Galectin-10 Antibodies Disrupt Crystal Formation

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Solution Overview

Problem

The formation of Charcot-Leyden crystals (CLCs) associated with galectin-10 is linked to eosinophilic disorders and inflammatory responses, but the in vivo function of galectin-10 and the pathology of CLC formation have remained elusive, and existing methods lack effective solutions to prevent or treat conditions related to these crystals.

Innovation Solution

Development of galectin-10 antagonists, specifically antibodies and antigen binding fragments like IgGs, VHH antibodies, and Fabs, that bind to galectin-10, inhibiting its crystallization and promoting the dissolution of pre-existing crystals, thereby addressing the pathological effects of CLCs.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If galectin-10 crystallization is allowed to proceed naturally, then Charcot-Leyden crystals form as a marker of eosinophilic response, but this leads to pro-inflammatory responses and pathological conditions in patients

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecrystal formation as disease markerVSAvoidpro-inflammatory response

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts the harmful crystallization property of galectin-10 by introducing antibodies that specifically bind to galectin-10 and prevent its crystallization. The antibodies remove the pathogenic crystallization behavior while preserving the diagnostic utility of galectin-10 detection in eosinophilic disorders.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces antibodies as intermediary substances that mediate between galectin-10 and the crystallization process. These antibodies bind to galectin-10 and act as a blocking intermediary that prevents crystal formation, thereby eliminating the pro-inflammatory response without affecting the presence of galectin-10 as a disease marker.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Measurement precision

If existing methods are used to detect galectin-10, then the presence of CLCs can be observed as a marker, but no effective treatment or prevention method is available

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedetection of CLC presenceVSAvoidavailability of treatment method

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent creates antibodies that serve multiple functions: they can detect galectin-10 presence (maintaining diagnostic capability) and simultaneously prevent crystallization (providing therapeutic effect). This multi-functional approach combines detection and treatment capabilities in a single agent.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent applies preliminary action by administering antibodies that prevent crystallization before pathological conditions fully develop. The antibodies are introduced in advance to block the crystallization process, preventing the formation of harmful CLCs rather than treating them after formation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

3Quantity of substance

If galectin-10 is secreted by eosinophils under certain conditions, then it accumulates to form crystals in tissues and secretions, but the in vivo function and significance of this accumulation remain elusive

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvegalectin-10 accumulationVSAvoidunderstanding of in vivo function

Core Design Contradiction:

Quantity of substanceVSLoss of information

Solution Approach 1:

The patent converts the harmful crystallization accumulation of galectin-10 into a beneficial therapeutic target. By designing antibodies that specifically bind to and prevent galectin-10 crystallization, the patent transforms the pathogenic accumulation process into a treatable condition, thereby gaining insight into its in vivo significance through therapeutic intervention.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #22Blessing in disguise (Convert harm into benefit)

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

These antagonists effectively prevent and treat conditions associated with CLC formation by disrupting galectin-10 crystallization, reducing pro-inflammatory responses and dissolving existing crystals, providing a therapeutic approach for disorders like asthma and parasitic infections.

Implementation Method 1

the antagonist binds to an epitope of galectin-10 and thereby shields a crystal packing interface of galectin-10... when bound to soluble galectin-10, inhibits the crystallization of galectin-10... when bound to crystalline galectin-10, promotes the dissolution of crystalline galectin-10

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectCrystallization: Crystallisation

Data Source

PatentUS20240026010A1Galectin-10 antibodies

Publication Date: 2024.01.25 ARGENX BVBA(BE)

AI summary

The present invention relates to antagonists, particularly antibodies and antigen binding fragments thereof, that bind to the protein galectin-10, particularly human galectin-10. The galectin-10 antagonists disrupt the crystallization of galectin-10 and are therefore useful in methods of preventing and treating diseases and conditions wherein the pathology is linked to the formation/presence of Charcot-Leyden crystals (CLCs).