Probiotic-Derived Peptides for Pathogen Virulence Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing therapies for non-enteric infections and antibiotic-resistant pathogens are inadequate, and there is a need for alternative approaches to down-regulate virulence genes and reduce pathogen virulence.
Innovation Solution
Probiotic peptides derived from bacteria such as Lactobacillus, Lactococcus, and Bifidobacterium are used to inhibit quorum sensing and virulence gene expression in pathogens, combined with antiviral agents, food products, and nutritional supplements to treat and prevent non-enteric infections and reduce antibiotic resistance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If existing therapies are used for non-enteric infections and antibiotic-resistant pathogens, then treatment options are limited, but pathogen virulence and antibiotic resistance remain inadequate controlled
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces probiotic-derived peptides as intermediary substances that mediate between the host and pathogenic bacteria. These peptides specifically target and down-regulate virulence genes in pathogens like Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Staphylococcus aureus, providing a novel mechanism of action that is distinct from traditional antibiotics. This intermediary approach addresses the contradiction by offering a new therapeutic pathway that is both effective and adaptable to resistant pathogens.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the therapeutic parameter from direct bacterial killing (antibiotics) to virulence gene down-regulation (probiotic peptides). By targeting the expression levels of virulence genes rather than bacterial viability, the patent creates a new treatment dimension that is effective against antibiotic-resistant strains. This parameter change provides both reliability in treating resistant infections and versatility in addressing diverse pathogenic mechanisms.
2Reliability
If probiotic peptides are used to down-regulate virulence genes, then pathogen virulence is reduced, but new therapeutic approaches require validation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical/chemical measurement approaches (antibiotic susceptibility testing, colony counting) with molecular biology methods (qRT-PCR for virulence gene expression analysis). This substitution enables precise detection and measurement of virulence down-regulation effects, making validation more quantitative and reliable. The use of molecular markers for virulence genes provides clear, measurable endpoints that simplify the validation process while maintaining high reliability in assessing therapeutic efficacy.
3Ease of operation
If probiotic molecules are incorporated into food and medical products, then delivery and stability are improved, but product formulation complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent designs probiotic peptide formulations that serve multiple functions simultaneously: they act as therapeutic agents against resistant pathogens, function as food-safe ingredients for oral delivery, and provide stability across different storage conditions. This multi-functionality reduces formulation complexity by eliminating the need for separate delivery systems for different applications. The same core peptide formulation can be adapted for use in food products, medical formulations, and topical applications, providing ease of operation across diverse delivery routes while maintaining manageable formulation requirements.
Data Source
AI summary
Provided are peptides that are derived from probiotic bacteria that have use for preventing and/or treating non-enteric infections in a subject. The peptides derived from the probiotic bacteria also have use for reducing the virulence of non-enteric infections in a subject. Also provided are compositions of the peptides formulated as or within food products, beverages, nutritional supplements, medicaments and the like.