Coccidioidomycosis, also known as Valley fever, is a fungal infection caused by Coccidioides, a dimorphic fungus that includes Coccidioides immitis and Coccidioides posadasii. Our company stands at the forefront of innovation in the field of infectious diseases, particularly in areas like coccidioidomycosis, offering a unique array of advantages that cater specifically to the needs of researchers and scientists.
Overview of Coccidioidomycosis
Coccidioidomycosis is prevalent in specific regions of the United States, particularly in California and Arizona. Over the years, there has been a significant increase in the number of reported cases of coccidioidomycosis, with the incidence rate rising from 5.3 cases per 100,000 individuals in endemic areas in 1998 to 42.6 cases per 100,000 in 2011. Individuals who contract coccidioidomycosis may experience mild respiratory symptoms with infiltrates, or more severe pulmonary manifestations.
Fig.1 Life cycle of Coccidioides. (Boro, R., et al., 2022)
Pathogenesis of Coccidioidomycosis
The fungus responsible for coccidioidomycosis is typically found in the soil of arid regions. When the soil is disturbed, fungal spores are released into the air and can be inhaled by humans. Once inside a host, the fungus transitions to a parasitic state, extracting nutrients and producing endospores. These endospores develop into spherules containing more endospores, which can eventually rupture, releasing their contents to restart the parasitic cycle in the host, and possibly re-enter the soil in the environment.
Fig.2 Fungal targets relevant to coccidioidomycosis. (Boro, R., et al., 2022)
Vaccine and Therapeutic Development for Coccidioidomycosis
| Types |
Names |
Mechanism of Action |
Targets |
Research Phase |
| Vaccines |
Multivalent vaccine |
Stimulate a broader range of T-cell clones |
Three selected antigens (rPep1, rPlb, and rAmn1) |
Preclinical research |
| Δcps1 vaccine |
Extend survival and greatly diminish dissemination |
Removal of the 6 kb CPS1 gene from C. posadasii |
Preclinical research |
| Ag2/PRA primary DC |
Induce IFN, IL-4 and IL-17 production |
Ag2/PRA antigen |
Preclinical research |
| Therapeutics |
Fluconazole |
Inhibit 14-α-demethylation of the CYP51 enzyme |
CYP51A1 |
Approved |
| VT-1598 |
Inhibition of 14-α-demethylase |
CYP51A1 |
Phase I trials |
| Olorofim |
A reversible inhibitor of the enzyme dihyroorotate dehydrogenase (DHODH) |
DHODH |
Phase III trials |
| Ibrexafungerp |
Resulting in the stoppage of synthesis of the essential fungal cell wall component β-(1,3)-D-glucan |
β-(1,3)-D-glucan synthase |
Phase III trials |
| Fosmanogepix |
Inhibit the Gwt1 enzyme which catalyzes inositol acylation |
Gwt1 |
Phase II trials |
| Nikkomycin Z |
Inhibit chitin synthase |
Chitin synthase |
Phase II trials |
Our Services
With our one-stop comprehensive services, we provide a seamless experience for professionals seeking to delve deeper into the complexities of this fungal infection. Our integrated platform includes infectious disease models, vaccines, and therapeutics development, equipping researchers and scientists with the necessary resources and assistance to make substantial progress in combatting infectious diseases such as coccidioidomycosis.
Vaccine Development Platforms
Therapeutic Development Platforms
Infectious Disease Models
Animal models are invaluable in understanding the pathogenesis, immune responses, therapy options, and overall dynamics of coccidioidomycosis. Our company offers a variety of animal models for you to develop effective strategies for combating this fungal infection.
These models involve infecting animals with Coccidioides fungal spores through various routes, including respiratory, intraperitoneal, intravenous, intrathecal/intracranial, or subcutaneous routes.
Optional Models: B6D2 mice model of Coccidioides posadasii infection, etc.
By fostering collaboration, innovation, and support across the research continuum, we empower scientists and researchers to make meaningful strides in the fight against infectious diseases. If you are interested in our service, we invite you to reach out to us for further information and to obtain detailed quotations tailored to your research requirements.
References
- Boro, Ryan et al. "Current Landscape of Coccidioidomycosis." Journal of fungi (Basel, Switzerland) 8.4 (2022): 413.
- B R Da Silva, Leandro et al. "Advances in Fungal Peptide Vaccines." Journal of fungi (Basel, Switzerland) 6.3 (2020): 119.
All of our services and products are intended for preclinical research use
only and cannot be used to diagnose, treat or manage patients.
