Series of Epitopes for STI Detection and Immune Response
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current diagnostic methods for sexually transmitted infections (STIs) caused by Trichomonas, Treponema, and Neisseria species are inadequate due to inferior antibody sensitivity and specificity, and there is a lack of effective tools for rapid and accurate detection and vaccination.
Innovation Solution
Development of novel antibodies, proteins, and epitopes that specifically target Trichomonas, Treponema, and Neisseria species, including the use of 15-mer peptides and series of epitopes (SOEs) linked with amino acid linkers, for enhanced detection and immune response elicitation, utilizing methods like ELISA for accurate diagnosis and potential vaccination.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional antibody-based diagnostic methods are used for STI detection, then the diagnostic process is simple, but the sensitivity and specificity are insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the target pathogen proteins into multiple short peptide epitopes (15-mer peptides). Instead of using whole proteins or conventional antibodies, the invention divides the antigenic targets into smaller, standardized peptide units that can be systematically arranged in series. This segmentation enables higher detection precision by allowing simultaneous detection of multiple epitopes, thereby improving both sensitivity and specificity while maintaining a manageable diagnostic framework through standardized peptide modules.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs composite diagnostic approaches by combining multiple epitope-specific antibodies or epitope arrays in a single diagnostic system. The use of series of epitopes (SOEs) creates a composite detection platform that integrates multiple recognition elements, each targeting specific peptide sequences. This composite structure enhances measurement precision by providing redundant and complementary detection capabilities across different epitope regions.
2Measurement precision
If novel epitopes and SOEs are developed for enhanced detection, then sensitivity and specificity increase, but the complexity of diagnostic composition increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by standardizing the epitope structure to uniform 15-mer peptide sequences with specific amino acid compositions. This standardization transforms the complex variability of natural protein antigens into controlled, reproducible peptide parameters. The systematic arrangement of these standardized epitopes in series (SOEs) with defined spacing and orientations creates a modular system that enhances detection accuracy while managing complexity through parameter control and standardization.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates universal diagnostic tools by designing epitope series that can detect multiple pathogens or multiple strains of the same pathogen using a single standardized platform. The 15-mer epitope framework serves as a universal building block that can be adapted to target various STI pathogens including Trichomonas, Treponema, and Neisseria species. This multi-functional design allows the same basic epitope array technology to serve multiple diagnostic purposes, reducing overall system complexity despite the enhanced detection capabilities.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple epitopes are used in series to detect multiple pathogens, then diagnostic versatility increases, but the complexity of the detection system increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the detection system into modular epitope units that can be independently designed, synthesized, and arranged. Each 15-mer epitope represents a discrete, standardized module that can be combined in series to create detection arrays for different pathogen combinations. This segmentation enables versatility by allowing flexible assembly of epitope series tailored to specific diagnostic needs, while managing complexity through the reuse of standardized modular components across different diagnostic applications.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a universal epitope array platform that can detect multiple pathogens (Trichomonas, Treponema, Neisseria) and potentially other STI agents using the same fundamental technology. The standardized 15-mer epitope framework serves as a universal language for antigen recognition, allowing a single diagnostic system design to be adapted for various pathogen panels. This multi-functionality achieves high versatility while controlling complexity by avoiding the need to develop entirely separate detection systems for each pathogen.
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 new diagnostic and vaccine compositions provide increased sensitivity and specificity for detecting STIs, enabling effective detection and prevention of infections, particularly for Trichomonas vaginalis, Treponema pallidum, and Neisseria gonorrhoeae, with potential applications beyond these species.
Implementation Method 1
The SOE is then contacted with a biological sample under conditions whereby an antigen-antibody complex can form, and formation of at least one said antigen-antibody complex is an indication of the presence of the microorganism of interest
Data Source
AI summary
Methods and compositions for detecting and diagnosing sexually transmitted infections using a string of epitopes (SOE) specific for detection of causative microorganisms are provided. The antigenic epitopes may be single epitope sequences, a plurality of epitope sequences joined by amino acid linkers to form a series of epitopes (SOE), or nucleotide sequences encoding one or more SOEs and host cells harboring said SOE nucleotide sequences. SOEs specific for highly immunogenic regions of proteins from Trichomonas, Treponema and Neisseria species are provided. SOEs to detect the presence of Trichomonas species comprise regions from Trichomonas aldolase, GAPDH, α-enolase and α-actinin proteins. Pharmaceutical compositions comprising SOEs can also be used as vaccines or to elicit an immune response to specific microorganisms.