MHC Class I Polypeptides Inhibit SARS-CoV-2 Binding
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current treatments and preventive measures for COVID-19 caused by SARS-COV-2 are ineffective, necessitating a new approach to inhibit the virus's binding to human cells.
Innovation Solution
The use of MHC class I polypeptides and fragments thereof, which exhibit binding activity to the SARS-COV-2 spike protein receptor binding domain, inhibit the virus's interaction with human cells, particularly by targeting the ACE2 receptor, thereby preventing infection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional treatments and preventive measures are used for COVID-19, then existing medical protocols can be maintained, but the virus continues to bind effectively to human cells causing infection
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces MHC class I polypeptides as intermediary molecules that bind to the SARS-COV-2 spike protein receptor binding domain, preventing direct interaction between the virus and human cell receptors. This intermediary mechanism blocks viral entry without requiring conventional antiviral treatments, thereby improving treatment effectiveness while countering viral binding.
Solution Approach 2:
The MHC class I polypeptides are administered before viral infection occurs, pre-positioning the inhibitory molecules on or in the host cells. This preliminary anti-action prevents the virus from binding to cell receptors in the first place, rather than attempting to treat infection after it has established itself, thereby improving reliability of prevention.
2Reliability
If MHC class I polypeptides are used to inhibit SARS-COV-2 binding, then viral entry is blocked, but the mechanism must be carefully controlled to ensure specificity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent utilizes the specific structural properties of MHC class I polypeptides, particularly their defined amino acid sequences and three-dimensional structures, to achieve localized and specific binding to the SARS-COV-2 spike protein receptor binding domain. This local quality approach ensures that the inhibition is specific to the viral entry mechanism without requiring complex control systems, as the molecular recognition is inherently selective.
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 MHC class I polypeptides effectively interfere with the binding of SARS-COV-2 to human cells, demonstrating significant inhibition of viral entry and infection across various variants, including Alpha, Beta, Gamma, Delta, and Omicron, as shown by electrochemical impedance spectroscopy and plaque reduction assays.
Implementation Method 1
MHC class I polypeptides and fragments thereof, which exhibit binding activity to the SARS-COV-2 spike protein receptor binding domain
Implementation Method 2
The MHC class I polypeptides effectively interfere with the binding of SARS-COV-2 to human cells, demonstrating significant inhibition of viral entry and infection
Data Source
AI summary
Provided is a non-natural polypeptide including a fragment of major histocompatibility complex class I (MHC I). Also provided are a method for inhibiting combination between SARS-COV-2 and a cell of a subject and a method for preventing or treating SARS-COV-2 infection in a subject in need thereof, including contacting the cell or administering to the subject with the non-natural polypeptide.