Acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS) is a critical global health challenge, caused by the Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV). Our company is dedicated to supporting and advancing this critical vaccine and therapeutic development, working collaboratively with the global scientific community to translate discoveries into life-saving solutions.
Introduction to AIDS
Acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS) is a critical health condition triggered by the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), which targets the immune system, particularly CD4+ T cells, resulting in profound immunosuppression. This vulnerability increases the risk of opportunistic infections and certain cancers, ultimately resulting in high morbidity and mortality rates. The World Health Organization (WHO) estimated that approximately 38 million people globally were living with HIV in 2019, highlighting the urgent need for effective vaccines and therapies.
Fig.1 Schematic diagram of the structure and organization of the HIV-1 genome. (Blood G. A. C., 2016)
Vaccine Development for AIDS
Preventive Vaccines
Preventive vaccines aim to stimulate the immune system to recognize and respond to HIV before infection occurs. Several candidates have entered various stages of clinical trials:
- rAd5 HIV Vaccine: This candidate uses a recombinant adenovirus vector to deliver HIV antigens, showing promise in early trials for generating immune responses.
- HVTN 702: Based on the RV144 trial, this vaccine regimen aims to enhance immune responses against HIV, focusing on neutralizing antibodies and cellular immunity.
Therapeutic Vaccines
Unlike preventive vaccines, therapeutic vaccines are designed to boost the immune response in individuals already infected with HIV, potentially controlling viral loads and delaying the progression to AIDS. Examples include:
- PRO 140: A monoclonal antibody that targets the CCR5 receptor, it has shown potential in reducing viral loads in HIV-infected patients when administered alongside antiretroviral therapy.
- VGX-3100: This DNA vaccine targets specific viral proteins and aims to stimulate robust immune responses to control HIV.
Therapeutics Development for AIDS
Antiretroviral therapy involves the use of multiple antiretroviral drugs to suppress HIV replication, thereby preserving immune function and preventing the progression to AIDS. Current classes of antiretroviral drugs include:
- NRTIs: Inhibit reverse transcriptase, which is crucial for viral replication.
- NNRTIs: Bind to and inhibit reverse transcriptase from a different site.
- PIs: Block the protease enzyme, preventing viral maturation.
- Integrase Inhibitors: Prevent HIV from integrating into the host genome.
- Fusion and Entry Inhibitors: Block the entry of HIV into host cells.
Table 1 Possible drug targets different from current HAART for HIV/AIDS therapeutics. (Lu D.Y., et al., 2018)
|
Drug Categories and Disciplines |
Drug Targets and Types |
| Biotherapeutic means |
HIV clearance; Host cell defensive; bio-molecules; Genomic editing; HIV vaccine developments; Vaccine challenge schedules |
| Other viral inhibitors |
Avian flu; Seasonal flu; Ebola |
| Free radical |
Antioxidant; NO interference |
| Immune promotions |
Polysaccharide |
| Epigenetic agents |
HIV latency activations |
| Medicinal chemistry |
Drug therapeutic index gains |
| Pharmacology |
Choice of optimal drug combinations in different clinical occasions and settings |
| Pathology |
Viral-induced pathways mediate; Human mortality counteractive measures |
| Pharmaceutical |
Nano-particle drug developments; HIV reservoirs penetrations |
Our Services
The fight against AIDS requires relentless innovation, collaboration, and dedication. Our company is at the forefront of AIDS vaccine and therapy development, leveraging cutting-edge research and technology to create effective interventions. We specialize in:
Disease Models
- Humanized Mouse (NSG or NOD/SCID) Models
- Non-Human Primate Models: simian immunodeficiency virus (SIV) or simian-human immunodeficiency virus (SHIV) recombinants
- Transgenic Mouse Models: CD4, CCR5, and
We conduct extensive in vitro studies to evaluate the pharmacokinetics, pharmacodynamics, and safety profiles of vaccine and drug candidates. In vivo studies in relevant animal models are also performed to assess immunogenicity, efficacy, and potential toxicities. If you are interested in our services, please feel free to contact us.
References
- Blood, German Advisory Committee. "Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)." Transfusion medicine and hemotherapy 43.3 (2016): 203.
- Tomaras, Georgia D., and Stanley A. Plotkin. "Complex immune correlates of protection in HIV-1 vaccine efficacy trials." Immunological reviews 275.1 (2017): 245-261.
- Lu, Da-Yong, et al. "HAART in HIV/AIDS treatments: future trends." Infectious Disorders-Drug Targets (Formerly Current Drug Targets-Infectious Disorders) 18.1 (2018): 15-22.
All of our services and products are intended for preclinical research use
only and cannot be used to diagnose, treat or manage patients.
