FcμR-Based Immune Complex ELISA for IgM Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for detecting IgM and IgA antibodies are not sufficiently effective for early diagnosis of infections, particularly as they often require complex procedures and may not accurately differentiate between specific and non-specific antibody binding.
Innovation Solution
Utilization of immobilized FcµR, specifically Faim 3/Toso or CD351, to quantify IgM or IgA antibodies in the form of immune complexes formed by mixing an antigen with a sample, enhancing sensitivity and specificity through the Ig-like domain's binding capabilities.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If traditional IgM antibody-capture ELISA is used, then IgM antibodies can be detected, but the method lacks sensitivity and specificity for early infection diagnosis
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces FcμR as an intermediary component that specifically binds to the Fc region of IgM antibodies. This mediator enables indirect detection of IgM through immune complex formation, significantly improving detection sensitivity while maintaining procedural simplicity through the single-step ELISA format
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the detection parameter from direct antigen-antibody binding to Fc region binding via FcμR. This parameter change allows detection of both free and complexed IgM antibodies, enhancing sensitivity for early infection diagnosis while preserving the ease of ELISA procedure
2Measurement precision
If FcμR is used to detect immune complexes, then detection sensitivity improves, but the method requires specific receptor immobilization
Solution Approach 1:
FcμR serves multiple functions: it acts as a capture reagent for IgM antibodies, provides specific binding to the Fc region for quantitative measurement, and enables differentiation between IgM and other immunoglobulin classes. This multi-functionality achieves accurate quantification while simplifying the overall assay design
3Reliability
If IgM antibodies are detected using conventional methods, then general detection is possible, but early infection diagnosis is not sufficiently effective
Solution Approach 1:
The method enables preliminary detection of IgM antibodies at very early stages of infection by capturing immune complexes before they are cleared from circulation. The FcμR-based ELISA detects IgM antibodies during the acute phase, allowing earlier diagnosis and intervention compared to conventional methods
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 allows for improved detection and quantification of IgM and IgA antibodies, enabling earlier diagnosis of infections by forming immune complexes in the presence of FcµR, which improves test sensitivity and reduces procedural complexity, facilitating acute diagnostic capabilities.
Implementation Method 1
an Fc receptor for IgM heavy chains (FcμR), in particular, Faim 3/Toso and also CD351 (Fcμ/αK), or a functional fragment thereof, which preferably comprises the Ig-like domain of Faim 3/Toso, may be used for in vitro quantification of IgM or IgA antibodies, preferably, IgM, in the form of immune complexes
Data Source
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Figure 3A~3B
AI summary
The present invention relates to the field of diagnostic or analytic methods. In particular, the inventors teach that an Fc receptor for IgM heavy chains (FcμR), in particular, Faim 3/Toso or CD351, or a functional fragment thereof, which preferably comprises the Ig-like domain of Faim 3/Toso, may be used for in vitro quantification of IgM or IgA antibodies, preferably, IgM, in the form of immune complexes, i.e., complexes formed by antigen and specific antibody. These immune complexes may be formed by mixing an antigen with a sample comprising antibodies. A method for detection and quantification of IgA or IgM antibodies in the form of immune complexes is also provided. This can be useful for diagnosis of infections, e.g., with a virus.