Antigen-Specific T Cell Detection for HDM-Induced Allergy Management

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current methods are inadequate in detecting and addressing antigen-specific T cells contributing to house dust mite (HDM)-induced allergies and in managing related airway inflammation effectively.

Innovation Solution

The development of methods to detect antigen-specific T cells, such as HDM-reactive T cells, through gene expression profiling and subsequent therapeutic intervention using antihistamines, corticosteroids, or leukotriene modifiers, and the generation of TRAIL-expressing T cells for treatment.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If current detection methods are used for antigen-specific T cells, then the detection process is simple, but the detection precision and ability to identify specific T cell subsets is inadequate

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedetection precision of antigen-specific T cellsVSAvoidcomplexity of detection method
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments T cells into distinct subsets based on phenotypic markers (CD4+, CD8+, regulatory T cells, Th1, Th2, Th17 cells) and functional characteristics. This segmentation allows precise identification and detection of specific antigen-reactive T cell subsets that contribute to allergic responses, thereby improving detection precision without requiring overly complex methodologies.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent employs intermediary molecules and markers (such as cytokines, chemokines, and surface markers like CD25, CD127, GITR) as mediators to identify and detect antigen-specific T cells. These intermediaries serve as detectable indicators that bridge the gap between simple detection methods and precise identification of pathogenic T cell subsets.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Object-affected harmful factors

If broad-spectrum anti-inflammatory treatments are used, then airway inflammation is reduced, but the ability to specifically address antigen-specific T cell-driven pathology is insufficient

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveairway inflammationVSAvoideffectiveness in addressing specific pathology
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-affected harmful factorsVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies local quality by targeting specific T cell subsets (such as Th2 cells, Th17 cells, or regulatory T cells) that are locally involved in allergic inflammation pathways. By identifying and addressing the specific phenotypic and functional characteristics of pathogenic T cells, the treatment can be tailored to the local pathological needs rather than applying broad-spectrum suppression.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The patent utilizes parameter changes by monitoring and targeting specific biomarkers (cytokine profiles, surface marker expression patterns, transcription factor activity) of antigen-specific T cells. By detecting changes in these parameters, the treatment can dynamically adjust to address the specific pathological state, improving reliability over static broad-spectrum approaches.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Reliability

If early detection of antigen-specific T cells is implemented, then prognosis is improved, but the complexity of monitoring and management increases

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveprognosisVSAvoidcomplexity of monitoring
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements preliminary action by detecting antigen-specific T cells and their phenotypic markers before clinical symptoms fully manifest or worsen. By identifying pathogenic T cell subsets early through specific marker detection (such as cytokine production capacity, surface marker expression), the system enables proactive intervention and improved prognosis while managing monitoring complexity through targeted assays.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent incorporates feedback mechanisms by continuously monitoring the presence, frequency, and functional state of antigen-specific T cell subsets. This feedback information is used to adjust treatment strategies and predict disease progression, improving prognosis through data-driven decision-making while managing monitoring complexity through standardized assessment protocols.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Data Source

PatentUS20230241105A1Methods of use of allergen-specific t cells in allergy and asthma
Publication Date: 2023.08.03 LA JOLLA INST FOR IMMUNOLOGY
  • US20230241105A1 patent drawing
  • US20230241105A1 patent drawing
  • US20230241105A1 patent drawing

AI summary

Disclosed herein are methods of detecting an antigen-specific T cell (e.g., a HDM-reactive T cell) expressing IL-9 which contribute to a worsening of an allergy (e.g., a HDM-induced allergy) or detecting an antigen-specific T cell (e.g., a HDM-reactive T cell) associated with a positive prognosis. In some embodiments, also disclosed herein is a method of treating an allergy (e.g., a HDM-induced allergy) in a subject in need thereof based on the presence or absence of an antigen-specific T cell (e.g., a HDM-reactive T cell) that express IL-9.