BK virus (BKV) is a member of the human polyomavirus family, first identified in 1971 from the urine of a kidney transplant recipient. At our company, we are committed to advancing the development of vaccines and therapies for BK virus infection.
Overview of BK Virus Infection
BK virus (BKV), a member of the polyomavirus family, poses a significant threat to immunocompromised individuals, particularly those who have undergone kidney transplantation. This non-enveloped virus, with its circular double-stranded DNA genome, establishes latency in the uroepithelium and renal tubular epithelial cells. Upon reactivation, often due to immunosuppressive therapy, BKV can lead to a spectrum of diseases, including BKV-associated nephropathy (BKVAN) and urinary tract diseases, which may culminate in allograft failure.
Fig.1 Immunological strategies for studying BK virus. (Kesherwani V., et al., 2019)
Vaccine Development for BK Virus Infection
The development of vaccines against BKV has been a subject of intensive research, focusing on eliciting a robust and specific immune response to prevent or mitigate viral reactivation. Several strategies have been explored:
These vaccines consist of purified viral proteins or peptides that are capable of inducing an immune response. They are designed based on the identification of immunodominant epitopes from BKV proteins, aiming to stimulate both humoral and cellular immunity.
Utilizing the latest advances in mRNA technology, these vaccines encode for specific BKV antigens. They offer a promising approach due to their potential for rapid development and the ability to induce strong cellular immune responses.
Virus-like particle vaccines (VLP) mimic the structure of the virus without containing genetic material, providing a safe means to stimulate an immune response. They are particularly attractive due to their ability to induce broad and long-lasting immunity.
Therapeutics Development for BK Virus Infection
Therapeutic strategies for BKV infection have evolved to target the virus directly and modulate the host's immune response. Key approaches include:
- Antiviral Drugs: Cidofovir, a nucleotide analog, has demonstrated in vitro activity against BKV. However, its clinical use is limited due to nephrotoxicity. Newer antiviral agents are being developed to improve safety and efficacy.
- Immunomodulatory Therapies: Leflunomide, an immunosuppressive agent with antiviral properties, has been investigated for its potential to reduce viral load and mitigate BKVAN. Its effectiveness remains a subject of ongoing research.
- Virus-Specific T Cell Therapy: Adoptive transfer of BKV-specific T cells is an emerging therapeutic modality that leverages the patient's own immune system to target and eliminate virus-infected cells.
Table 1 Therapeutic research on BK infection. (Gorriceta J. H., et al., 2023)
|
Therapeutics |
Study Type |
Subjects |
Key findings (include P value if available) |
Period |
| Alterations in immunosuppression |
Retrospective, single-center study |
24 kidney transplant recipients: 8 with BK viremia; 16 with BKVAN |
Decreased immunosuppression alone leads to the elimination of BK viremia, resulting in favorable long-term outcomes. |
Sept 2001-Dec 2003 |
| Leflunomide |
Retrospective, single-center study |
76 kidney transplant recipients with BK viremia with or without BKVAN; 24 did not receive leflunomide; 52 received leflunomide |
There was no variance observed in BK viral clearance. Upon conducting multivariate analysis, it was revealed that discontinuing mycophenolate mofetil, experiencing BK viremia without nephropathy, and the average BK viral load were notably linked to BK viral clearance. Conversely, the use of leflunomide did not exhibit this correlation. |
Jun 2001-Dec 2009 |
| Fluoroquinolones |
Retrospective analysis |
185 adult kidney transplant recipients; 160 did not receive a fluoroquinolone; 25 received a 30-d course of ciprofloxacin |
A greater incidence of BK viremia was observed among individuals who did not undergo a one-month regimen of levofloxacin, with 36 individuals (22.5%) affected compared to only 1 individual (4%) who received levofloxacin; the difference was statistically significant with a p-value of 0.03. |
Jan 2004-Dec 2008 |
Our Services
By investing in innovative research and collaborative initiatives, we aim to provide a comprehensive suite of services aimed at developing vaccines and therapeutics to address BK virus infection.
Disease Models
- Squirrel Monkeys (Saimiri sciureus): BKV Gardner strain or SV40 777 strain
- Rhesus Macaques: SV40
- Owl Monkeys (Aotus trivirgatus): JCV, BKV, and SV40
Utilizing various animal models, we investigate the pharmacodynamics and pharmacokinetics of novel therapeutic agents, ensuring that they exhibit favorable profiles before advancing to clinical trials. In addition, we conduct rigorous in vitro assays to assess the immunogenic properties of vaccine candidates and evaluate their antiviral efficacy against the BK virus. If you are interested in our services, please feel free to contact us.
References
- Kesherwani, Varun, and Shikha Tarang. "An immunoinformatic approach to universal therapeutic vaccine design against BK virus." Vaccine 37.26 (2019): 3457-3463.
- Gorriceta, June Hayrelle, et al. "BK viral infection: A review of management and treatment." World Journal of Transplantation 13.6 (2023): 309.
All of our services and products are intended for preclinical research use
only and cannot be used to diagnose, treat or manage patients.
