MAPS Vaccine Polymer Scaffold for Broad Serotype Protection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current polysaccharide-based vaccines, such as those for pneumococcal infections, face limitations in effectiveness due to serotype specificity and the need for improved immune responses, particularly in vulnerable populations, and lack of robust cellular and humoral immunity against all pneumococcal serotypes.
Innovation Solution
Development of an immunogenic multiple antigen presenting system (MAPS) comprising a polymer, such as a polysaccharide, with attached protein or peptide antigens using a complementary affinity-molecule pair, which elicits both humoral and cellular immune responses and can incorporate TLR agonists for enhanced immune activation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If polysaccharide-based vaccines are used, then serotype-specific protection is provided, but effectiveness is limited in vulnerable populations and against multiple serotypes
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a polymer scaffold that can simultaneously present multiple different antigens (proteins and polysaccharides) from various pneumococcal serotypes, creating a single vaccine composition that provides broad protection against multiple serotypes rather than requiring separate serotype-specific vaccines
Solution Approach 2:
The invention combines multiple antigen types (proteins and polysaccharides) from different pneumococcal serotypes into a single immunogenic composition using a polymer conjugation system, merging the benefits of both protein and polysaccharide antigens to elicit robust humoral and cellular immune responses
2Ease of manufacture
If conventional conjugation methods are used to attach antigens to polysaccharides, then vaccine composition is achieved, but antigens or polysaccharides may be denatured
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a polymer as an intermediary carrier that facilitates the conjugation of multiple antigens to the polysaccharide scaffold through controlled chemical reactions, maintaining the structural integrity and immunogenicity of the antigens while achieving stable vaccine composition
Solution Approach 2:
The invention employs modified conjugation chemistry with controlled reaction parameters (pH, temperature, reaction time) to attach antigens to the polymer-polysaccharide scaffold without causing denaturation, preserving the native structure and function of the antigenic components
3Reliability
If only humoral immune response is elicited, then antibody production is achieved, but cellular immune response is insufficient for complete protection
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines both humoral (antibody-mediated) and cellular (T-cell-mediated) immune responses by incorporating multiple antigen types that can be presented through different immune pathways, achieving comprehensive immune protection against pneumococcal infections
Data Source
AI summary
The present embodiments provide for an immunogenic multiple antigen presenting system comprising a polymer to which antigens are associated by complementary affinity molecules. For example, the polymer can be a polysaccharide, or antigenic polysaccharide, to which protein or peptide antigens from the same or different pathogens are indirectly linked. The present immunogenic compositions can elicit both humoral and cellular immune responses to one or multiple antigens at the same time.