Carbohydrate Compounds Targeting Siglec-8 for Asthma Treatment

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Solution Overview

Problem

There is a need for effective prophylactic and therapeutic treatments for asthma and other allergic diseases associated with Siglec-8 expressing cells, such as eosinophils, basophils, and mast cells, as current treatments are inadequate in managing these conditions.

Innovation Solution

Development of novel carbohydrate-based chemical compounds that bind to Siglec-8, inducing apoptosis in these cells and reducing their activity or viability, thereby alleviating symptoms of asthma and allergic diseases.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If current treatments are used for asthma and allergic diseases, then treatment is provided, but the treatment is inadequate in managing these conditions

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetreatment effectivenessVSAvoidmanagement capability
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the molecular parameter by introducing novel carbohydrate-based compounds with specific structures (Formula I and Formula II) that bind to Siglec-8 with high affinity. This structural parameter change enables selective targeting of eosinophils, basophils, and mast cells, improving treatment effectiveness for asthma and allergic diseases where current therapies are inadequate.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Object-affected harmful factors

If Siglec-8 expressing cells are targeted for depletion, then symptoms are alleviated, but the mechanism requires novel compound development

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesymptom severityVSAvoidcompound development complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-affected harmful factorsVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses carbohydrate-based compounds as intermediary molecules that mediate between the therapeutic goal (symptom alleviation) and the target cells (Siglec-8 expressing cells). These compounds act as soluble ligands that bind to Siglec-8, inducing apoptosis of eosinophils, basophils, and mast cells without requiring direct genetic modification or complex delivery systems, thus balancing efficacy with manufacturability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Quantity of substance

If novel carbohydrate-based compounds are administered, then the number and activation level of Siglec-8 expressing cells decrease, but specific binding affinity is required

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecell numberVSAvoidbinding affinity
Core Design Contradiction:
Quantity of substanceVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies local quality by designing compounds with specific functional groups at precise positions in the carbohydrate structure. Formula I includes specific substituents (R1-R6) at defined positions on the sugar ring, while Formula II specifies particular hydroxyl group configurations. These localized structural features enable high-affinity binding to Siglec-8's binding pocket, ensuring selective depletion of target cells while maintaining specificity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

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 compounds effectively decrease the number and activation level of Siglec-8 expressing cells, leading to reduced symptoms and improved management of asthma and allergic diseases.

Implementation Method 1

Siglec-8 binding reduces the activity and/or viability of these cells. When bound (e.g. by specific antibodies), Siglec-8 signals eosinophils to rapidly undergo apoptosis, or programmed cell death.

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectApoptosis:

Data Source

PatentUS7745421B2Methods and compositions for treating diseases and disorders associated with Siglec-8 expressing cells
Publication Date: 2010.06.29 JOHNS HOPKINS UNIVERSITY
  • US7745421B2 patent drawing
  • US7745421B2 patent drawing
  • US7745421B2 patent drawing

AI summary

The invention provides therapeutic methods and compositions for the prevention and treatment of Siglec-8 associated diseases and disorders such as asthma and allergic reactions. In particular, the invention provides methods and compositions for the prevention and treatment of diseases and disorders associated with Siglec-8 expressing cells in humans, as well as other animals, through the administration of one or more novel, carbohydrate-based compounds.