Chimeric Recombinant Epitope Chain for Trichomonas vaginalis Detection

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current diagnostic methods for Trichomonas vaginalis, a leading non-viral sexually transmitted infection, lack sensitivity and specificity, especially in resource-poor settings, and existing antibodies are inadequate for detecting immunoreactive protein antigens, failing to effectively diagnose the infection in men and providing insufficient public health control.

Innovation Solution

Development of a novel recombinant epitope chain protein comprising non-unique immunogenic epitopes from fructose-1,6-bisphosphate aldolase, α-enolase, and glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate dehydrogenase enzymes, linked by peptide linkers, which can detect antibodies binding to these epitopes using an immunoassay, enabling the identification of auto-antibodies and pathogenic organisms, including Trichomonas vaginalis.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If conventional diagnostic methods are used for Trichomonas vaginalis detection, then the diagnostic process is simple, but the sensitivity and specificity are insufficient

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvediagnostic sensitivity and specificityVSAvoiddiagnostic method complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the diagnostic approach by using specific recombinant proteins (pTv16, pTv17, pTv18) that target distinct epitopes of T. vaginalis. This segmentation allows for more precise detection of different parasite components, improving both sensitivity and specificity compared to conventional single-method diagnostics.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent employs composite diagnostic strategies by combining multiple recombinant proteins and antibody detection methods. The use of chimeric proteins containing multiple epitopes from different T. vaginalis proteins creates a composite diagnostic tool that enhances detection accuracy while maintaining operational feasibility.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

2Reliability

If existing antibodies are used for detection, then the diagnostic method is straightforward, but the ability to detect immunoreactive protein antigens is inadequate

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveantibody detection effectivenessVSAvoiddiagnostic reagent production

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses recombinant proteins (pTv16, pTv17, pTv18) as intermediaries that bridge the gap between existing antibody technology and the need for reliable T. vaginalis detection. These recombinant proteins serve as standardized, manufacturable targets that improve antibody-antigen interaction reliability while being easier to produce consistently than native parasite proteins.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the physical and immunological parameters of the diagnostic antigens by using recombinant expression systems. This allows for standardized production of proteins with controlled purity, concentration, and epitope availability, thereby improving detection reliability while facilitating easier and more consistent manufacture of diagnostic reagents.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Measurement precision

If non-specific diagnostic targets are used, then the diagnostic test can be developed quickly, but the specificity toward T. vaginalis is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvediagnostic specificityVSAvoiddiagnostic development time

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent performs preliminary identification and characterization of specific T. vaginalis protein epitopes before developing the diagnostic test. By pre-selecting and validating the use of specific recombinant proteins (pTv16, pTv17, pTv18) that target unique parasite antigens, the development process is streamlined, achieving high specificity without excessive time loss.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent applies local quality by focusing on specific, well-defined epitopes within T. vaginalis proteins rather than using whole-cell or non-specific antigens. This localized approach to antigen selection ensures high diagnostic specificity while the modular recombinant protein design allows for efficient development and deployment.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

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 solution provides a sensitive and specific method for detecting Trichomonas vaginalis infection in both men and women, potentially reducing HIV transmission and other health issues by identifying auto-antibodies associated with the infection, while also considering immune-crossreactivity with human proteins.

Implementation Method 1

detect antibodies binding to these epitopes using an immunoassay

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectImmune recognition:

Data Source

PatentUS20230080865A1Chimeric recombinant protein encoding epitopes with identity to bacterial, fungal, parasite and human metabolic enzymes involved in pathogenesis during sexually transmitted infections

Publication Date: 2023.03.16 WASHINGTON STATE UNIVERSITY

AI summary

Disclosed herein are compositions and methods for detecting antibodies directed to epitopes of the metabolic enzymes, fructose-1,6-bisphosphate aldolase (A), α-enolase (E), and glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate dehydrogenase (G), that are shared between T. vaginalis and human AEG proteins.