Interferon Alpha Subtype Modulation for Allergy Treatment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current treatments for allergy and allergic diseases, such as food allergy, often rely on allergen avoidance, symptom-targeting medications, and conventional immunotherapy, which are not ideal due to potential side effects and limited long-term protection, and fail to effectively balance the Th1/Th2 and Th17 immune responses.
Innovation Solution
Administration of specific interferon alpha subtypes, such as IFN-α10 or IFN-α14, in combination with a vaccine or allergen, to enhance the Th1 immune response and suppress the Th2/Th17 immune response, thereby treating or preventing allergic reactions and conditions associated with an exaggerated Th17 response.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional immunotherapy is used to treat allergy, then immune response is modulated, but side effects occur and long-term protection is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the parameter of cytokine profile by administering specific cytokines (IFN-γ, IL-12, or their combinations) to shift the immune response from Th2-dominant to Th1-dominant. This parameter change in immune response type provides more reliable long-term protection while reducing side effects associated with conventional immunotherapy that does not specifically target cytokine balance.
2Reliability
If Th2/Th17 immune response is dominant, then allergic response occurs, but Th1 immune response is suppressed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary anti-action by administering Th1-promoting cytokines (IFN-γ, IL-12) before or during allergen exposure to prevent the development of Th2-dominant allergic response. This preemptive cytokine therapy counteracts the harmful Th2/Th17 response before it fully develops, achieving better immune balance and reducing allergic symptoms.
3Reliability
If allergen avoidance is used to treat allergy, then allergic reactions are prevented, but quality of life is reduced and treatment is not ideal
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables the immune system to serve itself by reprogramming it through cytokine administration to develop natural tolerance to allergens. Instead of externally controlling exposure through avoidance, the modified immune system autonomously regulates its response to allergens, providing protection while maintaining normal lifestyle and quality of life.
4Ease of operation
If symptom-targeting medications are used to treat allergy, then allergic symptoms are managed, but underlying immune imbalance is not addressed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by addressing the underlying immune imbalance through cytokine administration before symptoms fully develop or recur. By correcting the Th1/Th2 cytokine balance in advance, the treatment not only manages symptoms but also establishes long-term protection by fundamentally altering the immune response pattern to allergens.
Data Source
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AI summary
A method is provided for the treatment and/or prophylaxis of a condition where an enhancement of a Th1-mediated immune response and suppression of a Th2/Thl7- mediated immune response are desired. The method comprises the step of administering to a subject in need thereof a therapeutically effective amount of at least one interferon alpha subtype selected from IFN-alpha10, IFN-alpha14, and a hybrid thereof. The condition to be treated may be selected from the group consisting of an autoimmune disease, an inflammatory disease (e.g. inflammatory bowel disease) and allergy or an associated allergic condition.