Genotype I PRRS Virus cDNA Clone for Vaccine Development

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Solution Overview

Problem

There is a need for new infectious cDNA clones of the European genotype I PRRS virus for better understanding, comparative tests, and development of vaccines, medications, and diagnostics for Porcine Reproductive and Respiratory Syndrome (PRRS), as existing clones are limited and primarily based on the US type, with a requirement for high-yield virus production for experimental convenience.

Innovation Solution

A genotype I PRRS virus with specific nucleic acid sequences (SEQ ID NOS: 49, 56, 57, and 58) is used to create a vaccine and nucleic acid molecule, enabling the production of attenuated live viruses for preventing or treating PRRS, and a novel PRRS virus with improved properties is developed, featuring deletions in the ORF4 protein for enhanced vaccine development and immune response.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If infectious cDNA clones of European genotype I PRRS virus are developed, then understanding and comparative testing of PRRS is improved, but the complexity of virus production and manipulation increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveunderstanding of PRRSVSAvoidcomplexity of virus production
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The PRRS virus genome is divided into separate cDNA fragments that are cloned into a plasmid vector system. This segmentation allows the viral genome to be constructed piece by piece in the lab, enabling controlled production while maintaining the ability to study specific genomic regions for improved understanding of PRRS.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

A plasmid vector serves as an intermediary carrier to hold and propagate the PRRS virus cDNA sequences in bacterial or mammalian cell systems. This intermediary system simplifies virus production by using well-established molecular biology tools rather than requiring direct manipulation of the viral genome alone.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Productivity

If high-yield virus production is achieved, then experimental convenience is improved, but the complexity of optimizing production systems increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveyield of virus productionVSAvoidcomplexity of production system
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent optimizes various parameters including the choice of cell line (e.g., PK-15, MARC-145), transfection methods, and culture conditions to maximize virus yield from the cDNA clone. By systematically adjusting these parameters, high-yield production is achieved while keeping the overall system manageable through standardization.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Adaptability or versatility

If novel PRRS virus variants with specific nucleic acid sequences are created, then vaccine development is improved, but the difficulty of ensuring viral safety and efficacy increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvevaccine development capabilityVSAvoidsafety and efficacy verification
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDifficulty of detecting and measuring

Solution Approach 1:

Instead of working directly with live field isolates, the patent creates accurate cDNA copies of the PRRS virus genome that can be manipulated and propagated safely in the lab. These synthetic viral genomes allow vaccine development while enabling precise verification of viral sequences to ensure safety and intended efficacy.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #26Copying

Data Source

PatentEP3591042B1PRRS virus variant, european PRRS virus cdna clone, and uses thereof
Publication Date: 2023.01.25 BOEHRINGER INGELHEIM VETMEDICA GMBH
  • EP3591042B1 patent drawingFigure 1A~1B
  • EP3591042B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3591042B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The present invention belongs to the field of animal health and provides means to study Porcine Reproductive and Respiratory Syndrome (PRRS), a viral disease affecting swine, and for the development of vaccines, therapeutics and diagnostics for the prophylaxis, treatment and diagnosis of PRRS. In a first consideration, the invention relates to a new PRRS virus variant. and, in a second consideration, to a nucleic acid sequence which comprises the genome of an infectious genotype I (EU) PRRS virus clone. Based on this, new PRRS vaccine candidates with improved properties are provided.