Plant-Derived Exosomes for Modulating Immune Responses in Microbial Infections
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods fail to effectively inhibit undesirable levels of anti-microbial immune responses, such as septic shock and cytokine storm, which can lead to severe consequences like organ failure, particularly in cases of microbial infections including COVID-19.
Innovation Solution
Administration of garlic-derived exosomes (G-Exo), turmeric-derived exosomes (T-Exo), and lemon-derived exosomes (L-Exo) via non-invasive intranasal routes to inhibit LPS-induced septic shock and cytokine storm, utilizing their ability to target and regulate immune responses.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional methods are used to treat microbial infections, then the infections can be addressed, but undesirable levels of anti-microbial immune responses such as septic shock and cytokine storm occur leading to organ failure
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses plant-derived exosomes as intermediary substances that mediate between the immune system and the infection. These exosomes contain specific microRNAs that can modulate immune responses by targeting and regulating cytokine production and immune cell activation, thereby preventing harmful immune responses while maintaining infection control
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the parameter of immune response intensity by introducing exosomal microRNAs that specifically regulate cytokine expression levels. These microRNAs can downregulate excessive cytokine production (such as TNF-alpha, IL-6, IL-1beta) to prevent cytokine storm while maintaining sufficient immune response to control the infection
2Productivity
If strong anti-microbial immune responses are activated to fight infections, then the infection can be controlled, but severe consequences such as organ failure occur due to excessive immune activation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where exosomal microRNAs monitor and regulate immune response intensity. The microRNAs are released in response to infection but actively suppress excessive immune activation through negative feedback loops, preventing the immune system from overreacting and causing organ damage while maintaining sufficient response to control infection
Data Source
AI summary
Provided are methods for inhibiting immune responses against microbial antigens. In some embodiments, the methods include administering to the subject a composition containing a plurality of plant-derived exosome-like particles to inhibit immune esponses against microbial antigens. Also provided are methods for inhibiting development of septic shock in subjects, for inhibiting development of cytokine storm in subjects, and for inhibiting SARS-CoV-2-induced cytopathogenic effect. Also provided are compositions that include an exosome-derived nanoparticle comprising a first lipid bilayer and a second lipid bilayer coating the exosome-like nanoparticle and/or fused with the first lipid bilayer, wherein the second lipid bilayer comprises a targeting molecule, and methods for using the compositions to treat diseases, disorders, and conditions and/or to target a therapeutic agent to a cell, tissue, and/or organ of interest.