Tr1 Cell Isolation via Composite Marker Segmentation

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Solution Overview

Problem

The lack of specific biomarkers for T regulatory type 1 (Tr1) cells limits their study and clinical application, particularly in identifying and purifying Tr1 cells for therapeutic use, as existing markers are not selective and hinder the development of Tr1 cell-based clinical approaches.

Innovation Solution

The identification of specific cell surface markers such as CD4, CD49b, and LAG-3, with optional CD226 expression, allows for the selection, enrichment, isolation, and purification of Tr1 cells, enabling their administration for therapeutic purposes.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If existing cell surface markers are used for Tr1 cell identification, then cell selection can be performed, but the markers are not selective enough and cannot effectively purify Tr1 cells

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveTr1 cell identification accuracyVSAvoidmarker specificity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the Tr1 cell identification process into multiple distinct marker evaluations (CD4, CD49b, LAG-3, CD226) rather than relying on a single marker. This segmentation allows for progressive filtering and purification of Tr1 cells through sequential gating strategies in flow cytometry, achieving both precision and practical feasibility

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent employs a composite marker profile consisting of multiple cell surface markers (CD4+ CD49b+ LAG-3+ CD226+) to identify Tr1 cells. This composite approach combines the advantages of each individual marker to create a highly specific identification signature that overcomes the limitations of single-marker systems

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

2Manufacturing precision

If multiple cell surface markers are used for Tr1 cell purification, then purification quality improves, but the process complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveTr1 cell purification qualityVSAvoidisolation process complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent performs preliminary enrichment of Tr1 cells using easily accessible markers like CD4 before applying more complex multi-marker sorting strategies. This preliminary action simplifies the overall process by reducing the complexity of the sample before subjecting it to more rigorous purification protocols

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent employs dynamic gating strategies in flow cytometry where the analysis and selection criteria are adjusted at different stages of the purification process. The methodology allows for flexible modification of marker combinations and gating thresholds based on sample characteristics and desired purification levels

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

3Adaptability or versatility

If specific Tr1 cell markers are identified, then clinical application and therapy development are facilitated, but the ability to transfer pure Tr1 cell populations remains limited

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveclinical application capabilityVSAvoidpure population transfer
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent incorporates feedback mechanisms through sequential marker evaluation and gating strategies where the identification of cells at one marker level informs subsequent sorting decisions. This feedback loop ensures that only cells meeting all criteria (CD4+ CD49b+ LAG-3+ CD226+) are selected, maintaining population purity while enabling clinical-scale preparations

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Data Source

PatentEP3882337A1Compositions and methods for diminishing an immune response
Publication Date: 2021.09.22 FOND AZIONE TELETHON
  • EP3882337A1 patent drawingFigure 1A
  • EP3882337A1 patent drawingFigure 1B
  • EP3882337A1 patent drawingFigure 1C

AI summary

The invention is based upon the discovery that T regulatory type 1 (Trl) cells express particular cell surface markers that allow for their selection, enrichment, isolation, purification and administration. The ability to use the particular markers described herein to select, enrich, isolate, purity and administer Tr1 cells allows for improved methods of Tr1 therapies for treating a wide variety of diseases and disorders.