Anti-PD-L1 Aptamer–CpG Complex for Systemic Cancer Immunotherapy

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current immunotherapy combinations, such as anti-PD-L1 antibodies and CpG oligodeoxynucleotides, pose potential risks and burdens to patients, limiting their applicability and efficacy in cancer treatment, while intratumoral injection of CpG oligodeoxynucleotides is not universally effective.

Innovation Solution

A nucleic acid-drug complex comprising an anti-PD-L1 aptamer that binds to PD-L1 and a CpG oligonucleotide that activates TLR9, with the anti-PD-L1 aptamer inserted between fragments of the CpG oligonucleotide, allowing systemic administration and combined immunomodulatory activities.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If multiple drugs (anti-PD-L1 antibodies and CpG oligodeoxynucleotides) are used in combination for immunotherapy, then anti-cancer effects are enhanced, but treatment complexity and patient burden increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveanti-cancer effectVSAvoidtreatment complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines anti-PD-L1 aptamer and CpG oligodeoxynucleotide into a single nucleic acid-drug complex through molecular conjugation. The aptamer and CpG sequence are linked via a connector group to form one integrated therapeutic agent that can be administered as a single dose, eliminating the need for separate injections of multiple drugs while maintaining both anti-tumor activities.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The nucleic acid-drug complex performs multiple therapeutic functions simultaneously: the anti-PD-L1 aptamer component blocks PD-1/PD-L1 interaction to enhance T cell activity, while the CpG oligodeoxynucleotide component activates TLR9 receptors to stimulate immune response. This multi-functional single agent replaces multiple specialized drugs.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Reliability

If CpG oligodeoxynucleotides are administered via intratumoral injection, then safety and efficacy are improved, but applicable indications are limited

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesafety and efficacyVSAvoidapplicable indications
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

By conjugating the CpG oligodeoxynucleotide with the anti-PD-L1 aptamer, the resulting complex can be administered systemically (e.g., intravenously) rather than requiring intratumoral injection. The aptamer component provides tumor targeting capability while the CpG component maintains its immunostimulatory function, enabling broader clinical application.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Reliability

If multiple drugs are used for immunotherapy, then anti-tumor activity is enhanced, but potential risks and side effects increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveanti-tumor activityVSAvoidside effects
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges two therapeutic agents into one conjugate, reducing the total number of injections and potential drug-drug interactions. The single complex delivers both anti-PD-L1 and TLR9 activation activities in a coordinated manner, potentially reducing immune-related adverse events compared to sequential or concurrent administration of separate drugs.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

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 complex enhances anti-tumor immune responses, providing effective cancer treatment with reduced side effects by activating TLR9 and blocking the PD-1/PD-L1 interaction, offering a safer and more efficient alternative to multi-drug combinations.

Implementation Method 1

a nucleic acid sequence of an anti-PD-L1 aptamer which binds to PD-L1

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMolecular binding:

Implementation Method 2

a CpG oligonucleotide sequence which binds to the TLR9 receptor and is used to activate TLR9

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectReceptor activation:

Data Source

PatentEP3845649B1Nucleic acid-drug complex and use thereof
Publication Date: 2025.09.24 IND TECH RES INST
  • EP3845649B1 patent drawingFigure 1A
  • EP3845649B1 patent drawingFigure 1B
  • EP3845649B1 patent drawingFigure 2

AI summary

A nucleic acid-drug complex is provided in the present disclosure, which includes a nucleic acid sequence of an anti-PD-Ll aptamer and a CpG oligonucleotide sequence capable of activating TLR9, in which the CpG oligonucleotide sequence consists of a first fragment and a second fragment, and the nucleic acid sequence of the anti-PD-Ll aptamer is inserted between the first fragment and the second fragment.