Cripto-1 Monoclonal Antibody for Selective Cancer Stem Cell Inhibition
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing cancer drugs, including molecularly targeted drugs, are ineffective in curing cancer due to their inability to target cancer stem cells, leading to significant side effects and limited therapeutic effects.
Innovation Solution
Development of a human-derived anti-human Cripto-1 monoclonal antibody that specifically recognizes the extracellular domain of Cripto-1, inhibiting the self-renewal of cancer stem cells and potentially curing cancer by blocking the induction of cancer cells from stem cells.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If anti-Nodal antibodies or anti-TGF-β receptor antibodies are used to inhibit cancer stem cell proliferation, then the therapeutic effect is improved, but serious side effects occur due to wide involvement in life phenomena
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and targets specifically the Cripto-1 protein, a co-receptor for Nodal, as the therapeutic target. By focusing on this specific protein rather than the broader Nodal or TGF-β receptor pathways, the antibody achieves cancer stem cell inhibition while avoiding the wide-ranging side effects associated with broader pathway inhibition. This selective targeting extracts the essential therapeutic function while eliminating harmful collateral effects.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses Cripto-1 as an intermediary target between the therapeutic goal (inhibiting cancer stem cells) and the harmful pathways (Nodal/TGF-β receptor wide involvement). By targeting Cripto-1, which is specifically involved in cancer stem cell self-renewal, the treatment achieves its therapeutic effect through this intermediary without directly activating the broader pathways that cause side effects.
2Reliability
If anti-Nodal antibodies or anti-TGF-β receptor antibodies are prepared, then the therapeutic effect is improved, but the difficulty in preparing antigens increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and isolates the Cripto-1 protein as a standalone antigen for antibody production. This extracted antigen is readily available and easier to prepare compared to Nodal or TGF-β receptors, while still providing the therapeutic effect of inhibiting cancer stem cell proliferation. The extraction of this specific, accessible antigen resolves the manufacturing difficulty.
3Ease of operation
If existing cancer drugs are used to treat cancer, then the treatment process is simplified, but the ability to cure cancer is reduced due to heterogeneity of cancer cells
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the principle of local quality by targeting a specific property (Cripto-1 expression) that is locally present in cancer stem cells but absent or minimal in normal cells. This localized targeting within the cancer cell population allows the antibody to specifically affect cancer stem cells while preserving normal cell function, thereby improving curing capability without significantly complicating the treatment process.
Data Source
AI summary
An object of the present invention is to develop a technique of reducing cancer stem cells. The solution is to provide a human-derived anti-human Cripto-1 antibody containing specific amino acid sequences.