Lyme disease is a tick-borne illness caused by the bacterium Borrelia burgdorferi. As a leading research service provider, our company is proud to present our comprehensive Lyme disease vaccine and therapy development services.
Introduction to Lyme Disease
Lyme disease, a complex infection, manifests as a multisystemic illness primarily transmitted through the bite of infected ticks. In North America, the black-legged tick (Ixodes scapularis or Ixodes pacificus) serves as the primary vector, while in Europe, the sheep tick (Ixodes ricinus) is responsible for transmission. The disease can affect various organs, including the skin, joints, heart, and nervous system. Early symptoms often involve the appearance of a distinctive rash called erythema migrans, accompanied by flu-like manifestations such as fever, fatigue, headache, and muscle and joint discomfort.
Fig. 1 The enzootic cycle of Borrelia burgdorferi. (Radolf J. D., et al., 2021)
Pathogenesis of Lyme Disease
The onset of Lyme disease can be attributed to the introduction of Borrelia burgdorferi into the human body through the bite of a tick carrying the infection. Once inside the human body, the spirochete bacteria disseminate and infect various tissues. The bacteria evade the host immune response by altering their surface proteins, allowing them to persist and cause chronic infection.
The immune response to Borrelia burgdorferi involves both innate and adaptive immunity. Innate immune cells recognize the bacteria and initiate an inflammatory response. However, the bacteria have developed mechanisms to evade and suppress the immune system, which contributes to the establishment of persistent infection. The adaptive immune response, particularly the production of antibodies, plays a crucial role in controlling the infection.
Vaccine Development for Lyme Disease
The development of an effective Lyme disease vaccine has been a significant focus in the field of infectious disease research. Previously, a recombinant vaccine called LYMErix was developed, targeting a surface protein of Borrelia burgdorferi. However, due to factors such as limited efficacy, high cost, and concerns about potential side effects, the vaccine is no longer commercially available.
Despite the setbacks, ongoing research and development efforts aim to create new and improved Lyme disease vaccines. These vaccines primarily target specific surface proteins of Borrelia burgdorferi, aiming to elicit a protective immune response. Advanced techniques such as DNA vaccines, subunit vaccines, and novel adjuvants are being explored to enhance the vaccine's effectiveness.
Therapeutics Development for Lyme Disease
Antibiotics, particularly doxycycline, amoxicillin, cefuroxime axetil, and azithromycin, are the primary therapeutic options for Lyme disease. For early localized infections, oral administration of doxycycline is widely recommended. However, alternative antibiotics such as amoxicillin, cefuroxime axetil, and azithromycin can be used in specific cases. In more severe cases, such as neurologic or cardiovascular manifestations, intravenous administration of ceftriaxone or cefotaxime is recommended.
With extensive expertise, our team of researchers and scientists work tirelessly to provide you with a one-stop solution for therapeutic development. You can learn more by clicking on the link below.
Our Services
At our company, we are committed to advancing the field of Lyme disease research and drug development. Through our expertise in vaccine development, therapy development, and the establishment of reliable animal models and in vitro models, we strive to make significant contributions to the fight against Lyme disease. Our comprehensive services aim to provide innovative solutions to meet the diverse needs of global pharmaceutical companies.
Infectious Disease Models
- Mouse Infection
- Rhesus Monkey Infection
- Hamster Infection
- Guinea Pig Infection Models
- Rabbit Infection
- Dog Infection
- Cell-based
- Organoid
We have a world-class team that aims to identify new therapeutic targets, develop innovative drug candidates and vaccines, and conduct comprehensive preclinical studies. If our services have piqued your interest, we warmly welcome you to reach out to us for further information and obtain a detailed quotation for the services you require.
References
- Radolf Justin D., et al. "Lyme disease in humans." Current issues in molecular biology 42.1 (2021): 333-384.
- Chen Wen-Hsiang, et al. "Past, present, and future of Lyme disease vaccines: antigen engineering approaches and mechanistic insights." Expert review of vaccines 21.10 (2022): 1405-1417.
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