Cryptococcosis is a fungal infection caused by Cryptococcus neoformans or Cryptococcus gattii species complexes. Positioned as a pioneer of innovation and excellence in the field of infectious diseases, particularly within the realm of cryptococcosis, our company provides unmatched advantages customized to meet the requirements of researchers and scientists.
Overview of Cryptococcosis
Cryptococcosis is an opportunistic infection that primarily affects individuals with weakened immune systems, such as those with HIV/AIDS, organ transplant recipients, and individuals undergoing immunosuppressive therapy. An average annual incidence of 0.45 cases of meningeal cryptococcosis per 100,000 inhabitants has been reported in the general population. Symptoms of cryptococcosis can manifest as pneumonia or meningitis, with common signs such as headache, fever, cough, and in severe cases, neurological symptoms.
Fig.1 Conventional antifungals and new molecules for cryptococcosis therapy. (Spadari, C. C., et al., 2020)
Pathogenesis of Cryptococcosis
The development of cryptococcosis in humans is typically attributed to the inhalation of yeasts or spores of C. neoformans and C. gattii found in the environment. Once inhaled, the fungal spores can travel to the lungs and disseminate to other organs, notably the central nervous system. Cryptococcus is equipped with virulence factors like the polysaccharide capsule, aiding in its evasion of the host's immune defenses.
Vaccine Development for Cryptococcosis
Fungal vaccine development is the use of recombinant protein antigens or polysaccharide antigens to stimulate the immune system against the fungus. These antigens can be combined with adjuvants to enhance the immune response.
- Whole-Cell Antigens
ZNF2 overexpression strain; ∆sgl1 strain; ∆cda1/2/3 strain; C. neoformans IFN-γ expressing strain (H99γ), etc.
- Capsular Polysaccharides
Glucuronoxylomannan (GXM); Galactoxylomannan (GalXM); CP-protein carrier-conjugated vaccines, etc.
- Mannoproteins
Chitin deacetylase (Cda1, Cda2, also known as MP98 and Cda3); 25-kDa chitin deacetylase homologue (d25), etc.
Therapeutic Development for Cryptococcosis
| Types |
Names |
Mechanism of Action |
Targets |
Research Phase |
| Amphotericin B |
Small molecule drug |
Cause leakage of cellular contents, and leads to death by cellular dysfunction |
Ergosterol |
Approved |
| Fluconazole (FLC) |
Small molecule drug |
Inhibit the fungal cytochrome P450-dependent lanosterol C14-alpha-demethylase |
CYP51A1 |
Approved |
| VT-1598 |
Small molecule drug |
Highly selective fungal Cyp51 inhibitor |
CYP51A1 |
Phase I trials |
| Exogenous IFN-γ |
Cytokine |
Direct the immune system toward the protective Th1 type immunity |
/ |
Phase II trials |
| Mycograb |
Recombinant human antibody |
Against fungal heat shock protein 90 (Hsp90) |
Hsp90 |
Phase II trials |
| 18B7 |
Monoclonal antibody |
Promote rapid clearance of serum cryptococcal antigen |
Capsular polysaccharide |
Phase I trials |
Our Services
Our company has an advanced infectious disease model, vaccine, and therapeutic development platform, which enables us to propel the development of novel therapies and therapy modalities for cryptococcosis. From cutting-edge laboratory tools to state-of-the-art diagnostic technologies, our one-stop platform can meet your needs at any research stage.
Vaccine Development Platforms
Therapeutic Development Platforms
Infectious Disease Models
Animal models play a crucial role in studying infectious diseases like cryptococcosis. Our company can provide various infectious disease models to help researchers understand the pathogenesis of the disease, test potential therapeutics, and evaluate vaccine candidates.
Cryptococcus can be introduced into animals with immunodeficiency or depleted of specific immune cells via different routes, including intranasal, intravenous, or intratracheal administration, to mimic natural infection routes in humans.
Optional Models: RAG-1-/- mice model of C. neoformans infection, etc.
With a steadfast commitment to advancing knowledge and therapeutics in this complex fungal infection, we provide a comprehensive suite of services. If you are interested in our service, please don't hesitate to contact us.
References
- Spadari, Cristina de Castro et al. "New Approaches for Cryptococcosis Treatment." Microorganisms 8.4 (2020): 613.
- do Carmo, Fabíolla Nacimento et al. "Cryptococcus spp. and Cryptococcosis: focusing on the infection in Brazil." Brazilian journal of microbiology 53.3 (2022): 1321-1337.
All of our services and products are intended for preclinical research use
only and cannot be used to diagnose, treat or manage patients.
