SARS-CoV-2 Spike Binding Polypeptides for Viral Entry Inhibition

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Solution Overview

Problem

There is a critical need for specific antiviral therapeutic agents to prevent the transmission and treat COVID-19, as existing measures like quarantine and isolation are insufficient in managing the rapid spread of COVID-19 caused by SARS-CoV-2.

Innovation Solution

Development of polypeptides that specifically bind to the Spike glycoprotein of SARS-CoV-2, comprising immunoglobulin heavy chain variable domains or single-domain antibodies, which can inhibit viral entry into cells by blocking the interaction with the host cell receptor.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If quarantine and isolation measures are implemented to prevent disease spread, then transmission of COVID-19 is reduced, but social and economic disruption increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedisease transmission preventionVSAvoidsocial and economic functioning

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces polypeptide antibodies as intermediary agents that bind to the SARS-CoV-2 spike protein, preventing viral entry into host cells. This biological mediator provides direct antiviral protection, reducing reliance on restrictive quarantine measures and enabling safer social and economic activities while maintaining disease transmission prevention.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

If specific antiviral therapeutic agents are developed to treat COVID-19 patients, then treatment effectiveness is improved, but development time and resource investment increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetreatment effectivenessVSAvoiddevelopment time

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs phage display technology to pre-select and identify polypeptide sequences with high affinity and neutralizing activity against the SARS-CoV-2 spike protein before clinical application. This preliminary screening and optimization process accelerates the development timeline by identifying effective candidates in silico and in vitro, reducing the time required to bring therapeutic agents to clinical use.

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 polypeptides effectively reduce the likelihood of SARS-CoV-2 infection by inhibiting the fusion between the virus and host cells, offering a potential therapeutic and preventive measure against COVID-19.

Implementation Method 1

polypeptides that specifically bind SARS-CoV-2-Spike

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectAntibody-antigen binding:

Data Source

PatentUS11987616B2Antigen binding molecules targeting SARS-CoV-2

Publication Date: 2024.05.21 FLAGSHIP PIONEERING INNOVATIONS VI LLC

AI summary

The invention provides, in various embodiments, polypeptides (e.g., camelid antibodies and antigen binding fragments thereof) that specifically bind to Spike glycoprotein of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus (e.g., SARS-CoV-2-Spike). The invention also provides, in various embodiments, fusion proteins comprising one or more of the polypeptides, polynucleotides encoding the polypeptides, vectors and host cells suitable for expressing the polypeptides, and methods for treating viral infections (e.g., COVID-19).