HIV-1 Peptide Diagnostic Panel for Multi-Subtype Detection

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current diagnostic tools for HIV infections are limited by the high genetic variability of the virus, making it difficult to develop tests that can effectively diagnose multiple subtypes of HIV, as each subtype requires a separate test system.

Innovation Solution

A method using peptides derived from the envelope protein gp120 of HIV subtype C, specifically the amino acid sequence AIVCTRPNNNTRKSIRIGPGQVFYT or its homologs, to diagnose HIV infections across multiple subtypes by detecting antibodies binding to these peptides, which are common across various subtypes.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If separate test systems are used for each HIV subtype, then diagnostic accuracy for a specific subtype is improved, but device complexity and ease of operation worsen due to the need for multiple tests

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvediagnostic accuracyVSAvoidtest system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies universality by designing a single diagnostic test system that can detect multiple HIV subtypes (A, B, C, D, F, G, H, J, and K) simultaneously. The test uses a panel of peptides derived from conserved regions of the HIV envelope protein gp120, allowing one test to perform the function of multiple subtype-specific tests, thereby reducing overall system complexity while maintaining diagnostic accuracy across different subtypes

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Measurement precision

If subtype-specific test systems are used, then diagnostic accuracy for that subtype is improved, but productivity decreases due to the need for multiple separate tests

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvediagnostic accuracyVSAvoiddiagnostic throughput
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges multiple subtype-specific diagnostic capabilities into a single integrated test system. By combining multiple peptide antigens representing different HIV subtypes into one assay platform, the system allows simultaneous detection of antibodies against various subtypes in a single test run, thereby increasing diagnostic throughput and productivity without sacrificing accuracy for any specific subtype

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Adaptability or versatility

If a single test system is designed to cover multiple subtypes, then adaptability is improved, but measurement precision may worsen due to the diversity of viral sequences

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesubtype coverageVSAvoiddiagnostic accuracy
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies local quality by selecting specific peptides from conserved regions of the HIV envelope protein gp120 that show high sequence similarity across different subtypes. Rather than using entire variable viral sequences, the test focuses on local conserved epitopes (such as those in the V1, V2, and V3 regions) that maintain structural and immunogenic consistency across subtypes, thereby preserving diagnostic precision while achieving broad subtype adaptability

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 method allows for the diagnosis of HIV infections across multiple subtypes, including A, B, C, D, F, G, H, J, and K, providing a more comprehensive and reliable diagnostic approach compared to existing methods.

Implementation Method 1

determining the presence of antibodies binding to a peptide consisting of the amino acid sequence AIVCTRPNNNTRKSIRIGPGQVFYT

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectAntigen-antibody binding:

Data Source

PatentUS10209257B2Solid support comprising HIV-1 clade C envelope peptides for the detection of HIV-1-specific antibodies
Publication Date: 2019.02.19 VIRAVAXX AG
  • US10209257B2 patent drawing
  • US10209257B2 patent drawing
  • US10209257B2 patent drawing

AI summary

The present invention relates to a method for detecting and/or quantifying human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) specific antibodies in a sample of a subject comprising the step of determining the presence and/or amount of antibodies binding to a) a peptide consisting of the amino acid sequence AIVCTRPNNNTRKSIRIGPGQVFYT (SEQ ID No. 1), or b) a homolog having at least 70% identity with a peptide of a), or c) a fragment of a peptide of a) or b) consisting of 15 to 24 amino acid residues in said sample.