Buruli ulcer (BU) is a neglected tropical disease caused by the bacterium Mycobacterium ulcerans (M. ulcerans). Our company, a leader in Buruli ulcer drug research and development, is committed to making significant contributions to the field through our vaccine and therapy development services.
Overview of Buruli Ulcer
Buruli ulcer is the third most prevalent human mycobacteriosis, primarily affecting West African countries and Southeastern Australia. M. ulcerans, the causative agent, evolved from the nontuberculous bacterium M. marinum through the acquisition of a virulence plasmid containing genes responsible for the production of mycolactones, which are macrolide toxins. These mycolactones play a crucial role in the pathogenesis of Buruli ulcer by inducing apoptosis and blocking cell cycle progression.
Fig. 1 Proposed transmission mechanisms of Buruli Ulcer. (Dhungel L., et al., 2021)
Vaccine Development for Buruli Ulcer
Whole Bacteria Vaccines
Early studies focused on using whole bacteria vaccines, such as Mycobacterium marinum or M. ulcerans itself, as potential candidates for a BU vaccine. While some of these vaccines showed efficacy in animal models, the protection was often short-lived and diminished over time. However, recent advancements have been made by overexpressing specific M. ulcerans antigens in BCG or M. marinum strains.
Subunit Vaccines
Another approach is the use of acellular/subunit vaccines, which are formulated with adjuvants and delivered as proteins or DNA. Various M. ulcerans antigens have been investigated as subunit vaccine candidates, including Ag85A,Ag85B, ESAT-6, and Hsp65. Studies have shown that subunit vaccines based on these antigens can induce immune responses and confer partial protection against M. ulcerans infection in animal models.
DNA Vaccines
DNA vaccines have also been explored as a potential strategy for Buruli ulcer. These vaccines involve the direct delivery of plasmid DNA encoding specific M. ulcerans antigens into host cells. Preclinical studies using DNA vaccines targeting Ag85A and Ag85B have shown promising results, eliciting antigen-specific immune responses and reducing bacterial load in animal models.
Mycolactone-Based Vaccines
Given the pivotal role of mycolactone in the pathogenesis of BU, there is growing interest in developing vaccines that target this toxin. While direct use of mycolactone as a vaccine is challenging due to its cytotoxic properties, efforts have been made to generate mycolactone-neutralizing antibodies using non-cytotoxic mycolactone derivatives. These antibodies have shown potential in neutralizing mycolactone and protecting against BU in preclinical models.
Therapeutics Development for Buruli Ulcer
Telacebec, also known as Q203, has emerged as a promising candidate for the therapeutics of Buruli Ulcer. This molecule specifically targets the respiratory cytochrome bc1:aa3 in M. ulcerans, effectively eliminating the bacterium. In addition, tedizolid, selamectin, ivermectin, and benzothiazinone PBTZ169 also showed efficacy. Additionally, a hydrogel incorporating rifampicin and streptomycin has been developed for cutaneous administration, providing a potential local therapeutic option.
With a holistic approach, our company offers a comprehensive suite of services for the development of therapies targeting Buruli ulcer. To delve deeper into our offerings and explore how we can assist you in your Buruli ulcer therapy development journey, we invite you to click on the link below.
Our Services
Our company is at the forefront of Buruli ulcer research and development, offering a wide range of services to advance the field. We specialize in vaccine development, utilizing cutting-edge technologies to identify and evaluate potential vaccine candidates. Our team of experts conducts in-depth preclinical research, including the development of animal models and in vitro models, to assess the safety and efficacy of vaccine candidates.
- Mouse (Mus musculus) Models
- Guinea Pig (Cavia porcellus) Models
- Pig (Sus scrofa) Models
- Cynomologus Monkey (Maca fascicularis) Models
- African Rat (Mastomys natalensis) Models
- Others
Additionally, we focus on the development of innovative drug therapies for Buruli ulcer. Through rigorous preclinical studies, we identify novel drug targets and evaluate the efficacy of potential therapeutic agents. If our services have piqued your interest, we warmly welcome you to reach out to us for further information and obtain a detailed quotation for the services you require.
References
- Dhungel Laxmi, Mark Eric Benbow, and Heather Rose Jordan. "Linking the Mycobacterium ulcerans environment to Buruli ulcer disease: Progress and challenges." One Health 13 (2021): 100311.
- Popa, Gabriela Loredana, Alexandru Andrei Muntean, and Mircea Ioan Popa. "Recent Advances in the Management Strategies for Buruli Ulcers." Pathogens 12.9 (2023): 1088.
All of our services and products are intended for preclinical research use
only and cannot be used to diagnose, treat or manage patients.
