Understanding the molecular biology of Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever (CCHF), including its complex genomic structure and interaction with host cells, is crucial for developing effective therapeutic strategies. Our company is committed to advancing vaccine and therapeutics development in this area, providing innovative solutions to combat this formidable pathogen.
Introduction to Crimean-Congo Hemorrhagic Fever
Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever (CCHF) is a severe viral illness caused by the Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever virus (CCHFV), which is primarily transmitted to humans through the bite of infected ticks, specifically those belonging to the Hyalomma genus. The disease is characterized by a sudden onset of fever, myalgia, and abdominal pain, which can progress to severe hemorrhagic manifestations and has a case fatality rate exceeding 30% in some regions. CCHF is endemic to parts of Africa, the Middle East, and Eastern Europe, with reported cases increasingly spreading due to the expansion of the tick population.
Fig.1 Molecular biological analysis of Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever virus. (Hawman D. W., et al., 2023)
Vaccine Development for CCHF
- Inactivated vaccines have been developed using whole CCHFV, cultivated in cell culture or suckling mouse brains, followed by chemical inactivation.
- Subunit vaccines focus on specific viral proteins, such as the nucleoprotein (NP) and glycoprotein precursor (GPC), to induce an immune response.
- Nucleic acid-based vaccines, including DNA and mRNA vaccines, have emerged as promising candidates for CCHF.
- Utilizing viral vectors to deliver CCHFV antigens, these vaccines leverage the power of attenuated or inactivated viruses to carry and express CCHFV genes.
Therapeutics Development for CCHF
Ribavirin, a nucleoside analogue, has been used with mixed results in clinical settings. Newer antiviral drugs, such as favipiravir, have shown more promising results in preclinical studies, demonstrating a significant reduction in viral loads and improved survival rates in animal models. In addition, monoclonal antibodies targeting specific viral proteins have shown potential in providing passive immunity against CCHFV. Given the significant inflammatory response associated with CCHF, therapies targeting the modulation of cytokine release or other aspects of the immune response are being explored.
Table 1 Therapeutics for Crimean-Congo Hemorrhagic Fever. (Hawman D. W., et al., 2023)
| Compound |
Class |
Target |
Preclinical efficacy |
Clinical efficacy |
Comments |
| Ribavirin |
Nucleoside analogue |
RdRP |
Controversial efficacy in rodent models |
Controversial efficacy in cases |
Poor efficacy; early therapeutic start needed; should be discontinued or used in combination therapy |
| Favipiravir |
Nucleoside analogue |
RdRP |
Efficacy in rodent and NHP models |
Limited data or benefit |
Late therapeutic start effective in rodent models; clinical trials are needed |
| 2'-Deoxy-2'-fluorocytidine |
Nucleoside analogue |
RdRP |
Not done |
No data |
More preclinical studies are needed |
| Molnupiravir |
Nucleoside analogue |
RdRP |
No efficacy in rodent models |
No data |
Unlikely to proceed |
| Plasma or antibodies from survivors |
Neutralizing or non-neutralizing |
Viral proteins |
Not done |
Limited data or benefit |
More preclinical and/or clinical studies are needed |
| Monoclonal antibodies |
Neutralizing or non-neutralizing |
Viral proteins |
Limited data in rodent models |
No data |
More preclinical and/or clinical studies are needed |
| Corticosteroids |
Anti-inflammatory |
Host response |
Not done |
Limited data or benefit |
More preclinical and/or clinical studies are needed |
Our Services
Specializing in delivering all-encompassing services for the advancement of vaccines and therapeutics targeting Crimean-Congo Hemorrhagic Fever, our focus is on harnessing state-of-the-art scientific research and technological innovations. Our aim is to enhance the pace and efficacy of research and development initiatives for pharmaceutical companies worldwide.
Disease Models
- Neonatal Mice
- STAT-1 Knockout Mice
- IFNAR Knockout Mice
- IFNAGR Knockout Mice
- Cynomolgus Macaques
- Tick-Transmission Models
- Humanized Mouse Models (NSG-SGM3)
Our company offers state-of-the-art preclinical research services aimed at advancing the understanding of CCHFV and facilitating the development of vaccines and therapeutics. If you are interested in our services, please feel free to contact us.
References
- Hawman, David W., and Heinz Feldmann. "Crimean–Congo haemorrhagic fever virus." Nature Reviews Microbiology 21.7 (2023): 463-477.
- Ozdarendeli, Aykut. "Crimean–Congo hemorrhagic fever virus: progress in vaccine development." Diagnostics 13.16 (2023): 2708.
All of our services and products are intended for preclinical research use
only and cannot be used to diagnose, treat or manage patients.
