Human-Derived Bacterial Compositions for Th17 Cell Induction

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current approaches fail to effectively induce the proliferation of T helper 17 (Th17) cells, which are crucial for mounting robust immune responses against pathogenic microbes, and existing mucosal vaccines have limitations in promoting immune responses at the mucosal surface.

Innovation Solution

A composition comprising human-derived bacteria, such as Clostridium symbiosum and Bifidobacterium breve, or their culture supernatants, is used to induce the proliferation and accumulation of Th17 cells, which can be administered orally or in combination with mucosal vaccines to enhance immune responses.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If conventional approaches are used to promote immune responses, then general immune activation occurs, but specific Th17 cell proliferation and mucosal immune response are insufficient

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveTh17 cell induction efficacyVSAvoidcomplexity of bacterial culture and composition preparation
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the complex microbiota into specific functional groups (Th17-inducing bacteria) that can be cultured separately and administered as targeted compositions, rather than using whole microbiota or general immune stimulants

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent uses specific bacterial compositions as intermediaries to mediate between the administered substance and the desired Th17 cell response, where the bacteria act as biological carriers that selectively induce Th17 differentiation

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

If mucosal vaccines are administered to enhance mucosal immune responses, then protection against pathogens is improved, but the immune response strength and durability are limited

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemucosal immune response strengthVSAvoidduration of immune protection
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDuration of action of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges mucosal vaccines with Th17-inducing bacterial compositions to create a combined immunotherapeutic approach that leverages both antigen-specific immunity and Th17-mediated mucosal protection for enhanced and prolonged immunity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent employs Th17-inducing bacteria as preliminary action to establish a robust Th17 cell population before or alongside vaccine administration, creating a primed immune environment that enhances subsequent vaccine response and durability

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

3Object-affected harmful factors

If antibiotics are used to treat infectious diseases, then bacterial infections are eliminated, but disruption of normal microbiota and immune system imbalance occur

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveinfectious disease clearanceVSAvoidmicrobiota composition stability
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-affected harmful factorsVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The patent converts the harmful effect of antibiotic-induced microbiota disruption into a beneficial opportunity by administering specific Th17-inducing bacteria that restore and enhance immune function following antibiotic treatment

Inventive Principle:
Principle #22Blessing in disguise (Convert harm into benefit)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the composition parameters of the microbiota by introducing specific Th17-inducing bacterial strains that have distinct properties from the original microbiota, thereby restoring immune function while maintaining microbiota stability

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Data Source

PatentEP3129035B1Compositions and methods for induction of th17 cells
Publication Date: 2024.09.18 RIKEN CO LTD
  • EP3129035B1 patent drawingFigure 1A
  • EP3129035B1 patent drawingFigure 1B
  • EP3129035B1 patent drawingFigure 2

AI summary

Strains of human-derived bacteria have been obtained from complex fecal samples and shown to induce accumulation of Th17 cells in the intestine and promote immune functions. Pharmaceutical compositions containing these bacteria can be used as anti-infectives and as adjuvants in mucosal vaccines.