Mannose-Binding Lectin Local Prophylaxis Against Pathogen Entry
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current treatments for preventing and treating infectious diseases, particularly those transmitted via the respiratory route or through the eyes, are complex and not suitable for widespread use, and existing methods do not effectively address the initial entry of pathogens into the body.
Innovation Solution
The use of mannose-binding lectin (MBL) for local application at the point of entry, such as through oral, nasal, or ocular routes, to bind pathogens and prevent them from entering the body, thereby enhancing the immune response and reducing the spread of infections.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If current treatments for preventing and treating infectious diseases are used, then pathogen entry into the body occurs, but the treatments are complex and not suitable for widespread use
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by administering mannose-binding lectin (MBL) prophylactically before pathogen exposure or at the very early stage of infection. The MBL is pre-positioned in the respiratory tract and eyes to bind pathogens immediately upon contact, preventing entry before the infection process begins. This eliminates the need for complex treatments after pathogen establishment.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts and utilizes a specific natural immune component (mannose-binding lectin) that can be isolated and administered as a standalone therapeutic agent. By focusing on this single key protein rather than complex immune system modulation, the treatment becomes simpler and more suitable for widespread use while maintaining high effectiveness in blocking pathogen entry.
2Quantity of substance
If MBL is applied locally at the point of entry, then the concentration of MBL increases at the entry point, but the time lag between pathogen entry and immune response is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent pre-positions MBL at the mucosal surfaces of the respiratory tract and eyes before pathogen exposure. This preliminary placement ensures that MBL is immediately available to bind pathogens upon contact, eliminating the time lag associated with systemic immune response activation. The high local concentration is achieved through targeted local administration rather than systemic distribution.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies MBL locally at specific entry points (respiratory tract and eyes) rather than systemically throughout the body. This local application creates high concentrations of MBL precisely where pathogens enter, maximizing the blocking effect at the critical interface while minimizing overall usage and enabling rapid local immune response without waiting for systemic circulation.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If MBL binds to pathogens at the point of entry, then pathogens are blocked from entering the body, but the spread of pathogens is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary blocking at the point of entry by pre-administering MBL to mucosal surfaces. This creates a protective barrier that binds pathogens immediately upon contact, preventing both initial entry and subsequent spread to other tissues and organs. By stopping the infection process at the very first contact point, the patent simultaneously addresses both pathogen entry prevention and spread reduction.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses MBL as an intermediary substance that binds to pathogens and prevents their interaction with host cells. This intermediary binding blocks not only the initial entry but also the subsequent spread of pathogens through the body, as the MBL-pathogen complexes are cleared by phagocytic cells before they can establish infection or disseminate to other tissues.
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 local application of MBL increases the concentration of mannose-binding lectin at the entry point, effectively blocking pathogens from binding to host cells, reducing the time lag between pathogen entry and immune response, and preventing the spread of pathogens, as demonstrated by its effectiveness in preventing and treating respiratory diseases like COVID-19.
Implementation Method 1
MBL is a serum lectin that binds to mannose, N-acetylglucosamine (NAG)-containing carbohydrates, and various other carbohydrates that are present on the surface of many microbial pathogens
Implementation Method 2
Human MBL complexes consisting of five to six repeats of the functional MBL trimer are potent activators of the complement system via this lectin pathway
Implementation Method 3
MBL is a key component in opsonization of microbial pathogens. Opsonization is a process by which the binding of proteins marks target cells for ingestion and destruction by phagocyte cells
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention is, inter alia, directed towards mannose-binding lectin and compositions comprising mannose-binding lectin for use in treatment or prophylaxis, towards compositions comprising mannose-binding lectin and towards the use of mannose-binding lectin and said compositions. Mannose-binding lectin, or portions thereof are applied locally according to the invention. MBL is binding to a pathogen to prevent it from binding to a host cell by blocking the binding sites of the pathogen. As a result, infection or transmission of disease can be avoided.