GBS Polypeptide Carriers BP-2a spb1 for Vaccine Immunogenicity
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current carrier proteins used in vaccines, such as tetanus toxoid and CRM197, are overused and not as effective for certain saccharide antigens, leading to a need for alternative carrier proteins that can induce stronger and more protective immune responses, particularly against Group B Streptococcus (GBS) infections.
Innovation Solution
The use of specific Streptococcus agalactiae (GBS) polypeptides, BP-2a and spb1, as carriers in conjugates with saccharides to enhance immunogenicity and provide broader protection against GBS and other pathogens by forming hybrid polypeptides that can be conjugated with various antigens.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional carrier proteins (tetanus toxoid, diphtheria toxoid, CRM197) are used in vaccines, then vaccine production is well-established and manufacturing is easy, but immunogenicity is insufficient and protective immunity levels are low
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the fundamental parameter of carrier protein selection by using native GBS polypeptides (BP-2a and spb1) instead of traditional carriers like CRM197 or tetanus toxoid. This parameter change results in significantly enhanced immunogenicity and protective immunity while maintaining manufacturing feasibility through recombinant expression systems
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates composite vaccine formulations by conjugating saccharide antigens with GBS-derived polypeptide carriers. This composite approach combines the immunogenic properties of native GBS proteins with specific saccharide antigens, achieving both high immunogenicity and strain-specific protection
2Reliability
If carrier proteins are used to enhance immunogenicity of saccharide antigens, then protective immunity is improved, but vaccine coverage against multiple strains is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent achieves universality by developing a platform technology where GBS-derived polypeptide carriers can be conjugated with various saccharide antigens from different GBS serotypes and other pathogens. The BP-2a and spb1 polypeptides serve as universal carrier platforms that maintain high immunogenicity across multiple antigen types, enabling broad vaccine coverage
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the vaccine design into modular components: GBS-derived polypeptide carriers (BP-2a, spb1) as the immunogenic platform and interchangeable saccharide antigens as the specific target elements. This segmentation allows flexible combination of carrier and antigen components to address multiple pathogens and serotypes
3Adaptability or versatility
If alternative carrier proteins are used to reduce overuse of traditional carriers, then carrier diversity is improved, but immunogenicity and effectiveness decrease
Solution Approach 1:
The patent fundamentally changes the carrier protein parameter by selecting native GBS polypeptides (BP-2a and spb1) that are derived from the pathogen itself rather than using heterologous carriers. This parameter change ensures both carrier diversity and maintained or enhanced immunogenicity, as the native proteins are naturally recognized by the immune system
Data Source
AI summary
The invention provides a conjugate comprising an antigen and a carrier molecule, wherein the carrier molecule comprises a BP-2a antigen and a spb1 antigen. BP-2a and spb1 are Streptococcus agalactiae antigens. The conjugate may be used in a method for raising an immune response in a mammal, the method comprising administering the conjugate to the mammal. Also provided are pharmaceutical compositions, particularly vaccines, comprising the conjugate.