Recombinant VapA and VapC Peptides for Foal Protection

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current methods for protecting foals against Rhodococcus equi infections are inadequate, as they often rely on antibiotics that face resistance issues and have variable efficacy, and there is a need for a more effective vaccine that can induce a robust immune response in young animals with underdeveloped immune systems.

Innovation Solution

Development of a recombinant protein vaccine comprising VapA and VapC proteins, which are administered with or without hyperimmune plasma, to stimulate an immune response and provide protection against Rhodococcus equi infections in foals.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If antibiotics are used to treat R. equi infections in foals, then bacterial growth is inhibited, but antibiotic resistance develops and treatment efficacy becomes variable

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetreatment efficacyVSAvoidantibiotic resistance

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent converts the harmful effect of antibiotic resistance into a benefit by developing a vaccine that targets the underlying immune deficiency. Instead of continuing to use antibiotics that face resistance issues, the invention stimulates the foal's own immune system to produce protective antibodies against R. equi, thereby eliminating the need for antibiotic intervention and converting the problem of antibiotic failure into a solution through immune activation

Inventive Principle:

Principle #22Blessing in disguise (Convert harm into benefit)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces hyperimmune plasma as an intermediary substance that bridges the gap between the vaccine antigen and the foal's immune system. The hyperimmune plasma contains pre-formed antibodies that provide immediate passive immunity while the vaccine primes the active immune response, creating a dual-mechanism protection system that overcomes the limitations of antibiotic treatment

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

If conventional vaccines are administered to foals, then some immune response is induced, but the response is insufficient due to underdeveloped immune systems

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveimmune response robustnessVSAvoidimmune system maturity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies preliminary action by administering hyperimmune plasma containing pre-formed antibodies before the foal's immune system is fully developed. This passive immunity provides immediate protection while the vaccine simultaneously primes the immune system. The preliminary introduction of antibodies and antigens prepares the immune system for more effective responses as it matures, overcoming the limitation of immature immunity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent uses a composite immunization approach combining two distinct components: the recombinant VapA/VapC vaccine antigen and hyperimmune plasma. This composite strategy integrates active immunization (vaccine) and passive immunization (hyperimmune plasma) to provide both immediate and long-term protection, addressing the insufficiency of conventional single-mechanism vaccines in immunologically naive foals

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

3Reliability

If maternal antibodies are present in foals, then some protection is provided, but they wane over time leaving foals susceptible to infection

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepassive immunity durationVSAvoidmaternal antibody persistence

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDuration of action of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs feedback mechanisms where the vaccine antigen stimulates the foal's immune system to recognize and respond to R. equi antigens. The hyperimmune plasma provides initial antibody levels that feedback to the immune system, enhancing the priming effect. As maternal antibodies wane, the vaccine-induced active immunity takes over, creating a feedback loop that maintains protection throughout the transition from passive to active immunity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

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 vaccine effectively induces production of VapA and VapC antibodies, offering protection against Rhodococcus equi by enhancing the immune response in foals and potentially reducing the reliance on antibiotics, thereby addressing the limitations of existing treatments.

Implementation Method 1

administering a recombinant protein vaccine comprising VapA and VapC proteins, which are administered with or without hyperimmune plasma, to stimulate an immune response

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectImmune response:

Data Source

PatentUS9926342B2Recombinant VapA and VapC peptides and uses thereof

Publication Date: 2018.03.27 SANTA CRUZ BIOTECH

AI summary

The present invention provides a recombinant protein comprising consecutive amino acids, the sequence of which is substantially identical to a sequence of amino acids present in a Rhodococcus equi virulence-associated protein and compositions containing fusion proteins of the invention. The present invention also provides uses of the compositions in the manufacture of hyperimmune plasma against Rhodococcus equi, in producing a hyperimmune plasma against Rhodococcus equi in protecting an animal against Rhodococcus equi and in protecting a newborn animal against Rhodococcus equi.