Epicutaneous Cashew Allergen and Treg Peptide Patch

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Solution Overview

Problem

There is no effective medical treatment available for cashew allergy, which is one of the most potent food allergens and can cause severe reactions, including anaphylaxis, and current avoidance methods are impractical due to the widespread presence of cashew nuts in various food products.

Innovation Solution

A method involving the repeated epicutaneous administration of cashew allergen combined with regulatory Treg peptides derived from human immunoglobulin G, applied via a skin patch to increase tolerance by reducing cashew-specific IgE levels and increasing IgG4 levels, thereby protecting against severe allergic reactions.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If cashew allergen is administered alone by epicutaneous route, then some tolerance increase may occur, but the efficacy is insufficient and severe reactions still occur

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprotection against severe allergic reactionsVSAvoidcomplexity of immunotherapeutic composition

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces regulatory Treg peptides as intermediary substances that mediate between the cashew allergen and the immune system. These peptides specifically activate Treg cells, which then regulate the immune response to the allergen, enhancing protection while maintaining a controlled and balanced immune modulation process

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The immunotherapeutic composition is formulated as a composite system combining cashew allergen extract with regulatory Treg peptides. This composite approach integrates two distinct components with complementary functions: the allergen for desensitization and the peptides for Treg cell activation, creating a synergistic therapeutic effect that overcomes the limitations of allergen-only treatment

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

2Reliability

If strict avoidance of cashew is implemented, then severe reactions are prevented, but the quality of life is significantly reduced due to dietary restrictions

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprevention of severe allergic reactionsVSAvoidease of dietary management

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The immunotherapeutic treatment enables the patient's own immune system to develop tolerance through repeated exposure to the allergen in a controlled manner. The regulatory Treg peptides facilitate this self-regulation process, allowing the body to naturally build tolerance without requiring external avoidance behaviors or constant vigilance regarding cashew exposure

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

3Reliability

If cashew allergen is administered repeatedly to build tolerance, then tolerance may increase, but the risk of triggering severe reactions during treatment remains high

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveincrease in cashew toleranceVSAvoidrisk of severe reactions during treatment

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The regulatory Treg peptides are administered concurrently with the cashew allergen to preemptively activate Treg cells before the allergen can trigger a severe allergic response. This preliminary activation of regulatory mechanisms creates a protective effect that counteracts potential harmful reactions during the desensitization process

Inventive Principle:

Principle #9Preliminary anti-action

Solution Approach 2:

The Treg peptides act as intermediary substances that modulate the immune response to the allergen, creating a buffer that prevents direct, uncontrolled activation of allergic pathways. This intermediary mechanism allows for controlled tolerance building while minimizing the risk of severe reactions

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

This approach significantly increases tolerance to cashew, reducing the risk of severe reactions and enabling protection against accidental exposure, with improved efficacy when compared to administering the allergen alone, by promoting a balanced immune response and inducing regulatory T cells.

Implementation Method 1

The at least one regulatory Treg peptide... has tolerogenic activity, preferably the capacity to induce expansion of CD4+/CD25+/FoxP3+ T cells in vitro

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectImmunological interaction:

Implementation Method 2

When applied on the skin, the cashew allergen and the at least one regulatory Treg peptide absorbed on the backing are solubilized by trans-epidermal water loss whereby they can cross the stratum corneum and penetrate into epidermis

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectTrans-epidermal water loss: Evaporation

Data Source

PatentUS20240342273A1Immunotherapeutic method for increasing cashew tolerance in a subject

Publication Date: 2024.10.17 DBV TECH INC

AI summary

This application relates to a method for increasing tolerance to cashew in a subject. In some examples, the method includes administering to the subject a cashew allergen in combination with at least one regulatory Treg peptide from human immunoglobulin G (IgG) by an epicutaneous route.