T Regulatory Cell Identification via Composite Genetic Marker Panels
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for identifying and characterizing human suppressive and regulatory T cells, particularly in cancer and autoimmune disease contexts, lack specificity due to the absence of reliable cell-surface markers, hindering understanding of their role and potential therapeutic manipulation.
Innovation Solution
Identification and characterization of human T regulatory cells using specific marker genes, such as those encoded by SEQ ID NOs:7 and 8, which allow for the detection and isolation of suppressive and regulatory T cells through ligand binding and antibody-based methods.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If CD25 is used as a marker for T reg cells, then T reg cell identification is simplified, but measurement precision deteriorates due to lack of specificity in human blood samples
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple marker genes (FOXP3, CD25, CD127, CTLA-4, GITR, PD-1) into a composite marker panel for T reg cell identification. This merging approach allows the system to maintain the ease of operation provided by CD25 while adding the measurement precision of multiple specific markers, resolving the contradiction between operational simplicity and identification accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent develops a universal marker panel that can identify T reg cells across different human blood samples and disease contexts. This multi-functional marker system works for both healthy individuals and patients with autoimmune diseases or cancer, providing consistent measurement precision while maintaining ease of operation through standardized protocols.
2Measurement precision
If multiple marker genes are used to improve T reg cell identification specificity, then measurement precision improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the T reg cell identification process into distinct functional modules: a core marker panel (FOXP3, CD25, CD127) for basic identification and optional additional markers (CTLA-4, GITR, PD-1) for enhanced specificity. This segmentation allows users to start with a simple system and add complexity only when needed, resolving the contradiction between measurement precision and device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a tiered marker approach where the essential core markers provide sufficient identification for most applications, while additional markers are available for cases requiring higher precision. This partial action principle ensures that the system achieves adequate measurement precision without unnecessarily increasing device complexity for routine applications.
3Loss of information
If T reg cell frequencies are monitored to understand disease progression, then understanding of disease mechanisms improves, but loss of time occurs due to lack of reliable markers
Solution Approach 1:
The patent establishes a validated marker panel and standardized identification protocol in advance, creating a ready-to-use system for T reg cell monitoring. This preliminary action eliminates the need for researchers to develop their own marker systems, significantly reducing the time required to monitor T reg cell frequencies and understand disease mechanisms without sacrificing measurement precision.
Data Source
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AI summary
The present invention provides novel marker genes for the specific identification and characterization of human suppressive and/or regulatory T cells including natural, adaptive, and expanded CD4+CD25+FOXP3+ T cells in healthy individuals as well as tumor patients or patients with autoimmune diseases.