Calicivirus infections are caused by viruses belonging to the family Caliciviridae, which are single-stranded, positive-sense RNA viruses. Our services encompass a comprehensive suite of research and development capabilities tailored to advancing calicivirus vaccine and therapy initiatives.
Overview of Calicivirus Infection
Caliciviruses are a family of non-enveloped, single-stranded RNA viruses that pose significant threats to both human and animal health. Characterized by their cup-like appearance under electron microscopy, these viruses are notorious for their high mutation rates and the associated challenges in developing effective vaccines and therapies. Caliciviruses are responsible for a spectrum of diseases, with noroviruses causing gastroenteritis in humans, while feline caliciviruses lead to respiratory and systemic diseases in cats.
Fig.1 Diagrammatic representation of open reading frame (ORF) usage in different genomic and subgenomic RNAs of the Caliciviridae family. (Royall E., et al., 2016)
Vaccine Development for Calicivirus Infection
Human Norovirus Vaccines
The development of human norovirus vaccines has been a focal point. Vaccine strategies have included the use of virus-like particles (VLPs), aiming to stimulate the immune system without the need for live viruses, thus reducing the risks associated with live attenuated vaccines.
Feline Calicivirus Vaccines
Feline calicivirus vaccines are crucial for controlling outbreaks, with current vaccines focusing on inactivated or subunit vaccines. These vaccines aim to provide broad protection against the diverse strains, although the genetic diversity of the virus poses ongoing challenges.
Therapeutics Development for Calicivirus Infection
Antiviral therapies for Calicivirus infections primarily focus on targeting viral replication mechanisms. Several classes of antiviral agents are being investigated:
Protease Inhibitors (PIs)
These compounds inhibit the viral protease, an enzyme critical for processing viral proteins. GC376 and NPI52 have shown promise as potent PIs against FCV, with low EC50 values indicating their efficacy in vitro.
Nucleoside Analogues (NAs)
NAs, such as 20-C-methylcytidine (2CMC), mimic natural nucleotides and incorporate into viral RNA, disrupting replication. These agents have demonstrated significant antiviral activity against FCV, making them valuable candidates for therapeutic development.
Non-Nucleoside Inhibitors (NNIs)
These compounds, including PPNDS, target specific viral enzymes without mimicking nucleotides. Although some NNIs showed inhibitory effects in enzyme assays, their efficacy in whole-cell models remains to be fully established.
Broad-Spectrum Antivirals
Nitazoxanide, known for its broad antiviral properties, has also exhibited efficacy against FCV. Its low EC50 value suggests potential as a therapeutic option, especially in conjunction with other antiviral agents.
Our Services
The ongoing research and development efforts in Calicivirus vaccine and therapy development represent a critical need for effective interventions against this significant viral pathogen. By focusing on innovative approaches and robust preclinical research, we develop professional vaccine and therapeutic development solutions for you.
Preclinical Research
- Pharmacodynamics Study Services
- Pharmacokinetics Study Services
- Drug Safety Evaluation Services
Disease Models
- Feline Calicivirus (FCV) Infection Models
- Murine Norovirus (MNV) Infection Models
- Porcine Sapovirus (PSaV) Infection Models
- Rabbit Hemorrhagic Disease Virus (RHDV) Infection Models
A critical component of our service is the development and application of in vitro assays to evaluate the efficacy and safety of our vaccine and therapy candidates. These assays provide valuable data on the interaction between the therapeutic agents and the virus, guiding further optimization and development. If you are interested in our services, please feel free to contact us.
References
- Royall, Elizabeth, and Nicolas Locker. "Translational control during calicivirus infection." Viruses 8.4 (2016): 104.
- Bergmann, Michèle, et al. "Antibody response to feline calicivirus vaccination in healthy adult cats." Viruses 11.8 (2019): 702.
- Fumian, Tulio M., et al. "Potential therapeutic agents for feline calicivirus infection." Viruses 10.8 (2018): 433.
All of our services and products are intended for preclinical research use
only and cannot be used to diagnose, treat or manage patients.
