Four-Gene Immortalization Preserving Antibody-Producing Cell Function

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing methods fail to effectively immortalize antibody-producing cells while retaining their antibody-producing ability, particularly when using genes like Bcl-2, Myc, and Ccnd1, and introducing c-Myc and SV40 large T antigen genes results in loss of useful traits.

Innovation Solution

Introduce SV40 T antigen gene, Bcl-2 family genes, and one or more genes from the Myc and cyclin D families into antibody-producing cells to achieve immortalization while maintaining antibody production capability.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Duration of action of stationary object

If Bcl-2 gene, Myc gene, and Ccnd1 gene are introduced into antibody-producing cells to perform transformation, then the cells acquire immortalization ability, but the cells cannot retain the antibody-producing ability

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecell lifespanVSAvoidantibody-producing ability
Core Design Contradiction:
Duration of action of stationary objectVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The invention changes the genetic parameters by introducing a specific combination of four genes (SV40 T antigen, Bcl-2, Myc, and Ccnd1) rather than the conventional three genes. This parameter change in the genetic composition enables the cells to simultaneously achieve immortalization and retain antibody-producing ability, resolving the contradiction between extended cell lifespan and functional reliability

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The invention creates a composite genetic structure by combining four specific genes working together in the antibody-producing cells. This composite approach, where multiple genetic elements are introduced as a integrated set, produces a synergistic effect that allows both immortalization and preservation of antibody-producing function, which cannot be achieved by individual genes or smaller combinations

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

2Productivity

If c-Myc gene and SV40 large T antigen gene are introduced into antibody-producing cells to perform transformation, then the cells acquire proliferative ability, but the useful traits are lost

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecell proliferationVSAvoiduseful traits retention
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The invention modifies the genetic parameters by adding Bcl-2 and Ccnd1 genes to the conventional c-Myc and SV40 large T antigen combination. This parameter expansion creates a more balanced genetic profile that promotes proliferation through Myc and Ccnd1 while Bcl-2 prevents apoptosis, thereby maintaining cell viability and useful traits during rapid division

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The SV40 T antigen acts as an intermediary that facilitates the interaction between the introduced genes and the cell's endogenous regulatory mechanisms. It mediates the transformation process by binding to retinoblastoma protein and releasing E2F transcription factors, thereby enabling cell cycle progression while allowing the cell to maintain its differentiated functions including antibody production

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentEP4610349A1Method for producing immortalized cell
Publication Date: 2025.09.03 KITAYAMA LABES CO LTD
  • EP4610349A1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP4610349A1 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP4610349A1 patent drawingFigure 5~6

AI summary

An object of the present invention is to provide a method for immortalizing an antibody-producing cell; and an immortalized transformed cell obtained by the method. The invention relates to a method for producing an immortalized cell, the method including introducing SV40 T antigen gene, genes of Bcl-2 family, and one or more genes selected from the group consisting of genes of Myc family and genes of cyclin D family into a non-immortalized antibody-producing cell to produce an immortalized cell; and a method for producing an immortalized antibody-producing cell, the method including collecting an antibody-producing cell from a mammal and subjecting the cell to primary culture; and introducing one or more genes selected from the group consisting of SV40 T antigen gene, genes of Bcl-2 family, genes of Myc family, and genes of cyclin D family into a primary antibody-producing cell thus obtained to produce an immortalized antibody-producing cell.