Peptide Epitopes for MS Autoantibody Detection and Neutralization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current diagnostic and therapeutic approaches for Multiple Sclerosis (MS) are inadequate, lacking definitive tests and effective treatments, with existing methods being largely symptomatic and not addressing the underlying pathogenesis of the disease.
Innovation Solution
Development of peptides targeting specific epitopes of the serotonin receptor 5HT2A and NOX enzymes, which are bound by autoantibodies in MS patients, for both diagnostic and therapeutic applications, including the use of peptides like DDSK and LYGYRWPLPSKL to interfere with abnormal signaling pathways associated with MS.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If current diagnostic tools (clinical evaluation, laboratory tests, instrumental diagnosis) are used for Multiple Sclerosis, then diagnosis can be made, but the diagnostic process is long and tortuous without definitive tests
Solution Approach 1:
The invention segments the complex diagnostic process by identifying specific peptide epitopes (DDSK, LYGYRWPLPSKL) from the 5HT2aR extracellular region that can be used as standalone diagnostic markers. This breaks down the tortuous multi-step diagnostic process into a focused assay targeting specific autoantibody-peptide interactions, enabling earlier and more definitive diagnosis without requiring the full battery of current diagnostic tools.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention performs preliminary action by identifying and characterizing the specific peptide epitopes that serve as early diagnostic markers before full-blown disease manifestation. The peptides from the 5HT2aR extracellular region can detect autoantibodies in advance, allowing for earlier intervention before the disease progresses to require more complex diagnostic evaluation.
2Reliability
If current therapies (β-interferon, steroids, symptomatic therapy) are used for Multiple Sclerosis, then symptom progression can be slowed, but the underlying pathogenesis is not addressed and etiological therapy is needed
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts the specific peptide epitopes (DDSK, LYGYRWPLPSKL) from the complex 5HT2aR protein structure. These extracted peptides serve as targeted therapeutic agents that specifically bind to pathogenic autoantibodies, removing the harmful autoimmune response without requiring complex immunosuppressive regimens. This simplifies treatment while addressing the underlying etiology by neutralizing the specific autoantibodies driving the disease.
Solution Approach 2:
The peptide epitopes serve as intermediaries between the autoantibodies and the therapeutic effect. Rather than using complex immunosuppressive drugs, the peptides act as mediators that specifically bind to pathogenic autoantibodies, redirecting the immune response away from damaging CNS targets. This intermediary approach provides etiological treatment by addressing the root cause (autoantibody production) while simplifying the treatment mechanism.
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 peptides demonstrate significant binding to MS autoantibodies and can revert the effects of these antibodies on signaling molecules, potentially offering a novel diagnostic tool and therapeutic strategy for MS by targeting the underlying immune response.
Implementation Method 1
the serotonin receptor 5HT2A (5HT2aR) and membrane NADPH oxidases (NOX enzymes) are a target of autoantibodies present in Multiple Sclerosis patients
Data Source
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AI summary
The serotonin receptor 5HT2A (5HT2aR) and membrane NADPH oxidases (NOX enzymes) are found to be a target of autoantibodies present in Multiple Sclerosis patients. The present invention refers to peptides comprised in the extracellular regions of the human 5HT2aR and/or NOXs for diagnosis and therapy of Multiple Sclerosis.