Hoxb5 Transdifferentiation of B Cells into Functional T Cells

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current methods for transdifferentiating B cells into T cells often result in functional defects and tumorigenesis due to the use of hematopoietic lineage master regulators, which do not accurately replicate the natural developmental process of T cells.

Innovation Solution

The use of the transcription factor Hoxb5, introduced via a nucleic acid molecule or construct, to transdifferentiate B lymphoid cells into functional T cells, avoiding tumorigenesis by mimicking the natural epigenetic paradigm of T cell development.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If hematopoietic lineage master regulators are deleted or overexpressed to transdifferentiate B cells into T cells, then transdifferentiation can be achieved, but the regenerated T cells exhibit functional defects and tumorigenesis risk

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefunctional quality of regenerated T cellsVSAvoidtumorigenesis risk
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts and removes the harmful hematopoietic lineage master regulators (Pax5, Ebfl) that cause functional defects and tumorigenesis, while introducing the beneficial transcription factor Hoxb5 that drives transdifferentiation without these adverse effects. This selective extraction of specific genetic factors resolves the contradiction by eliminating the harmful components while preserving the transdifferentiation capability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the genetic parameter from using hematopoietic lineage master regulators to using the transcription factor Hoxb5. This parameter change transforms the transdifferentiation process from one that produces defective and potentially tumorigenic T cells to one that generates functional, safe T cells by altering the molecular mechanism driving lineage switching.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Productivity

If conventional transdifferentiation methods are used, then B cells can be converted to T cells, but the developmental process does not accurately replicate natural T cell maturation

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetransdifferentiation efficiencyVSAvoidaccuracy of developmental process replication
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces Hoxb5 as an intermediary transcription factor that mediates the transdifferentiation process through mechanisms that mimic natural T cell development. This intermediary factor bridges the gap between B cell and T cell lineages while following physiologic developmental pathways, thereby improving both efficiency and accuracy of the conversion process.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentEP3564365B1Transdifferentation of b lymphoid cells into t cells
Publication Date: 2023.01.25 GUANGZHOU INSTITUTES OF BIOMEDICINE AND HEALTH CHINESE ACADEMY OF SCIENCES
  • EP3564365B1 patent drawingFigure 1A~1C
  • EP3564365B1 patent drawingFigure 2A~2E
  • EP3564365B1 patent drawingFigure 3A~3D

AI summary

Provided are a method for inducing the transdifferentiation of B lymphoid cells into T lymphoid cells using a transcription factor Hoxb5, a related product and the use thereof. The method particularly comprises: introducing Hoxb5, a nucleic acid molecule encoding Hoxb5, or a construct comprising the nucleic acid molecule into the B lymphoid cell to obtain a Hoxb5 over-expressing B lymphoid cell; and implanting the obtained B lymphoid cell into a subject, obtaining a regenerated T cell progenitor cell by means of transdifferentiation, and differentiating the T cell progenitor cell to obtain a mature and functional T lymphoid cell.