PEG-Modified IL-2 Conjugates for Selective T Cell Modulation

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing IL-2 therapies face challenges in selectively modulating T cell populations for therapeutic efficacy, particularly in balancing immune responses to prevent pathological self-reactivity and target cancerous cells effectively.

Innovation Solution

Development of IL-2 conjugates with specific amino acid modifications, incorporating PEG groups of varying molecular weights at defined positions, to enhance therapeutic targeting and specificity.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If existing IL-2 therapies are used to modulate T cell populations, then immune response modulation is achieved, but selective targeting of specific T cell populations is insufficient

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveselective modulation capabilityVSAvoidtherapeutic efficacy
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies local quality by introducing PEG modifications at specific positions (N-terminal, C-terminal, or internal residues) of the IL-2 molecule. Each modification location creates distinct local properties that selectively affect binding affinity for different IL-2 receptors, thereby enabling selective modulation of specific T cell populations while maintaining overall therapeutic function

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The patent utilizes parameter changes by varying the PEG group molecular weight (5-60 kDa) and the degree of substitution (0.1-3 PEG groups per IL-2 molecule). These parameter modifications systematically alter the pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic properties of IL-2, enhancing selective targeting capability while maintaining reliable therapeutic efficacy

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Object-affected harmful factors

If IL-2 therapies are used to target cancerous cells, then anti-tumor activity is achieved, but pathological self-reactivity cannot be prevented

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepathological self-reactivityVSAvoidanti-tumor activity
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-affected harmful factorsVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies local quality by introducing PEG modifications at specific positions (N-terminal, C-terminal, or internal residues) of the IL-2 molecule. Each modification location creates distinct local properties that selectively affect binding affinity for different IL-2 receptors, thereby enabling selective modulation of specific T cell populations while maintaining overall therapeutic function

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The patent utilizes parameter changes by varying the PEG group molecular weight (5-60 kDa) and the degree of substitution (0.1-3 PEG groups per IL-2 molecule). These parameter modifications systematically alter the pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic properties of IL-2, enhancing selective targeting capability while maintaining reliable therapeutic efficacy

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Duration of action of stationary object

If PEG groups with higher molecular weight are incorporated into IL-2 conjugates, then circulation time is extended, but molecular weight and size increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecirculation timeVSAvoidmolecular weight
Core Design Contradiction:
Duration of action of stationary objectVSWeight of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent utilizes parameter changes by systematically varying the PEG molecular weight (5-60 kDa) to optimize the balance between circulation time extension and molecular weight increase. This parametric approach allows selection of appropriate PEG sizes for different therapeutic indications

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent creates composite structures by conjugating PEG polymers with the IL-2 protein molecule. This composite material combines the beneficial properties of both components: the immunomodulatory activity of IL-2 and the circulation-prolonging properties of PEG, achieving enhanced therapeutic performance

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

Data Source

PatentUS12521437B2IL-2 conjugates and methods of use thereof
Publication Date: 2026.01.13 SANOFI SA(FR)
  • US12521437B2 patent drawing
  • US12521437B2 patent drawing
  • US12521437B2 patent drawing

AI summary

Disclosed herein are compositions, kits, and methods comprising interleukin (IL) conjugates (e.g., IL-2 conjugates) useful for the treatment of one or more indications. Also described herein are pharmaceutical compositions and kits comprising one or more of the interleukin conjugates (e.g., IL-2 conjugates).