Galectin-1 Detection for Immune Disorder Diagnosis

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current methods fail to effectively address the immunosuppressive microenvironment in classical Hodgkin lymphoma (cHL) and other immune disorders, such as anaplastic large cell lymphoma and MLL+ pre B-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia, where galectin-1 (Gal1) plays a crucial role in suppressing immune responses and promoting tumor escape.

Innovation Solution

Developing methods to detect and assess Gal1 polypeptides or nucleic acids in samples using specific binding compounds like antibodies or nucleic acid probes, and using these methods to monitor disease progression and treatment efficacy in patients with immune disorders, including Hodgkin lymphoma, anaplastic large cell lymphoma, and MLL+ pre B-cell ALL.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If current diagnostic methods are used for immune disorders, then general disease detection is possible, but accurate detection of Gal1 levels and monitoring of treatment efficacy cannot be achieved

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedetection accuracy of Gal1 levelsVSAvoiddifficulty in detecting Gal1 polypeptides and nucleic acids

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSDifficulty of detecting and measuring

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs antibodies and nucleic acid probes as intermediary molecules that specifically bind to Gal1 polypeptides or Gal1 nucleic acid sequences. These intermediaries enable indirect detection of Gal1 levels through measurable signals (such as colorimetric, fluorescent, or radioactive signals), thereby achieving accurate measurement of Gal1 without directly observing the target molecule itself.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces direct mechanical or physical detection methods with biochemical detection systems. Instead of attempting to directly measure Gal1 polypeptides through physical means, the invention uses antibody-binding assays (such as ELISA or Western blotting) and nucleic acid hybridization techniques that convert molecular recognition events into detectable signals through chemical or optical mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Reliability

If Gal1 detection methods are developed, then accurate diagnosis and monitoring can be achieved, but complexity of diagnostic procedures increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvereliability of diagnosis and prognosisVSAvoidcomplexity of detection methods and procedures

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent divides the diagnostic process into separate, modular components: (1) sample preparation, (2) antibody or probe incubation, (3) signal detection, and (4) result interpretation. Each step can be performed independently using standardized protocols, allowing the complex diagnostic procedure to be broken down into manageable segments that can be executed systematically.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent develops detection methods using antibodies and nucleic acid probes that can be applied across multiple immune disorder types (Hodgkin lymphoma, anaplastic large cell lymphoma, MLL+ pre B-cell ALL). The same fundamental assay principles and reagent types can detect Gal1 in different disease contexts, providing a universal diagnostic approach that reduces procedural complexity despite the variety of applications.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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 methods enable accurate detection and monitoring of Gal1 levels, allowing for improved diagnosis, prognosis, and assessment of treatment efficacy in immune disorders, particularly those associated with Gal1 overexpression, thereby aiding in clinical management.

Implementation Method 1

contacting the sample with a compound which selectively binds to a Gal1 polypeptide or fragment thereof and determining whether the compound binds to a Gal1 polypeptide or fragment thereof in the sample

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectAntibody binding:

Implementation Method 2

contacting a sample with a nucleic acid probe or primer which selectively hybridizes to a Gal1 polynucleotide or fragment thereof

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectNucleic acid hybridization:

Data Source

PatentUS9939428B2Compositions, kits, and methods for the diagnosis, prognosis, and monitoring of immune disorders using galectin-1

Publication Date: 2018.04.10 DANA FARBER CANCER INSTITUTE INC

AI summary

The present invention is based, in part, on the discovery that galectin-1 (Gal1) plays a role in immune disorders, including Hodgkin lymphoma, anaplastic large cell lymphoma, or MLL+ pre B-cell ALL. Accordingly, the invention relates to compositions, kits, and methods for diagnosing, prognosing, and monitoring immune disorders, e.g., Hodgkin lymphoma, anaplastic large cell lymphoma, or MLL+ pre B-cell ALL.