Flow Cytometry Panel for Autoimmune Disease Diagnosis
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods are inadequate for accurately identifying pathogenic B and T cell populations associated with autoimmune diseases like Sjögren's syndrome, Rheumatoid Arthritis, Systemic Lupus Erythematosus, and Cryoglobulinemia, which hinders diagnosis and monitoring of lymphoma development and differentiation between autoimmune diseases.
Innovation Solution
The method involves identifying specific combinations of surface and intracellular protein markers using flow cytometry to detect pathogenic B and T cells expressing markers such as CD19, CD27, CD21, CD11c, CXCR5, and others, allowing for the estimation of lymphoma risk and differential diagnosis of these autoimmune diseases.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional diagnostic methods (RF, complement consumption, cryoglobulinemia) are used to assess B cell activation, then the assessment is simple and quick, but the ability to distinguish between different hematological entities (pre-lymphoma, indolent lymphoma, aggressive lymphoma) is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the B cell population into distinct subpopulations based on multiple phenotypic markers (CD19, CD27, CD21, CD11c, CXCR5, and others). This segmentation allows differentiation between pathogenic and non-pathogenic B cells, enabling precise identification of lymphoma risk and type without requiring complex invasive procedures.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes changes in multiple phenotypic parameters simultaneously (expression levels of various surface and intracellular markers) to characterize B cell populations. By monitoring multiple parameters rather than single conventional markers, the method achieves high diagnostic precision for distinguishing between pre-lymphoma, indolent lymphoma, and aggressive lymphoma.
2Reliability
If existing clinico-biological tools are used for B cell activation assessment, then the methodology is straightforward, but the tools cannot differentiate between close hematological entities
Solution Approach 1:
The patent adds dimensional complexity by incorporating intracellular marker detection (Tbet, FoxP3, Bcl-6, MAF, MAFG, MAFK) in addition to surface markers. This multi-dimensional phenotypic analysis provides reliable differentiation between closely related hematological entities that cannot be distinguished by conventional single-parameter methods.
3Measurement precision
If multiple marker combinations are analyzed to identify pathogenic B and T cell populations, then diagnostic accuracy improves, but the complexity of the detection method increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent develops universal flow cytometry panels that can identify multiple pathogenic cell populations (different B cell subsets and T cell subsets) using a standardized set of markers. This multi-functional approach allows a single diagnostic test to assess lymphoma risk, differentiate lymphoma types, and monitor disease progression without requiring multiple separate assays.
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 enables precise identification of pathogenic cell populations, improving diagnostic accuracy and monitoring of autoimmune diseases, particularly in distinguishing between different lymphoma types and autoimmune conditions, thereby aiding in clinical management.
Implementation Method 1
These cells may be identified by their specific pattern of both surface and intracellular protein markers for example by flow cytometry
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention is directed to methods of diagnosis and treatment of autoimmune, chronic inflammatory and lymphoproliferative diseases based on the identification of a population of pathogenic B and/or T cells showing a specific phenotype. These cells may be identified by their specific pattern of expression of marker proteins.