Chimeric Protein Combining Recognition and Lysis Elements for Pathogen Control

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Solution Overview

Problem

The widespread use of antibiotics has led to the rapid emergence of antibiotic resistance in both gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria, limiting their clinical use, and there is no effective treatment for diseases caused by Xylella fastidiosa (Xf) such as Pierce's Disease in grapevines.

Innovation Solution

A chimeric protein is developed comprising a recognition element and a lysis element connected by a linker, where the recognition element binds to a surface protein on the pathogen and the lysis element lyzes the pathogen. The recognition element is derived from a subtilisin or BPI/LBP protein, and the lysis element is derived from a defensin or thionin protein, both of which are endogenous to the host plant.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If antibiotics are used to target bacterial genes, then bacterial infections can be cleared, but antibiotic resistance rapidly emerges limiting clinical use

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveeffectiveness of antibacterial treatmentVSAvoidbacterial resistance development

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The antibacterial agent is divided into two functional segments: a recognition element (derived from subtilisin or BPI/LBP) that specifically binds to bacterial surface proteins, and a lysis element (derived from defensin or thionin) that creates pores in the bacterial membrane. This segmentation allows the recognition element to guide the lysis element to the target, providing specificity that prevents resistance development while maintaining effective killing activity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The invention creates a chimeric protein combining two naturally occurring antibacterial components with different functions. The recognition element provides target-specific binding while the lysis element provides membrane disruption activity. This composite structure leverages the complementary strengths of both elements to achieve effective and resistant antibacterial action.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

2Reliability

If antimicrobial peptides are used to disrupt bacterial membranes, then bacterial growth is inhibited, but bacteria can develop resistance by modifying membrane glycolipid components

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveantimicrobial activityVSAvoidmembrane modification resistance

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

3Device complexity

If a single functional protein is used for pathogen targeting, then the mechanism is simple, but specificity and effectiveness are limited

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprotein structure simplicityVSAvoidpathogen targeting effectiveness

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The invention merges two naturally occurring antibacterial protein elements into a single chimeric protein structure. The recognition element (subtilisin or BPI/LBP) provides specific binding to bacterial surface proteins, while the lysis element (defensin or thionin) provides membrane disruption activity. This merging creates a unified protein that combines both functions, achieving high targeting effectiveness while maintaining relatively simple single-protein structure.

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 chimeric protein effectively targets and kills Xf bacteria, providing increased resistance to bacterial infections in genetically altered plants and offering a potential treatment for diseases caused by Xf.

Implementation Method 1

the recognition element binds to a surface protein on the pathogen

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMolecular recognition:

Implementation Method 2

the lysis element lyses the pathogen

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMembrane lysis:

Data Source

PatentUS12305183B2Compositions and methods for protecting hosts against pathogen infections

Publication Date: 2025.05.20 INNATE IMMUNITY LLC

AI summary

A chimeric protein and method of creating genetically altered plant and parts thereof with a chimeric protein wherein the chimeric protein comprises a recognition element and a lysis element connected by a linker wherein the recognition element binds to a pathogen and the lysis element lyses the pathogen and wherein the recognition element is derived from a first protein and the lysis element is derived from a second protein wherein the first protein and the second protein are endogenous to the host to be treated with the chimeric protein.