Treg Phenotype Induction via TGF-β2 for Immune Modulation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current treatments for autoimmune disorders and transplant complications, such as lupus and graft-versus-host disease, face challenges in effectively modulating the immune response and preventing chronic rejection, with existing immunosuppressive therapies risking increased vulnerability to infectious diseases.

Innovation Solution

The development of compositions and methods to induce a Treg phenotype in mammalian naïve CD4+ T cells using transforming growth factor-beta 2 (TGF-β2) or its stimulators, inhibitors, or functional effectors, which can modulate inflammatory responses without requiring systemic immune suppression.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If systemic immune suppression is used to treat autoimmune disorders and transplant complications, then the immune response is modulated and rejection is prevented, but vulnerability to infectious diseases increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveprevention of allograft rejectionVSAvoidvulnerability to infectious diseases
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the immune response by specifically targeting and modulating regulatory T cells (Tregs) rather than applying systemic immune suppression. This localized approach to inducing Treg phenotype in naïve CD4+ T cells through TGF-β2 treatment allows for selective control of the immune response, preventing graft rejection while preserving the overall immune system's ability to fight infections.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The invention applies local quality by creating a specific microenvironment that promotes Treg differentiation. By administering TGF-β2 to induce Treg phenotype in a targeted manner, the treatment creates localized immunosuppression at the site of need (transplant site or affected tissue) without compromising systemic immune function against pathogens.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

2Reliability

If conventional immunosuppressive therapies are applied, then acute rejection is prevented, but chronic rejection issues persist

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveprevention of acute rejectionVSAvoidchronic rejection prevention
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDuration of action of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs preliminary action by inducing Treg phenotype in naïve CD4+ T cells before transplant rejection occurs or at the early stages. This proactive approach establishes a population of regulatory T cells that can provide long-term suppression of the immune response, addressing both acute and chronic rejection prevention rather than merely treating acute episodes.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The invention utilizes dynamics by creating a adaptable immune response through Treg induction. The TGF-β2 treatment dynamically modulates the immune system by converting naïve T cells into regulatory T cells that can adaptively respond to both acute and chronic rejection threats, providing sustained protection rather than static suppression.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

3Adaptability or versatility

If Treg induction is achieved without systemic immune suppression, then balanced immune response is promoted, but treatment complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvebalanced immune responseVSAvoidtreatment complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses TGF-β2 as an intermediary molecule to achieve Treg induction. This mediator substance facilitates the conversion of naïve CD4+ T cells into regulatory T cells through a well-defined biological pathway, providing a controlled and specific mechanism for immune modulation without requiring complex combination therapies or multiple intervention steps.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentUS11478531B2Compositions and methods for inducing a treg phenotype and methods for use for the same
Publication Date: 2022.10.25 UNIVERSITY OF SOUTH CAROLINA
  • US11478531B2 patent drawing
  • US11478531B2 patent drawing
  • US11478531B2 patent drawing

AI summary

The present application relates to induction of a Treg phenotype in mammalian naïve CD4+ T cells. In certain embodiments, the methods and compositions described can be applied as methods to treat autoimmune disorders or transplant complications (e.g., lupus and graft-versus-host disease) and may be used in combination with, but do not require, systemic immune suppression, such as a chemotherapeutic agent. In particular, embodiments of the disclosure can utilize transforming growth factor-beta 2 (TGFB2), molecules that stimulate the production of TGFB2, inhibitors of molecules that suppress production of TGFB2, or molecules that effect the function of TGFB2 to induce a Treg phenotype in naïve CD4+ T cells from a mammal. Provided herein are embodiments and examples demonstrating the production of Treg cells, as well as the application of Treg cells in modulating the inflammatory response present in certain diseases.