Plasmid Vectors Encoding p185neu Fragments for DNA Vaccination
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current cancer therapies lack effective methods for targeting and eliminating tumours expressing the p185neu protein, which is overexpressed in various carcinomas, due to its role in cell proliferation and differentiation, and its ability to evade immune recognition.
Innovation Solution
Development of plasmid vectors containing sequences encoding fragments of the p185neu protein, specifically the transmembrane and extracellular domains, to induce a strong humoral and cellular immune response, combined with CpG motifs to enhance immune activation, for use in DNA vaccination against tumours.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If plasmid vectors encoding p185neu fragments are used for DNA vaccination, then immune response against tumours is induced, but the complexity of the vaccination system increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the p185neu protein into specific functional fragments (extracellular domain, transmembrane domain, cytoplasmic domain) and encodes them in separate plasmid vectors. This segmentation allows the immune system to recognize different epitopes and generates a more comprehensive immune response while maintaining manageable vector design and production complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The plasmid vectors are designed to be universally applicable across different tumour types expressing p185neu. The same vector platform can be used for prevention and treatment in various carcinomas (breast, lung, ovarian, colorectal), eliminating the need for tumour-specific vector designs and simplifying clinical application
2Reliability
If full-length p185neu protein is expressed, then complete antigen presentation is achieved, but tumour cells can evade immune recognition through protein degradation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and encodes specific critical fragments of the p185neu protein (particularly the extracellular and transmembrane domains) that are most immunogenic and essential for immune recognition. By focusing on these key segments rather than the complete protein, the vaccine ensures robust antigen presentation while avoiding the tumour evasion mechanisms that target full-length protein expression
Solution Approach 2:
The plasmid vectors are designed to express p185neu fragments in a controlled manner before tumour cells can degrade or modify the full-length protein. The vaccine proactively presents immunogenic epitopes to the immune system prior to tumour progression, establishing immune memory that prevents tumour initiation and progression
3Reliability
If CpG motifs are added to enhance immune activation, then immune response strength increases, but the plasmid vector complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates CpG motifs (specific sequences with high immunogenicity) into the plasmid vector to enhance immune activation. These sequence modifications provide a straightforward parameter change that boosts immune response without fundamentally altering the vector structure or adding complex regulatory elements, maintaining ease of construction and delivery
Data Source
AI summary
Plasmids containing sequences encoding different fragments of p185neu oncoprotein, able to induce an immune response against tumours expressing oncogenes of the ErbB family, and pharmaceutical compositions thereof.