L-ergothioneine ROS Induction for Chronic Infection Immunity
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current antimicrobial agents are often ineffective in chronic infections and conditions such as chronic wounds, pulmonary disorders, and prosthetic device infections, where antibiotics are overused, and there is a need for novel agents that can induce reactive oxygen species (ROS) production in polymorphonuclear leukocytes (PMNs) to enhance immune responses.
Innovation Solution
The use of a novel form of L-ergothioneine produced from S. Cerevisiae, which is free from D-isomer and amino acid impurities, is administered orally to induce the production of ROS in PMNs, thereby enhancing immune responses against microbial infections.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional antimicrobial agents are used, then they are effective against acute infections, but they become ineffective in chronic infections where antibiotics are overused
Solution Approach 1:
The invention changes the mechanism of action parameter from conventional antibiotic inhibition to ROS generation. L-ergothioneine induces polymorphonuclear leukocytes to produce reactive oxygen species, creating a different biochemical pathway for antimicrobial activity that bypasses antibiotic resistance mechanisms and remains effective in chronic infections.
2Reliability
If L-ergothioneine is produced from conventional sources, then it provides antioxidant effects, but it contains D-isomer and amino acid impurities that limit its efficacy
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts only the pure L-ergothioneine isomer through selective production methods using genetically modified Saccharomyces cerevisiae. This extraction principle separates the beneficial L-isomer from harmful D-isomer and amino acid impurities, achieving greater than 98% purity and enabling reliable immune response enhancement.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention applies local quality by creating a highly purified form of L-ergothioneine with specific stereochemical properties. The pure L-isomer exhibits distinct biological activity in inducing ROS production in PMNs, whereas the impure conventional form primarily shows antioxidant effects. This localized purity enhancement transforms the compound's functional properties.
3Reliability
If high doses of L-ergothioneine are administered to induce ROS production, then immune response is enhanced, but purity of the compound becomes critical to avoid adverse effects from impurities
Solution Approach 1:
The invention performs preliminary purification during the production phase using genetically modified yeast that selectively synthesizes L-ergothioneine. This preliminary action prevents contamination with D-isomer and amino acid impurities before administration, enabling safe high-dose therapy for ROS induction without adverse effects from impurities.
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 administration of L-ergothioneine effectively induces ROS production in PMNs, providing a novel approach to support immune responses and combat microbial infections by enhancing anti-microbial immune defense mechanisms.
Implementation Method 1
the effective amount is sufficient to induce the production of reactive oxygen species in polymorphonuclear leukocytes
Data Source
AI summary
The disclosure provides L-ergothioneine, novel forms of L-ergothioneine, and uses thereof, particularly for immune support and nutrient supplementation. In particular, the disclosure provides a method of improving a mammal's immune response to a microbial infection; an orally administered unit dosage form; and a method of inducing the production of reactive oxygen species in polymorphonuclear leukocytes in a mammal.