MSC Donor Grading and Pooling for Consistent Immunomodulation

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Solution Overview

Problem

The high heterogeneity of mesenchymal stromal cell (MSC) biological properties complicates standardization of production processes and prediction of clinical response, particularly in umbilical cord-derived MSCs (UC-MSCs), leading to donor-dependent variability and inconsistent therapeutic outcomes.

Innovation Solution

A method for grading the immunomodulatory properties of MSCs by assessing donor profiles as 'high', 'medium', or 'low' potential, allowing selection of donors for pooling to enhance therapeutic efficacy.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If MSCs are isolated from multiple donors to reduce donor-dependent heterogeneity, then the variability of biological properties is reduced, but the complexity of selection and grading processes increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconsistency of biological propertiesVSAvoidcomplexity of selection process
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies parameter changes by establishing specific grading criteria based on immunomodulatory function parameters (T-cell proliferation inhibition, cytokine production) and biological characteristics (passage number, cell concentration). Donors are classified into grades (A, B, C) based on these parameters, transforming the complex selection process into a standardized parameter-based system that reduces variability while maintaining manageable complexity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent segments the donor population into distinct grades (Grade A: high immunomodulatory function, Grade B: intermediate, Grade C: low function) based on standardized testing. This segmentation allows systematic selection of donors with consistent biological properties, reducing heterogeneity while providing a clear, structured selection framework that manages process complexity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Reliability

If MSCs from high immunomodulatory potential donors are selected and pooled, then the therapeutic efficacy is enhanced, but the number of suitable donors is limited

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetherapeutic efficacyVSAvoidnumber of available batches
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies preliminary action by performing immunomodulatory function testing and grading on donors before MSC isolation and product preparation. This advance grading identifies high-potential donors (Grade A) proactively, allowing their cells to be prioritized for therapeutic batches. This preliminary classification ensures enhanced therapeutic efficacy while creating a predictable supply chain from pre-identified qualified donors

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent uses parameter changes by establishing quantitative thresholds for immunomodulatory function (e.g., T-cell proliferation inhibition percentage, cytokine production levels) to classify donors into grades. This parameter-based approach converts the limited pool of high-potential donors into a systematically identified and可利用 resource, balancing therapeutic efficacy requirements with productive batch generation

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Reliability

If standard grading and pooling methods are applied, then the donor-dependent heterogeneity is reduced, but the loss of high immunomodulatory function cells during processing increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestandardization of productionVSAvoidloss of high-function cells
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSLoss of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies local quality by implementing differential handling procedures for different donor grades. Grade A donors (high immunomodulatory function) receive priority processing, optimized culture conditions, and are pooled in specific ratios that preserve their superior biological properties. This localized quality management ensures high-function cells are protected during standardization processes, minimizing loss while achieving production standardization

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The patent applies preliminary action by pre-grading donors based on immunomodulatory function before initiating MSC isolation and processing. This advance identification of high-function donors allows their cells to be segregated and processed with special care, preventing loss during standard pooling operations. The preliminary grading creates a protective framework that preserves valuable high-function cells throughout the standardized production process

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentEP4678738A1Method for grading then pooling mesenchymal stromal cells
Publication Date: 2026.01.14 ASSISTANCE PUBLIQUE HOPITAUX DE PARIS (APHP)
  • EP4678738A1 patent drawingFigure 1A~1C
  • EP4678738A1 patent drawingFigure 2A
  • EP4678738A1 patent drawingFigure 2B

AI summary

The invention pertains to methods for preparing pools of mesenchymal stromal cells for treatment of immune or inflammatory diseases, by screening cells from individual donors and including cells with high immunomodulatory properties in the pools.