Microbiota-Based Immunogenic Composition for SARS-CoV-2 Neutralization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current treatments for SARS-CoV infections lack effective preventive and therapeutic options, with no established method utilizing human microbiota to induce cross-reactive neutralizing antibodies against SARS-CoV-2, leading to significant health and economic burdens, particularly in respiratory infections.
Innovation Solution
An immunogenic composition comprising one or more bacteria from the human microbiota, such as Streptococcus salivarius, Bacillus sanfensis, and Bifidobacterium pseudocatenulatum, which induce acquired immunity by binding neutralizing antibodies to the spike protein of SARS-CoV-2, thereby preventing severe disease progression.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional vaccines are used to prevent SARS-CoV infections, then immunity is induced, but the approach is complex, costly, and requires cold chain infrastructure
Solution Approach 1:
The human microbiota naturally present in the body serves as the immunogenic agent, eliminating the need for external vaccine administration. The commensal bacteria themselves induce cross-reactive neutralizing antibodies against SARS-CoV-2 spike protein, making the system self-service and eliminating complex delivery infrastructure requirements
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of using the actual viral antigens in vaccines, the invention uses commensal bacteria that naturally express antigens structurally similar to SARS-CoV-2 spike protein. This copying approach through molecular mimicry achieves the same immunogenic effect without requiring viral components or complex vaccine formulations
2Object-affected harmful factors
If conventional treatments are used for SARS-CoV infections, then symptom management is provided, but no effective preventive or curative option is available
Solution Approach 1:
The invention acts preventively by utilizing the pre-existing commensal microbiota in the body to induce cross-reactive neutralizing antibodies before SARS-CoV-2 infection occurs. This preliminary immune preparation prevents severe disease progression rather than treating symptoms after infection
Solution Approach 2:
The invention converts the previously unrecognized potential of commensal bacteria into a beneficial therapeutic agent. These bacteria, long considered mere bystanders, are repositioned as active immunotherapeutic agents that produce cross-reactive antibodies against SARS-CoV-2, turning a neutral element into a protective force
3Ease of manufacture
If cross-reactive antibodies are induced through microbiota, then cost-sensitive and safe prevention is achieved, but the mechanism was previously unknown
Solution Approach 1:
The commensal bacteria serve as an intermediary between the host immune system and SARS-CoV-2. These bacteria express antigens that structurally mimic the viral spike protein, acting as a natural bridge that induces cross-reactive antibodies without direct viral exposure. This intermediary mechanism explains the previously unknown cross-protection phenomenon
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 composition effectively induces cross-reactive antibodies that neutralize SARS-CoV-2, providing a safe, cost-sensitive, and effective approach to prevent severe COVID-19 disease, with potential for lifelong immunity and reduced risk of hospitalization, offering an alternative to traditional vaccines.
Implementation Method 1
Human microbiota contains more than 3 million genes, thus, the human microbiota may serve as huge reservoir of various antigens. These antigens may mimic proteins of the host as well as other microorganisms and may, therefore, mediate cross-reactive immune responses.
Implementation Method 2
cross-reactive antibodies targeting gp41 from HIV-1 have been found to be induced by commensal microbiota in the gut. Whether such mechanisms occur for other viruses, remains unknown.
Data Source
Figure 1A~1B
Figure 1C~1D
Figure 1E~1G
AI summary
The invention relates to an immunogenic composition for use as a medicament to prevent and/or treat a medical condition associated with a SARS-CoV infection, said composition comprising one or more bacteria of the human microbiota and/or immunogenic parts thereof, wherein said composition is capable of inducing acquired immunity to said infection. The invention further relates to isolated bacteria of the human microbiota that bind to a neutralising antibody that recognises the spike protein of SARS-CoV, preferably the spike protein of SARS-CoV2. In another aspect, the invention relates to an in vitro method for the diagnosis, prognosis, risk stratification and/or therapy management of a human subject with an increased risk of an adverse event associated with a medical condition associated with a SARS-CoV infection (preferably with SARS-CoV-2).