HPIV Nucleic Acid Compositions for Sequence-Specific Detection

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current nucleic acid-based detection techniques for Human Parainfluenza Viruses (HPIVs) face challenges due to sequence heterogeneity, leading to sensitivity and specificity issues in detecting and quantifying HPIVs, particularly types 1-4, which are common causes of respiratory illnesses with no specific vaccines or treatments.

Innovation Solution

The use of specific amplification oligomers targeting defined positions in HPIV nucleic acid sequences, such as positions 1295-1305, 1350-1360, and 1380-1390 for HPIV-3, and positions 330-490, 960-1100, 1600-1700, and 620-740 for HPIVs 1-4, to produce amplicons of at least 50 nucleotides, enhancing detection and quantification.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Speed

If nucleic acid-based detection techniques are used for HPIV detection, then rapid detection and quantification is achieved, but sensitivity and specificity are compromised due to sequence heterogeneity

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedetection speedVSAvoiddetection sensitivity and specificity
Core Design Contradiction:
SpeedVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent divides the HPIV detection into multiple targeted regions across different viral types (HPIV-1, HPIV-2, HPIV-3, HPIV-4) and their subtypes. Each region is detected by specific oligomers designed to target unique sequence positions, allowing rapid simultaneous detection of multiple variants without cross-interference, thus maintaining both speed and precision.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent employs different sets of amplification oligomers tailored to specific local regions of the HPIV genome for different viral types and subtypes. Each oligomer set is optimized for its target region, with sequences designed to be highly specific to that local area, enabling accurate differentiation between similar viral types while maintaining rapid detection capability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

2Adaptability or versatility

If amplification oligomers targeting multiple HPIV types are used, then detection coverage is improved, but assay complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedetection coverageVSAvoidassay complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent creates a universal detection platform where a single assay system can detect all four HPIV types and their subtypes by incorporating multiple sets of amplification oligomers into one reaction mixture. The assay uses common reagents and a standardized protocol, with the only variation being the inclusion of different oligomer sets, thus achieving broad coverage without proportionally increasing complexity.

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

Solution Approach 2:

The patent organizes the detection of multiple HPIV types into discrete, non-overlapping target regions, each handled by specific oligomer sets. This segmentation allows the complex detection of multiple viruses to be broken down into manageable, parallel reactions within a single assay, reducing the practical complexity while maintaining comprehensive coverage.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

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

The method provides sensitive and specific detection and quantification of HPIVs, distinguishing them from other respiratory pathogens, with sensitivity to detect about 1-100 TCID50/ml copies within 60 minutes, improving diagnostic accuracy and reducing unnecessary treatments.

Implementation Method 1

the first amplification oligomer is configured to hybridize to a site comprising HPIV-3 position 1270 and the second amplification oligomer is configured to hybridize to a site comprising HPIV-3 position 1355

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectHybridization:

Implementation Method 2

performing a nucleic acid amplification reaction in the composition which produces an HPIV-3 amplicon of at least about 50 nucleotides in length

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectNucleic acid amplification:

Data Source

PatentUS12428672B2Compositions and methods for detecting or quantifying Human Parainfluenza Virus 4
Publication Date: 2025.09.30 GEN PROBE INC

AI summary

Compositions, methods, kits, and uses are provided for detecting or quantifying an Human Parainfluenza virus 1 (HPIV-1), HPIV-2, HPIV-3, and/or HPIV-4 nucleic acid, e.g., using nucleic acid amplification and hybridization assays. In some embodiments, the compositions, methods, kits, and uses target the HN gene of HPIV-1, HPIV-2, and/or HPIV-3 and/or the NP gene of HPIV-4.