# How to Create Lab-Made Proteins That Stop Immune System Overreaction

> A method for creating custom proteins that act as 'brakes' for the body's immune system to prevent damage from excessive inflammation.

- **Patent:** US 6458360
- **Original title:** Soluble complement regulatory molecules
- **Owner:** Johns Hopkins University
- **Granted:** 2002
- **Status:** Public domain (expired)
- **Times cited:** 27
- **Field:** biotech, pharmaceutical

## What it does

This patent describes a way to build a custom, soluble protein that can float through the bloodstream and block the complement system. The complement system is a part of the immune system that normally kills bacteria, but it can sometimes go haywire and attack healthy tissue, causing severe inflammation. The invention works by taking specific fragments of natural proteins—called short consensus repeats (SCRs)—that act like magnets for harmful immune signals. These fragments are then attached to a carrier molecule, such as an antibody or serum albumin, which helps the construct stay stable in the blood long enough to neutralize the threat.

## What it does NOT cover

- Does not cover naturally occurring complement regulatory proteins found in the body.
- Does not cover constructs that lack a soluble, physiologically-acceptable carrier molecule.
- Does not cover molecules that contain only a single binding site, as the claims require at least two.
- Does not cover non-protein based inhibitors or chemical small-molecule drugs.

## The clever bit

The invention uses a modular design, fusing natural complement-binding fragments to a separate carrier molecule to increase stability and ensure the molecule has multiple binding sites, which is essential for effectively neutralizing the target.

## Real-world examples

1. Therapeutics for paroxysmal nocturnal hemoglobinuria (PNH)
2. Treatments for atypical hemolytic uremic syndrome (aHUS)
3. Experimental therapies for preventing organ transplant rejection

## Why it matters

The complement system is implicated in a wide range of autoimmune and inflammatory diseases, including organ transplant rejection and certain blood disorders. By creating a stable, soluble inhibitor, this technology provides a blueprint for therapeutic drugs that can 'turn off' the immune system's attack mode in a controlled way. It represents a foundational approach in the development of biologic drugs designed to modulate the immune response.

## Frequently asked questions

### What does How to Create Lab-Made Proteins That Stop Immune System Overreaction cover?

A method for creating custom proteins that act as 'brakes' for the body's immune system to prevent damage from excessive inflammation.

### Who owns patent US 6458360?

Johns Hopkins University owns this patent, granted in 2002.

### When does this patent expire?

This patent has expired and is now in the public domain — anyone can use the invention freely.

### What is patent US 6458360 cited by?

This patent has been cited by 27 later patents that build on its ideas.

### What problem does this patent solve?

The complement system is implicated in a wide range of autoimmune and inflammatory diseases, including organ transplant rejection and certain blood disorders. By creating a stable, soluble inhibitor, this technology provides a blueprint for therapeutic drugs that can 'turn off' the immune system's attack mode in a controlled way. It represents a foundational approach in the development of biologic drugs designed to modulate the immune response.

### What does this patent NOT cover?

Does not cover naturally occurring complement regulatory proteins found in the body.

**Full plain-English explainer:** https://patentbrief.org/patent/us/6458360/hpv-vaccine-gardasil

**Original patent:** https://patents.google.com/patent/US6458360

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_Source: PatentBrief — https://patentbrief.org. Patent facts are from public records; the plain-English explanation is PatentBrief's._