immunogenicity into an opportunity for improved delivery.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #22Blessing in disguise (Convert harm into benefit)

3Productivity

If AAV capsid variants with improved tropism are developed, then delivery efficiency to target cells is improved, but capsid sequence complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedelivery efficiencyVSAvoidcapsid sequence complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements local quality by introducing targeted amino acid modifications at specific positions within the capsid sequence rather than进行全面 randomization. This approach achieves improved tropism and delivery efficiency while minimizing sequence complexity by limiting changes to critical regions such as positions 453-455.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The patent applies parameter changes by systematically modifying specific amino acid positions based on their impact on tropism and immunogenicity. This structured approach optimizes delivery efficiency while controlling sequence complexity through rational design rather than extensive randomization.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Data Source

PatentUS20260108626A1AAV capsid variants and uses thereof
Publication Date: 2026.04.23 VOYAGER THERAPEUTICS INC

AI summary

The disclosure relates to compositions and methods for the preparation, use, and/or formulation of adeno-associated virus capsid protein variants.