CD11c+ B Cell Detection for Autoimmune Disease Diagnosis
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods are inadequate for predicting the onset of autoimmune diseases such as lupus and rheumatoid arthritis, as they often require the disease to have already begun before antibodies appear, and there is a need for reliable and simple methods to identify individuals at risk before pathology occurs.
Innovation Solution
A composition and method involving antibodies or antibody fragments that specifically bind to CD11c-positive autoimmune-associated B cells, along with additional markers like CD11b, B220, CD19, and surface Ig, to diagnose and treat autoimmune diseases by reducing the activity of these cells.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional antibody-based assays are used to predict autoimmune disease, then disease prediction can be achieved to some extent, but the detection is often only possible after the disease process has already begun
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by detecting ABCs (CD11c+ B cells) before the actual autoimmune disease pathology occurs. The invention identifies this unique B cell population as an early biomarker that appears prior to clinical disease manifestation, enabling preventive intervention before irreversible tissue damage occurs.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the B cell population by identifying a unique subset of CD11c+ B cells (ABCs) that are distinct from conventional B cell populations. This segmentation allows specific targeting and detection of the pathogenic subset responsible for early autoimmune disease development, separate from other B cell types.
2Reliability
If existing autoimmune disease assays are implemented, then some prediction capability is achieved, but the methods are complex and not simple enough for widespread use
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by focusing detection efforts on a specific localized feature - the CD11c surface marker on B cells. Rather than analyzing complex panels of multiple markers or conducting sophisticated genomic analysis, the invention targets this single distinctive characteristic that defines the pathogenic ABC population.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the detection parameter from conventional B cell markers (CD19, CD20) to the distinctive CD11c marker. This parameter change enables differentiation of pathogenic ABCs from normal B cells using a single key parameter, simplifying the assay while maintaining high predictive accuracy.
3Reliability
If the immune system is activated to fight infections, then protective immunity is achieved, but the immune system turns on host tissues and causes autoimmune damage
Solution Approach 1:
The patent converts the harmful ABC cells into a beneficial diagnostic target. By identifying and measuring the presence and level of CD11c+ B cells, the invention transforms what would be undetected pathogenic cells into a useful biomarker for early disease prediction and monitoring, enabling intervention before significant damage occurs.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies preliminary anti-action by detecting and enabling intervention against ABCs before they cause significant autoimmune damage. The early identification of these cells allows for preventive treatment strategies that can stop the autoimmune process before it progresses to severe tissue destruction.
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 approach allows for early detection and potential prevention or reduction of autoimmune disease damage by identifying elevated levels of CD11c-positive B cells, which are associated with autoimmune conditions, and targeting them for reduction in activity.
Implementation Method 1
antibodies or antibody fragments that specifically bind to CD11c-positive autoimmune-associated B cells
Data Source
Figure 1a
Figure 1b
Figure 1c
AI summary
The present invention is directed to methods of diagnosis and treatment of autoimmune diseases based on the identification of a novel population of B cells known as Autoimmune- or Age-related B cells ("ABCs"). These cells express the CDl Ic cell surface protein and exhibit a unique gene expression profile. The ABCs increase in numbers in subjects that are prone to developing autoimmune diseases or in healthy individuals, particularly females, as they age. Accordingly, the present invention includes methods and kits for diagnosis of autoimmune diseases based on the detection of the ABCs before overt symptoms of the disease become detectable. The present invention also includes methods of treatment of autoimmune diseases by targeting the ABCs, as well as methods for assessing the efficacy of treatments of autoimmune diseases.