An effective program for the development of vaccines and therapeutics is crucial in propelling the progress of isosporiasis management. Positioned as pioneers in this field, our company spearheads the creation of inventive solutions, encompassing vaccines and therapeutics, to combat this disease.
Overview of Isosporiasis
Isosporiasis, also recognized as cystoisosporiasis, manifests as an intestinal parasitic affliction induced by the protozoan Cystoisospora belli. Marked by symptoms like watery diarrhea, weight loss, and abdominal discomfort, this condition predominantly impacts immunocompromised individuals, notably those with HIV/AIDS and organ transplants. The parasite's life cycle encompasses both sexual and asexual reproduction within the host's intestinal tract, culminating in the generation and expulsion of oocysts, which serve as the infective phase of the parasite.
Fig.1 Oocyst of Cystoisospora belli in fecal smear. (Agholi M., et al., 2016)
Vaccine Development for Isosporiasis
Vaccine development for Isosporiasis is in an investigative phase. Researchers are focusing on several strategies, including subunit, DNA, and live-attenuated vaccines.
Subunit Vaccines
Subunit vaccines harness distinct antigenic constituents of Cystoisospora belli, to trigger an immune reaction. These vaccines are under development to specifically target pivotal proteins engaged in the parasite's intrusion and replication mechanisms within host cells.
DNA Vaccines
DNA vaccines entail the direct delivery of genetic material containing C. belli antigens into a host, enabling the host's cells to generate the antigens and prompt an immune reaction. While this method is in the experimental phase, additional research is imperative to guarantee its safety and effectiveness.
Live-Attenuated Vaccines
Live-attenuated vaccines employ a debilitated version of the parasite that lacks the ability to induce disease but can trigger an immune reaction. This strategy, known to be successful in vaccines for various illnesses, is currently under scrutiny for its potential application in combating Isosporiasis.
Therapeutics Development for Isosporiasis
The mainstay of Isosporiasis therapeutics is trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole (TMP-SMX), which is effective in most cases. However, relapses are common, particularly in immunocompromised patients, necessitating the development of new therapeutic strategies.
Nitazoxanide is an alternative therapeutic agent that has shown promise in treating Isosporiasis. It works by disrupting the parasite's ability to utilize glucose, leading to its death.
Pyrimethamine and sulfadiazine were used in cases where patients could not tolerate TMP-SMX. These drugs target folate metabolism of the parasite and inhibit its growth and reproduction.
Our Services
Our company offers a suite of services aimed at facilitating the development of vaccines and therapeutics for Isosporiasis. These services include:
- Vaccine Design and Development: Leveraging cutting-edge technologies, we assist in designing and developing novel vaccines tailored to target C. belli antigens effectively.
- Therapeutics Formulation: Our team of experts works on formulating new therapeutics, optimizing drug delivery systems, and enhancing the bioavailability of existing drugs.
Disease Models
- Cystoisospora belli Infection Animal Models
- In addition to animal models, our company also exploits established cell lines like BEK and Vero for in vitro studies.
Moreover, our preclinical research services encompass a wide range of activities aimed at developing and testing new vaccines and therapeutics for Isosporiasis. These services include:
- Molecular Biology and Genomics: We utilize cutting-edge genomic techniques to understand the parasite's genetic makeup and identify potential vaccine targets.
- Immunology: A thorough understanding of the host-parasite immune interactions is crucial for developing effective vaccines and therapies.
- High-Throughput Screening: We employ high-throughput screening methods to test numerous compounds for their efficacy against C. belli.
If you are interested in our services, please feel free to contact us.
References
- Agholi, Mahmoud, Elham Aliabadi, and Gholam Reza Hatam. "Cystoisosporiasis-related human acalculous cholecystitis: the need for increased awareness." Polish Journal of Pathology 67.3 (2016): 270-276.
- Dubey, J. P., and S. Almeria. "Cystoisospora belli infections in humans: the past 100 years." Parasitology 146.12 (2019): 1490-1527.
All of our services and products are intended for preclinical research use
only and cannot be used to diagnose, treat or manage patients.
