HLA-F Expression in Motor Neurons for ALS Protection

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current therapies for amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) lack effective methods to address the premature degeneration and death of motor neurons, with the etiology of sporadic ALS remaining largely unknown, and existing treatments fail to provide significant protection against motor neuron toxicity.

Innovation Solution

The development of compounds and compositions that increase the expression of the HLA-F MHC class I molecule in motor neurons, using nucleic acids and viral vectors to administer sequences that promote sustained expression of HLA-F, thereby protecting motor neurons from toxicity induced by ALS astrocytes.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If current therapies are used for ALS, then treatment is provided, but they fail to protect motor neurons from toxicity and address premature degeneration

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveprotection against motor neuron toxicityVSAvoidmotor neuron degeneration and death
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces HLA-F as an intermediary molecule that mediates protection between astrocytes and motor neurons. HLA-F expression in motor neurons acts as a protective barrier against toxic factors secreted by ALS astrocytes, thereby resolving the contradiction by providing a molecular mediator that blocks harmful interactions while maintaining therapeutic effectiveness

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent employs preliminary action by using viral vectors to deliver HLA-F coding sequences to motor neurons before significant degeneration occurs. This preventive approach establishes protective HLA-F expression in advance, enabling motor neurons to resist toxicity from ALS astrocytes before damage accumulates, thus improving reliability while addressing harmful factors

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

2Reliability

If HLA-F expression is increased in motor neurons, then protection against ALS is achieved, but viral vectors and nucleic acid administration are required

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveprotection against ALSVSAvoidviral vector administration system
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent enhances universality by designing a multi-functional system where viral vectors serve multiple purposes: delivering HLA-F coding sequences, enabling sustained expression through integration, and providing targeted delivery to motor neurons. This consolidates multiple functions into a single administrative approach, reducing overall system complexity while achieving reliable protection

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

Solution Approach 2:

The patent applies parameter changes by modifying the expression level and duration of HLA-F through viral vector-mediated delivery. By controlling viral titer, integration efficiency, and promoter strength, the system optimizes HLA-F expression parameters to achieve maximum protective effect while minimizing the complexity of administration protocols

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Data Source

PatentUS20240108758A1Compounds, compositions, and methods for using HLA-f
Publication Date: 2024.04.04 RES INST AT NATIONWIDE CHILDRENS HOSPITAL
  • US20240108758A1 patent drawing
  • US20240108758A1 patent drawing
  • US20240108758A1 patent drawing

AI summary

The invention relates to compositions, compounds, methods, and uses for the treatment of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. In particular, the invention relates to compounds, compositions, methods, and uses for the treatment of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis by increasing the expression of the MHC class I molecule, HLA-F, in motor neurons of the patient.