Allergen-Binding Molecules for Environmental Exposure Control

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current methods for reducing environmental allergens, such as Fel D1 from cats, are either invasive, expensive, or impractical for widespread application, and existing treatments do not effectively minimize allergen exposure in everyday environments, leading to persistent allergic reactions in sensitized individuals.

Innovation Solution

Compositions and methods utilizing molecules that specifically inhibit the allergen's ability to bind to mast cells, including antibodies and chimeric proteins, are applied to sources of allergens like cats to prevent the allergen's dissemination and interaction with sensitive individuals, thereby reducing allergic responses.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Object-affected harmful factors

If avoidance strategies are used to control allergic reactions, then symptom severity is reduced, but practical implementation is difficult and expensive

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveallergic reaction severityVSAvoidpractical implementation

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-affected harmful factorsVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses an allergen-binding molecule as an intermediary substance that intercepts the allergen in the environment before it can contact and bind to IgE on mast cells. This mediator approach transforms the avoidance strategy from behavioral modification to chemical intervention, making it more practical while maintaining effectiveness in reducing allergic reactions

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent extracts the harmful binding function of the allergen by introducing a competing binding agent (allergen-binding molecule) that sequesters the allergen. This removes the allergen's ability to interact with mast cells, effectively taking out the harmful interaction from the system without requiring complete environmental avoidance

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

2Reliability

If immunotherapy is used to establish tolerance, then long-term immunity is improved, but treatment time and cost increase significantly

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvelong-term immunityVSAvoidtreatment duration

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs preliminary action by pre-administering allergen-binding molecules that immediately neutralize environmental allergens before they can trigger allergic reactions. This preliminary protective measure provides immediate relief while the immune system gradually develops tolerance, reducing the perceived treatment time compared to traditional immunotherapy that waits for slow immune reeducation

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent converts the harmful allergen into a beneficial tool by using modified versions of the allergen itself (or allergen-derived peptides) as the binding molecules. These converted allergens maintain their ability to bind IgE but have reduced immunogenicity, allowing them to serve as both the target and the treatment, accelerating tolerance development while providing immediate protection

Inventive Principle:

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

3Object-affected harmful factors

If complete allergen avoidance is implemented, then allergic symptoms are minimized, but quality of life and practical feasibility deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveallergen exposureVSAvoidquality of life

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-affected harmful factorsVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The allergen-binding molecule serves as a portable intermediary that can be applied to surfaces, fabrics, or directly to the individual, creating a protective barrier without requiring environmental modification. This maintains versatility and quality of life while effectively minimizing allergen exposure through the intermediary protection

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

The proposed solution effectively minimizes allergic reactions by preventing allergen binding to mast cells, reducing symptoms in sensitized individuals exposed to environmental allergens, and can be implemented through edible compositions and kits for practical, everyday use.

Implementation Method 1

molecules that specifically inhibit the allergen's ability to bind to mast cells

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectAntigen-antibody binding:

Data Source

PatentUS20230399389A1Methods for reducing allergies caused by environmental allergens

Publication Date: 2023.12.14 SOCIETE DES PRODUITS NESTLE SA

AI summary

Compositions suitable for reducing symptoms of an allergic response to environmental allergens comprising molecules that specifically inhibit the ability of the allergen to bind to mast cells in an animal predisposed to having an allergic response to the allergen and methods for reducing such symptoms comprising contacting a source of the environmental allergen with such compositions. Kits, packages, medicaments, and means of communicating about the compositions and methods are also provided.