Next-Generation Vaccine for Necrotic Enteritis Prevention in Poultry
Legal Citation
Summary of the Inventive Concept
A novel vaccine system combining immunogenic and non-toxic components of alpha-toxin and NetB, produced in microorganisms and administered orally or via injection, providing enhanced protection against necrotic enteritis in poultry.
Background and Problem Solved
The original patent described a vaccine comprising an antigenic protein with PlcC and NetB protein units, but it had limitations in terms of administration methods and efficacy. The new inventive concept addresses these limitations by introducing a fusion protein combining immunogenic and non-toxic components of alpha-toxin and NetB, produced in microorganisms and administered orally or via injection, providing enhanced protection against necrotic enteritis in poultry.
Detailed Description of the Inventive Concept
The new inventive concept comprises a vaccine system consisting of a fusion protein combining immunogenic and non-toxic components of alpha-toxin and NetB, produced in microorganisms. The fusion protein is administered orally or via injection to poultry, providing enhanced protection against necrotic enteritis. The oral administration method allows for easy and cost-effective vaccination, while the injection method provides an alternative for more targeted administration. The fusion protein is designed to elicit a strong immune response, providing long-term protection against necrotic enteritis.
Novelty and Inventive Step
The new claims introduce a novel fusion protein combining immunogenic and non-toxic components of alpha-toxin and NetB, produced in microorganisms, which is not obvious from the original patent. The combination of oral and injection administration methods provides a new and non-obvious solution for necrotic enteritis prevention in poultry.
Alternative Embodiments and Variations
Alternative embodiments of the inventive concept include using different microorganisms for production, varying the ratio of alpha-toxin and NetB components, and incorporating adjuvants to enhance the immune response. Variations of the administration method, such as nasal sprays or feed supplements, could also be explored.
Potential Commercial Applications and Market
The new inventive concept has significant commercial potential in the poultry industry, where necrotic enteritis is a major concern. The vaccine system could be marketed as a more effective and convenient solution for poultry farmers, providing a competitive advantage in the market.
CPC Classifications
| Section | Class | Group |
|---|---|---|
| A | A61 | A61K39/08 |
| A | A61 | A61P31/04 |
| C | C12 | C12N15/74 |
| C | C12 | C12N15/8258 |
| A | A61 | A61K2039/552 |
| A | A61 | A61K2039/55577 |
Section 103 Obviousness Analysis (PHOSITA)
Field of Art
Veterinary biotechnology, specifically vaccine development for poultry diseases, involving protein engineering, microbial production of recombinant proteins, and immunological methods for preventing bacterial infections in avian species
Person of Ordinary Skill (PHOSITA) Profile
A skilled researcher with a PhD in veterinary microbiology or biotechnology, experienced in protein fusion techniques, recombinant protein production, and vaccine design, with knowledge of bacterial toxin mechanisms and immunological strategies
Obviousness Rationale
A person skilled in the art would recognize that combining immunogenic components of alpha-toxin and NetB into a fusion protein represents a predictable extension of the source patent's vaccine strategy. The use of microorganism-based production and alternative administration methods are standard techniques in vaccine development. The PTD's variations represent routine optimization of the existing vaccine approach disclosed in the source patent.
Obvious Combinations & Variations
Original Patent Information
| Patent Number | US 11,857,613 |
|---|---|
| Title | Vaccine for prevention of necrotic enteritis in poultry |
| Assignee(s) | Arizona Board of Regents on Behalf of Arizona State University |