IL-22 Compositions for Thymic Epithelial Cell Regeneration
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
There is a need for compositions and methods to restore thymic epithelial cell function and promote thymic growth following damage, such as from chemotherapy, radiation, or aging, to enhance immune response and T-cell production in patients, including those with cancer, HIV, or undergoing organ transplantation.
Innovation Solution
The use of IL-22 compositions to treat thymic atrophy and alterations in bone marrow-derived white blood cells, administered to increase thymic epithelial cell function and promote the production of mature thymocytes, either through direct application or by secreting IL-22 cells, such as LTi cells transformed with a Lentivirus construct.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If chemotherapy or radiation is administered to treat cancer, then cancer cells are destroyed, but thymic epithelial cells are damaged and T-cell production is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary anti-action by administering IL-22 therapy before or during chemotherapy/radiation treatment to prevent thymic epithelial cell damage. The IL-22 promotes thymic growth and protects TECs from the harmful effects of cancer treatments, counteracting the damage before it occurs rather than treating it after the fact.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses IL-22 as an intermediary substance that mediates between the harmful cancer treatments and the thymic epithelial cells. IL-22 binds to receptors on TECs and activates signaling pathways that protect the cells from chemotherapy and radiation damage, while not interfering with the anti-cancer effects of the treatment.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If thymic epithelial cells are damaged by radiation or chemotherapy, then cancer is treated, but thymic atrophy occurs and immune response is weakened
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by administering IL-22 to alter the physiological parameters of thymic epithelial cells. IL-22 changes the expression levels of protective proteins and growth factors in TECs, modifying their state from vulnerable to resistant against chemotherapy and radiation-induced damage.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent enables self-service by activating the thymic epithelial cells' own protective mechanisms through IL-22 treatment. The IL-22 stimulates TECs to produce their own protective factors and repair mechanisms, allowing the cells to protect themselves against damage rather than requiring external protective agents.
3Reliability
If IL-22 is administered to promote thymic growth, then thymic epithelial cell function is enhanced, but additional therapeutic interventions may be required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies universality by using IL-22 as a multi-functional therapeutic agent that simultaneously promotes thymic growth, protects TECs from damage, and enhances immune response. This single agent performs multiple functions that would otherwise require separate treatments, simplifying the overall therapy regimen.
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention provides methods and compositions for the use of IL-22 to promote thymic growth following thymic insult. In particularly preferred embodiments, the present invention provides methods of using therapeutic IL-22 compositions for treating patients with thymic atrophy and alterations in bone marrow derived white blood cells, including cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy, patients exposed to radiation (i.e. cancer therapy, nuclear disaster, terrorist attack, etc.), patients with HIV infections/AIDS, patients with organ transplantation, aging patients, and the like. In a further embodiment, therapeutic IL-22 compositions are contemplated as a prophylactic to boost immune response when additional T-cell function is needed, i.e. to boost immune response during vaccination.