Ex Vivo T-Cell Treatment with IFN-Lambda for Asthma
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for treating asthma, particularly those targeting Th2 cytokines, have limitations as they fail to effectively address IL-13 production and often result in systemic side effects due to intravenous delivery of interferon lambda (IFN-λ), which may not adequately reach cytokine-producing cells in the lung parenchyma.
Innovation Solution
An ex vivo treatment method involving the isolation of peripheral blood leukocytes, exposure to IFN-λ to reduce IL-4, IL-5, and IL-13 production, followed by administration of these treated cells back into the patient, allowing for localized modulation of Th2 cells and cytokine production.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If intravenous delivery of IFN-λ is used to treat asthma, then the drug can reach systemic circulation, but it may not adequately reach cytokine-producing cells in the lung parenchyma and causes systemic side effects
Solution Approach 1:
The invention segments the treatment approach by isolating specific immune cells (peripheral blood mononuclear cells) from the patient, treating them ex vivo with IFN-λ, and then reinfusing them. This targets the treatment to specific cell populations rather than systemic administration, thereby improving delivery effectiveness to relevant cells while minimizing systemic side effects.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention applies local quality by treating only the isolated immune cells with IFN-λ rather than administering the drug systemically. This ensures that the therapeutic effect is concentrated on the specific cell population responsible for producing Th2 cytokines, while avoiding exposure of other tissues to the drug and its associated side effects.
2Adaptability or versatility
If current methods targeting Th2 cytokines are used, then treatment can be provided, but they fail to effectively address IL-13 production
Solution Approach 1:
The invention utilizes the multi-functionality of IFN-λ, which can simultaneously suppress multiple Th2 cytokines including IL-4, IL-5, and IL-13 production. By using a single agent (IFN-λ) that targets multiple cytokines, the invention achieves broad coverage of Th2-mediated pathology while effectively addressing IL-13 production, which previous targeted approaches failed to accomplish.
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
This approach effectively blunts the production of asthma-inducing cytokines, alleviating symptoms and addressing the root cause of asthma by directly modulating Th2 cells, while minimizing systemic side effects through targeted cell treatment.
Implementation Method 1
exposing the immune cells to IFN-λ at a concentration sufficient to reduce the production of specific cytokines
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention provides a method of treating Th2-associated diseases and disorders by modulating the expression or secretion of IL-4, IL-5 and IL-13 using interferon lambda (IFN-λ). For Th2-associated diseases and disorders, cells of a patient having a Th2-associated disease or disorder are treated ex vivo, with IFN-λ and returned to the patient. The present invention also provides a method of ex vivo treatment, in conjunction with co-administration of IFN-λ.