Mycobacterium Tuberculosis Peptide Detection for Latent and Active Infection
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for detecting Mycobacterium tuberculosis infection are inadequate in identifying latent infections and distinguishing between latent and active infections, particularly in individuals with a controlled immune response.
Innovation Solution
A method involving the use of 8 to 18 amino acid long peptides with at least 70% identity to specific Mycobacterium tuberculosis sequences, such as WMGPASMAMVAAAQP (SEQ ID NO: 3), to detect T cell responses through cytokine secretion or skin reaction, facilitating the identification of immune responses to Mycobacterium tuberculosis.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If current detection methods are used, then diagnostic simplicity is maintained, but detection precision for latent TB infections is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the detection process into distinct components: specific peptide antigens (8-18 amino acids) are used to target different aspects of the immune response, allowing differentiation between latent and active TB infections through pattern recognition of T-cell responses to multiple peptide targets
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the parameter of antigen structure by using specifically designed short peptides (8-18 amino acids) with defined sequences, which elicits measurable changes in T-cell response patterns that can distinguish latent from active infection states
2Adaptability or versatility
If current detection methods are used, then operational simplicity is maintained, but ability to differentiate latent and active infections is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a multi-functional detection system where the same assay platform can detect both latent and active TB infections by analyzing T-cell responses to different peptide antigens, allowing one system to perform multiple diagnostic functions
3Measurement precision
If current detection methods are used, then existing diagnostic infrastructure is utilized, but diagnostic accuracy for controlled immune responses is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces reliance on measuring the magnitude of T-cell responses with a qualitative analysis of response patterns to specific peptide sequences, substituting quantitative measurement with pattern recognition to detect controlled immune responses
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 method enhances the detection of immune responses to Mycobacterium tuberculosis, allowing for the identification of latent infections and differentiating between latent and active infections, thereby improving diagnostic accuracy.
Implementation Method 1
detecting the presence or absence of T cells in the biological sample that specifically recognize the amino acid sequence of the at least one peptide
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
Methods for detecting an immune response to Mycobacterium tuberculosis are provided. Aspects of the methods include contacting a biological sample comprising T cells from a subject with at least one M. tuberculosis peptide and determining the presence of T cells in the biological sample that specifically recognize the amino acid sequence of the at least one peptide, wherein the presence of T cells that specifically recognize the amino acid sequence of the at least one peptide indicates the subject has an immune response to M. tuberculosis. In certain aspects, the methods of the present disclosure may include treating a subject identified as having an immune response to M. tuberculosis. Also provided are a skin test and immunoassay kits for practicing the disclosed methods.