Hsp60 Peptide for Ehrlichia Detection and Vaccine
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current diagnostic and therapeutic methods for ehrlichiosis are inadequate, as they often rely on serologic assays that are non-specific and may not detect infections early, and there is no vaccine available to prevent the disease.
Innovation Solution
Development of a heat shock protein 60 (Hsp60) peptide specific to Ehrlichia species, which can be used to raise antibodies for detection via ELISA or PCR, and as a vaccine to induce immune response against Ehrlichia infections.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If serologic assays (IFA, ELISA) are used to detect ehrlichiosis, then diagnosis can be performed, but the tests are non-specific and may not detect infections early
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the detection parameter from non-specific serologic markers to specific anti-Hsp60 antibodies that recognize a conserved heat shock protein across Ehrlichia species. This allows for both early detection (since Hsp60 is expressed during infection) and high specificity (since Hsp60 is highly conserved and species-specific antibodies can be generated)
Solution Approach 2:
The patent generates anti-Hsp60 antibodies in advance through immunization of animals with purified Hsp60 protein. These pre-prepared specific antibodies can then be immediately used for detection without requiring complex serologic assay development, enabling early and specific diagnosis
2Measurement precision
If PCR methods are used to detect Ehrlichia DNA, then rapid and specific diagnosis is achieved, but detection becomes difficult after antibiotic treatment starts
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of detecting the actual Ehrlichia DNA which may be eliminated by antibiotics, the patent detects antibodies against Hsp60 protein. The antibody response serves as a copy or surrogate marker that persists longer than the bacterial DNA itself, extending the detection window while maintaining high specificity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses anti-Hsp60 antibodies as an intermediary marker. Rather than directly detecting Ehrlichia DNA which disappears after treatment, the assay detects the host's antibody response to Hsp60, which serves as a stable intermediate indicator that reflects prior infection and can be detected even after the bacteria are eliminated
3Loss of time
If serologic tests are performed early in illness, then early diagnosis is possible, but antibody levels may not yet be present
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the detection target from general serologic markers that appear late to the specific Hsp60 protein antigen which elicits an early and sustained antibody response. The high conservation of Hsp60 ensures reliable antibody production even in early infection stages, improving both timing and reliability
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 Hsp60 peptide enables early and specific detection of Ehrlichia infections and reduces bacterial load in vaccinated subjects, providing a potential solution for both diagnosis and prevention of ehrlichiosis.
Implementation Method 1
the Hsp60 peptide enables early and specific detection of Ehrlichia infections and reduces bacterial load in vaccinated subjects
Implementation Method 2
The antibody raised against Hsp60 peptide could detect proteins of 100 kD, 70 kD, 60 kD, 45 kD, 30 kD and 15 kD in different species of Ehrlichia
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention provides an isolated and purified heat shock protein 60 (Hsp60) peptide having the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO:2. The instant invention is also directed to a vaccine against Ehrlichia comprising a peptide homologous to the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO:2. The instant invention is also directed to an antibody directed against a peptide homologous to the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO:2. The instant invention is also directed to a method of determining whether a subject is infected with Ehrlichia, comprising the steps of: contacting a sample from a subject with the antibody described herein; and detecting a resulting antibody reaction, wherein a positive reaction indicates the subject is infected with Ehrlichia.