Recombinant Polypeptide Vaccine for Tick Control

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current methods for controlling cattle ticks are inadequate due to resistance issues with acaricides and the limited effectiveness of existing vaccines, leading to significant economic losses and animal welfare concerns, with a need for new treatments that reduce tick infestations and chemical residues in the cattle industry.

Innovation Solution

A composition comprising a recombinant or synthetic polypeptide corresponding to the M1-2A Clone 91 antigen, which elicits an immune response when administered to cattle, either alone or with adjuvants, to provide prophylactic and therapeutic protection against tick infestations, potentially combined with other tick antigens like Bm86 and carrier proteins.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If chemical acaricides are used to control ticks, then tick infestations are reduced, but tick resistance to acaricides develops and chemical residues remain in the environment

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetick control effectivenessVSAvoidacaricide efficacy

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces chemical acaricides with a biological control method using recombinant polypeptide vaccines that stimulate the cattle's immune system to naturally resist ticks. This substitution eliminates chemical residues and avoids the development of chemical resistance while maintaining tick control effectiveness.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces an intermediary immunological response mechanism where recombinant polypeptides act as antigens to stimulate antibody production. This intermediary biological pathway provides tick resistance without direct chemical contact, solving the resistance and residue problems.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

If existing tick vaccines like TICKGARD PLUS are used, then some tick protection is achieved, but multiple booster shots are required and effectiveness against different geographical tick populations is limited

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvevacine protectionVSAvoidvaccination regimen

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent develops recombinant polypeptide vaccines based on conserved tick antigens (Bm86, M1-2A, SB14) that provide universal protection against ticks from different geographical locations. The multi-antigen approach ensures broad-spectrum efficacy, making a single vaccination regimen effective against diverse tick populations without requiring multiple boosters.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent combines multiple tick antigens (Bm86, M1-2A, SB14) into composite recombinant polypeptide vaccines. This composite approach leverages the protective properties of different antigens to provide comprehensive and durable immunity, reducing the need for repeated vaccinations while maintaining effectiveness against various tick strains.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

3Reliability

If repeated exposure to ticks is used to develop resistance, then some cattle develop immunity, but susceptible cattle suffer high mortality rates when imported into endemic areas

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvenatural immunityVSAvoidmortality rate

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies preliminary immunization using recombinant polypeptide vaccines before cattle are exposed to ticks or imported into endemic areas. This pre-established immune protection prevents the high mortality that occurs with natural first-time exposure, allowing cattle to develop immunity safely without suffering severe consequences.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

The solution effectively reduces tick infestations and associated diseases by stimulating a robust immune response in cattle, minimizing chemical use and promoting animal welfare, thereby decreasing economic losses and environmental chemical residues.

Implementation Method 1

A composition comprising a recombinant or synthetic polypeptide antigen that is capable of forming an immune response in a subject to a tick

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectImmune response:

Data Source

PatentUS11344611B2Polypeptide, compositions and uses thereof

Publication Date: 2022.05.31 MEAT & LIVESTOCK AUSTRALIA LIMITED

AI summary

The present invention relates to tick polypeptides and compositions comprising the same, which are useful for treatment or prophylaxis of tick infestation in a subject.