Modified VWF Polypeptide Binding Factor VIII

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current methods for enhancing the half-life of Factor VIII in plasma are inadequate, particularly in conditions like von Willebrand disease, where the binding affinity with von Willebrand Factor (VWF) is compromised, leading to shortened half-life and increased bleeding risks.

Innovation Solution

A modified polypeptide with specific amino acid substitutions in the D'-D3 domain of VWF, such as S764P/S766W/V1083A, S764G/S766Y/V1083A, and S764E/S766Y/V1083A, which exhibits a lower off-rate and increased binding affinity to Factor VIII, forming a stable complex that prolongs the half-life of Factor VIII in plasma.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Duration of action of moving object

If conventional methods (PEGylation, fusion proteins, polymer attachment) are used to enhance Factor VIII half-life, then the duration of action of Factor VIII is improved, but the device complexity and manufacturing complexity increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvehalf-life of Factor VIIIVSAvoidcomplexity of modification method
Core Design Contradiction:
Duration of action of moving objectVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies parameter changes by modifying specific amino acid residues (positions 764, 766, and 1083) in the VWF polypeptide sequence to alter the binding affinity parameters. The mutations S764P/S766W/V1083A, S764G/S766Y/V1083A, and S764E/S766Y/V1083A change the chemical properties at these positions to enhance interaction with Factor VIII, thereby prolonging half-life through biochemical parameter modification rather than structural complexity addition

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The invention applies local quality by making targeted modifications only at specific locations (domains D' and D3, positions 764, 766, 1083) within the VWF polypeptide rather than modifying the entire structure. This localized approach focuses the enhancement on the Factor VIII binding interface while preserving the rest of the VWF structure and function

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

2Reliability

If amino acid substitutions are made in the D'-D3 domain of VWF to increase binding affinity to Factor VIII, then the binding affinity is improved, but the manufacturing precision requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvebinding affinity to Factor VIIIVSAvoidprecision of amino acid substitution
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent defines specific amino acid substitutions at predetermined positions (S764P/S766W/V1083A, S764G/S766Y/V1083A, S764E/S766Y/V1083A) to achieve enhanced binding affinity. These parameter changes are designed to be robust and achievable through standard recombinant expression techniques, balancing the need for high binding affinity with practical manufacturing considerations

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

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 modified VWF polypeptide significantly decreases the dissociation constant with Factor VIII, resulting in a prolonged half-life of Factor VIII, potentially offering improved therapeutic outcomes for bleeding disorders by maintaining higher plasma levels and reducing bleeding risks.

Implementation Method 1

A modified polypeptide with specific amino acid substitutions in the D'-D3 domain of VWF, such as S764P/S766W/V1083A, S764G/S766Y/V1083A, and S764E/S766Y/V1083A, which exhibits a lower off-rate and increased binding affinity to Factor VIII, forming a stable complex that prolongs the half-life of Factor VIII in plasma

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectProtein-protein binding interaction:

Data Source

PatentEP3400238B1Mutated von willebrand factor
Publication Date: 2021.05.19 CSL BEHRING LENGNAU AG
  • EP3400238B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3400238B1 patent drawingFigure 2a~2d
  • EP3400238B1 patent drawingFigure 3a~3d

AI summary

The present invention provides a modified polypeptide which binds Factor VIII. The modified polypeptide comprises a sequence as shown in SEQ ID NO:3 in which the sequence comprises at least one modification at a position selected from the group consisting of L18, V42, K149, N248, S279, V320, T325, Q395 and K418 such that the modified polypeptide binds to Factor VIII with an off rate lower than a reference polypeptide comprising an unmodified SEQ ID NO:3.