Comprehending the intricate biology of HPV, encompassing its strategies to evade the host immune system and its oncogenic pathways, is crucial for crafting potent vaccines and therapies. Our company specializes in delivering thorough services for the development of vaccines and therapies targeting HPV infections, ensuring a holistic approach to combat this viral threat.
Overview of Human Papillomavirus Infection
Papillomavirus (HPV) is a group of more than 200 related viruses, with over 40 types transmitted through direct skin-to-skin contact, primarily during sexual activity. HPV is categorized into two main groups: low-risk and high-risk types. Low-risk types can cause benign conditions such as genital warts, while high-risk types are associated with the development of various cancers, including cervical, anal, and oropharyngeal cancers. Persistent infection with high-risk HPV types, particularly HPV 16 and HPV 18, is a significant cause of cervical cancer, leading to an estimated 570,000 new cases and over 300,000 deaths worldwide annually.
Fig.1 Progression of human papillomavirus infection and associated disease. (Shanmugasundaram S., et al., 2017)
Vaccine Development for Human Papillomavirus Infection
- Bivalent Vaccines
Bivalent vaccines, such as Cervarix, target two high-risk HPV types, primarily HPV 16 and 18. These vaccines have been instrumental in reducing the incidence of cervical cancer and its precursors by stimulating the immune system to produce antibodies against these specific types.
- Quadrivalent Vaccines
Quadrivalent vaccines, like Gardasil, protect against four HPV types: 6, 11, 16, and 18. In addition to covering the high-risk types, these vaccines also target the types responsible for genital warts, providing broader protection against HPV-related diseases.
- Nonavalent Vaccines
The nonavalent vaccine, Gardasil 9, offers the most comprehensive protection by targeting nine HPV types, including five additional high-risk types: 31, 33, 45, 52, and 58. This vaccine has been shown to significantly reduce the prevalence of vaccine-type HPV infections and related diseases.
Table 1 Adverse effects of bivalent and quadrivalent HPV vaccines. (Kamolratanakul S., et al., 2021)
| Adverse Effect |
Vaccine Type |
Relative Risk |
95% CI |
| Overall adverse effects at the injection site |
Bivalent and quadrivalent |
1.18 |
1.16 to 1.20 |
| Overall systemic events |
Bivalent and quadrivalent |
1.02 |
0.98 to 1.07 |
| Serious adverse event |
Bivalent and quadrivalent |
1.01 |
0.95 to 1.07 |
| Autoimmune-related conditions |
Bivalent |
0.98 |
0.80 to 1.21 |
| Thromboembolic event |
Quadrivalent |
0.7 |
0.3 to 1.4 |
| Chronic fatigue syndrome |
Quadrivalent |
0.94 |
0.78 to 1.14 |
| Multiple sclerosis |
Quadrivalent |
0.3 |
0.1 to 0.9 |
| Connective disorders |
Quadrivalent |
0.8 |
0.3 to 2.4 |
| Type 1 diabetes |
Quadrivalent |
1.2 |
0.4 to 3.6 |
| Guillain–Barré syndrome (GBS) |
Bivalent and quadrivalent |
3.78 |
1.79 to 7.98 |
| Bivalent |
8.08 |
1.69 to 38.61 |
| Quadrivalent |
3.78 |
1.70 to 8.41 |
| Thyroiditis |
Bivalent |
3.75 |
1.25 to 11.31 |
| Inflammatory bowel disease |
Bivalent and quadrivalent |
1.14 |
0.97 to 1.35 |
| Bivalent |
1.11 |
0.75 to 1.66 |
Therapeutics Development for Human Papillomavirus Infection
E2 Protein Modulators
Compounds that target the E2 protein are being explored for their ability to inhibit viral genome maintenance and transcription. By reducing the expression of viral oncogenes, these small molecules may help restore normal cellular function and prevent cancer progression.
Checkpoint Inhibitors
Immunomodulatory agents are designed to enhance the host immune response against HPV. Agents such as pembrolizumab target immune checkpoints to enhance T-cell responses against HPV-infected cells. Research is ongoing to evaluate their effectiveness in patients with HPV-related malignancies.
Our Services
Our team employs cutting-edge technologies to create effective prophylactic and therapeutic vaccines tailored to specific HPV types. For therapeutics, our company focuses on identifying and validating novel targets for drug development. We employ a multidisciplinary approach, leveraging our expertise in molecular biology, virology, and immunology to develop targeted therapies that can effectively combat persistent HPV infections.
Disease Models
- Rabbit Papillomavirus (RPV) Models
- Bovine Papillomavirus (BPV) Models
- Canine Oral Papillomavirus (COPV) Models
- Human Papillomavirus (HPV) Transgenic Mice
Preclinical Research
- Pharmacodynamics Study Services
- Pharmacokinetics Study Services
- Drug Safety Evaluation Services
- Customized Research Services
In addition, our team focuses on identifying biomarkers that predict response to HPV therapies, enabling the development of personalized therapeutic approaches. If you are interested in our services, please feel free to contact us.
References
- Shanmugasundaram, Srinidhi, and Jianxin You. "Targeting persistent human papillomavirus infection." Viruses 9.8 (2017): 229.
- Kamolratanakul, Supitcha, and Punnee Pitisuttithum. "Human papillomavirus vaccine efficacy and effectiveness against cancer." Vaccines 9.12 (2021): 1413.
All of our services and products are intended for preclinical research use
only and cannot be used to diagnose, treat or manage patients.
