HMO Composition for Allergen Tolerance via Microbiota Modulation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current treatments for atopic allergies and allergic asthma are limited in providing long-term relief and often come with side effects, as they primarily focus on symptom reduction rather than addressing the underlying immune response imbalance.
Innovation Solution
Administration of human milk oligosaccharides (HMOs) to modulate the intestinal microbiota, combined with immunotherapeutic allergens and active vitamin A sources, to induce long-term allergen tolerance by promoting a benign intestinal microbial community and regulating immune responses.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If conventional treatments (antihistamines, corticosteroids) are administered to reduce allergy symptoms, then symptom relief is achieved, but the underlying immune response imbalance is not addressed and side effects occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses human milk oligosaccharides (HMOs) as an intermediary substance that indirectly modulates the immune system by shaping the gut microbiota composition. Instead of directly suppressing immune responses like conventional treatments, HMOs promote the growth of beneficial bacteria (Bifidobacterium, Lactobacillus) that naturally regulate immune homeostasis, thereby resolving the contradiction between symptom relief and long-term effectiveness
Solution Approach 2:
The patent converts the harmful effect of an altered gut microbiota (which contributes to immune dysregulation) into a beneficial therapeutic mechanism. By administering HMOs, the treatment restores a healthy microbiota composition, turning the previously harmful microbial imbalance into a beneficial regulatory system that provides sustained immune modulation without side effects
2Reliability
If allergen immunotherapy is administered to induce long-term tolerance, then disease-modifying effects are achieved, but the risk of IgE-mediated adverse events including anaphylaxis increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces HMOs as an intermediary that prepares the immune system for allergen exposure by first establishing a healthy gut microbiota foundation. This intermediary step creates a protective microbial environment that modulates immune responses gradually, allowing subsequent allergen immunotherapy to proceed with reduced risk of severe adverse events while maintaining long-term tolerance induction
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs preliminary action by administering HMOs before and during allergen immunotherapy to pre-condition the gut microbiota and immune system. This preparatory phase establishes a protective microbial framework that mitigates the risk of anaphylactic reactions while enabling the long-term tolerance-inducing effects of allergen exposure
3Adaptability or versatility
If the gut microbiota is altered through westernized lifestyle and antibiotics, then modern living conditions are achieved, but immune homeostasis mechanisms are disrupted leading to increased allergy risk
Solution Approach 1:
The patent converts the harmful disruption of gut microbiota caused by westernized lifestyle and antibiotics into a beneficial therapeutic opportunity. By administering HMOs, the treatment actively restores the microbial diversity and composition that was lost, transforming the previously harmful microbial depletion into a restorative process that re-establishes immune homeostasis mechanisms
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies parameter changes by specifically targeting and modifying the composition parameters of the gut microbiota. HMOs alter the microbial ecosystem by promoting the growth of specific beneficial bacteria species, thereby changing the microbiota composition from a dysbiotic state to a healthy, homeostatic state that supports proper immune function
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
HMOs effectively reduce allergy symptoms and induce long-term allergen tolerance by enhancing bifidobacteria growth, suppressing Th2-type reactions, and promoting tolerogenic immune cells, leading to sustained immune homeostasis and reduced mast cell activation.
Implementation Method 1
HMOs are resistant to enzymatic hydrolysis in the small intestine and are thus largely undigested and unabsorbed. The majority of HMOs that reach the colon serve as substrates to shape the gut ecosystem by selectively stimulating the growth of specific bacteria.
Implementation Method 2
HMOs effectively reduce allergy symptoms and induce long-term allergen tolerance by enhancing bifidobacteria growth, suppressing Th2-type reactions, and promoting tolerogenic immune cells, leading to sustained immune homeostasis and reduced mast cell activation.
Implementation Method 3
Administration of human milk oligosaccharides (HMOs) to modulate the intestinal microbiota, combined with immunotherapeutic allergens and active vitamin A sources, to induce long-term allergen tolerance by promoting a benign intestinal microbial community and regulating immune responses.
Data Source
AI summary
This invention relates to a method and composition for inducing allergen tolerance in a patient suffering from an atopic allergy or allergic asthma; hence reducing allergy symptoms in these patients.