Genome Abnormality Detection in Engineered Cell Therapy

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current methods are inadequate for detecting genome abnormalities or variants, such as chromosomal structural variations, in engineered cells, particularly in the context of cell therapy manufacturing, which is critical for maintaining cell health and functionality.

Innovation Solution

The methods involve detecting genome abnormalities by generating nucleic acid extension products from genomic DNA molecules, specifically targeting chromosome 14 inversions at the T cell receptor alpha/delta locus and immunoglobulin heavy chain variable region, using techniques like droplet digital PCR, to ensure the presence or absence of such abnormalities in engineered cell populations.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If conventional detection methods are used for genome abnormalities, then the manufacturing process is simple, but the detection precision and reliability are insufficient

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedetection precisionVSAvoidmethod complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The genome detection method is segmented into distinct stages: DNA extraction, library preparation, sequencing, and data analysis. Each stage uses specialized techniques optimized for its specific function, allowing high detection precision while managing complexity through modular organization of the detection workflow.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces intermediate steps such as DNA library preparation and use of control samples as mediators between the raw genomic DNA and final detection results. These intermediaries enable more precise measurement of genome abnormalities by providing reference points and standardized processing steps.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

If comprehensive genome screening is performed at all stages, then the reliability of cell therapy is improved, but the time and resource consumption increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecell therapy reliabilityVSAvoiddetection time
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements preliminary genome screening at the donor cell stage before any modification or expansion occurs. This preliminary action identifies potential genome abnormalities early, allowing selective processing of only those cells that pass initial screening, thereby reducing overall detection time while maintaining reliability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

Genome detection is performed periodically at multiple discrete stages (donor cell stage, after modification, after expansion) rather than continuously. This periodic approach ensures comprehensive monitoring of genome stability while minimizing time loss by focusing resources on critical transition points in the cell therapy manufacturing process.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #19Periodic action

3Productivity

If genome abnormalities are detected in large batches, then the manufacturing efficiency is improved, but the detection precision for individual cells decreases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemanufacturing efficiencyVSAvoiddetection precision
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies partial screening to large batches by sequencing a representative subset of cells from each batch rather than every individual cell. This approach maintains manufacturing efficiency while achieving sufficient detection precision for quality control purposes, using statistical sampling to infer batch-level genome stability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #16Partial or excessive action

Solution Approach 2:

Different detection stringency levels are applied to different stages and cell types. For example, donor cells undergo rigorous individual screening, while expanded cell populations use batch-level screening. This local differentiation of quality standards optimizes both manufacturing efficiency and detection precision according to the specific requirements of each manufacturing stage.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

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 precise detection and quantification of genome abnormalities, ensuring the safety and efficacy of engineered cell therapies by identifying and addressing potential chromosomal inversions, thereby improving the manufacturing process and cell health.

Implementation Method 1

The methods involve detecting genome abnormalities by generating nucleic acid extension products from genomic DNA molecules

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectNucleic acid hybridization:

Implementation Method 2

using techniques like droplet digital PCR

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPolymerase chain reaction:

Data Source

PatentUS20250207199A1Methods for detecting genomic abnormalities in cells
Publication Date: 2025.06.26 ALLOGENE THERAPEUTICS INC
  • US20250207199A1 patent drawing
  • US20250207199A1 patent drawing
  • US20250207199A1 patent drawing

AI summary

The instant disclosure relates to methods for detecting genome abnormalities or variants, such as chromosomal abnormalities or structural variations in cell populations, including engineered cell populations.