Native HLA Detection Using Enzymatic Cleavage of Denatured Antigens

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current methods for detecting antibodies to human leukocyte antigens (HLAs) cannot distinguish between antibodies to native and denatured HLAs, leading to false positive signals and potential graft rejection in transplant recipients.

Innovation Solution

Development of compositions and methods that selectively enrich native HLAs on solid substrates, with at least 90% native and at most 10% denatured HLAs, allowing for specific detection of antibodies to native HLAs using serine proteases, lipases, or esterases to cleave denatured HLAs, followed by neutralization to maintain native HLA integrity.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If conventional substrates linked to both native and denatured HLAs are used for antibody detection, then the detection process is simple and straightforward, but the ability to distinguish between antibodies to native and denatured HLAs is limited, leading to false positive signals

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedetection accuracy of native HLA antibodiesVSAvoidsubstrate preparation complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The substrate population is segmented into distinct categories: substrates with native HLA, substrates with denatured HLA, and substrates with both. This segmentation allows the assay to differentiate between antibodies targeting native versus denatured conformational epitopes, resolving the false positive problem while maintaining manageable complexity through systematic classification

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Different substrates are assigned different local qualities in terms of HLA conformational state. By creating substrates with specifically native HLA, specifically denatured HLA, or both, the system enables localized detection of antibody specificity, allowing precise identification of clinically relevant anti-native HLA antibodies without interference from anti-denatured HLA antibodies

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

2Productivity

If substrates with both native and denatured HLAs are used, then the assay can detect all HLA antibodies, but it cannot distinguish between antibodies to native and denatured HLAs, causing false positives and unnecessary donor exclusion

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetransplant matching efficiencyVSAvoiddetection reliability of native HLA antibodies
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The system dynamically adapts substrate composition based on assay objectives. Different substrate formulations (native-only, denatured-only, or mixed) can be selected depending on whether the goal is to detect anti-native HLA antibodies, anti-denatured HLA antibodies, or perform comprehensive screening, thereby optimizing both productivity and reliability for specific clinical scenarios

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The conformational state parameter of HLA on substrates is systematically varied to create distinct assay conditions. By controlling the native/denatured ratio as a key parameter, the method enables reliable differentiation of antibody specificity, improving detection reliability while maintaining high transplant matching efficiency through accurate risk assessment

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

Enables accurate detection of antibodies to native HLAs, reducing false positives and improving transplant compatibility by distinguishing between native and denatured HLA antibodies, thereby preventing unnecessary exclusion of potential donors.

Implementation Method 1

contacting the first composition with a serine protease, lipase, esterase, or amidase under conditions wherein the serine protease, lipase, esterase, or amidase cleaves the denatured HLAs

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectProteolytic cleavage: Enzyme

Data Source

PatentEP3435083B1Compositions and methods for the detection of antibodies to native human leukocyte antigen
Publication Date: 2023.05.24 ONE LAMBDA INC
  • EP3435083B1 patent drawingFigure 1A
  • EP3435083B1 patent drawingFigure 1B
  • EP3435083B1 patent drawingFigure 1C

AI summary

Provided herein are compositions comprising native and denatured human leukocyte antigens (HLA) and methods of making said compositions. Also provided herein are methods and kits for the detection of antibodies to native HLAs.