Adapting PlcC-NetB Fusion Proteins for Human Health Applications

Publication ID: 24-11857613_0007_PTD
Published: October 28, 2025
Category:New Applications & Use Cases

Legal Citation

pr1or.art Inc., “Adapting PlcC-NetB Fusion Proteins for Human Health Applications,” Published Technical Disclosure No. 24-11857613_0007_PTD, Published October 28, 2025, available at https://archive.pr1or.art/24-11857613_0007_PTD
This technical disclosure describes improvements that would be readily apparent to a Person Having Ordinary Skill In The Art (PHOSITA) when considered in combination with the foundational architecture disclosed in U.S. Patent No. 11,857,613.

Summary of the Inventive Concept

This inventive concept leverages the core technology of the original patent to develop novel vaccines and treatments for various human health issues, including dental caries, acne, respiratory infections, Clostridium difficile infection, and fungal infections.

Background and Problem Solved

The original patent focused on preventing necrotic enteritis in poultry using PlcC-NetB fusion proteins. However, the limitations of the original patent lie in its restricted application to the poultry industry. This inventive concept addresses the need for adaptable vaccine technologies to combat human diseases, which are often caused by distinct pathogens and require targeted interventions.

Detailed Description of the Inventive Concept

The new claims expand the original patent's technology to develop PlcC-NetB fusion proteins tailored for human health applications. Specifically, the inventive concept involves modifying the NetB protein unit to target specific human pathogens, such as Streptococcus mutans for dental caries, Propionibacterium acnes for acne, and Candida albicans for fungal infections. The PlcC protein unit remains operably linked to the modified NetB protein unit via a peptide linker, enabling the fusion protein to elicit an immune response against the targeted pathogens. The inventive concept encompasses various administration methods, including vaccines, topical creams, and inhalers, to provide effective treatments for a range of human diseases.

Novelty and Inventive Step

The new claims introduce a significant departure from the original patent by adapting the PlcC-NetB fusion protein technology for human health applications. The inventive step lies in the modification of the NetB protein unit to target specific human pathogens, which enables the development of novel vaccines and treatments for various diseases.

Alternative Embodiments and Variations

Alternative embodiments of the inventive concept could involve the use of different peptide linkers, varying the sequence identity of the PlcC and NetB protein units, or incorporating additional protein components to enhance the immune response. Variations of the administration methods, such as oral or injectable formulations, could also be explored to expand the range of potential treatments.

Potential Commercial Applications and Market

The inventive concept has significant commercial potential in the human health industry, with potential applications in vaccine development, dermatology, and infectious disease treatment. The target market includes pharmaceutical companies, biotechnology firms, and research institutions focused on developing novel treatments for human diseases.

CPC Classifications

SectionClassGroup
A A61 A61K39/08
A A61 A61P31/04
C C12 C12N15/74
C C12 C12N15/8258
A A61 A61K2039/552
A A61 A61K2039/55577

Field of Art

Biotechnology and immunology, specifically vaccine development and protein engineering, with expertise in fusion protein design, pathogen targeting, and protein modification techniques

Person of Ordinary Skill (PHOSITA) Profile

A researcher with advanced degrees in molecular biology or biotechnology, experienced in protein engineering, vaccine development, and recombinant protein techniques, familiar with protein fusion strategies and immunological applications

Obviousness Rationale

A PHOSITA would recognize the straightforward extension of the original poultry vaccine technology to human health applications by leveraging the well-established PlcC-NetB fusion protein platform. The core technical concept of creating a modular fusion protein with interchangeable targeting components is readily apparent, with the NetB protein unit serving as a flexible targeting module that can be modified to address different pathogens. The systematic approach of maintaining the PlcC protein unit while adapting the NetB component represents a predictable variation within protein engineering principles.

Obvious Combinations & Variations

Source Patent Element
PlcC-NetB fusion protein with specific sequence identity requirements
PTD Variation
Modifying NetB protein unit to target human pathogens like Streptococcus mutans and Candida albicans
Obviousness Reasoning
Protein engineering techniques allow predictable modification of targeting domains, with known methods for adapting protein specificity through strategic amino acid substitutions
Source Patent Element
Vaccine administration method for poultry
PTD Variation
Expanding administration routes to include topical creams, inhalers, and human-targeted vaccines
Obviousness Reasoning
Routine pharmaceutical formulation techniques enable adaptation of protein-based treatments across different delivery mechanisms with predictable immunological principles
Source Patent Element
Sequence-specific protein fusion with peptide linker
PTD Variation
Exploring alternative peptide linkers and protein component variations
Obviousness Reasoning
Protein engineering involves systematic exploration of linker configurations and component variations as standard design optimization approach
Source Patent Element
Protein-based immune response generation
PTD Variation
Targeting different pathogenic organisms by modifying protein targeting domain
Obviousness Reasoning
Modular protein design allows predictable adaptation of immune response mechanisms across different target pathogens using established molecular biology techniques
Source Patent Element
Clostridium-based vaccine technology
PTD Variation
Extending technology to address human Clostridium difficile infections
Obviousness Reasoning
Closely related pathogenic mechanisms and protein engineering principles enable straightforward technological translation between veterinary and human medical applications
35 U.S.C. § 103 Summary: Based on the teachings of US Patent 11857613, a person having ordinary skill in the art would find the disclosed human health applications of the PlcC-NetB fusion protein platform to be obvious variations, representing predictable extensions of the original vaccine technology through routine protein engineering techniques and well-established immunological principles.

Original Patent Information

Patent NumberUS 11,857,613
TitleVaccine for prevention of necrotic enteritis in poultry
Assignee(s)Arizona Board of Regents on Behalf of Arizona State University