Marburg Virus Disease
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Marburg Virus Disease

Marburg virus disease (MVD) is a severe and often fatal illness in humans and non-human primates. Our company's commitment to advancing innovative solutions has positioned us as a leader in the fight against Marburg virus disease, paving the way for the development of effective vaccines and therapeutics.

Introduction to Marburg Virus Disease

Marburg virus disease (MVD) is a highly virulent viral hemorrhagic fever caused by the Marburg virus (MARV), a member of the Filoviridae family alongside the Ebola virus. First identified during simultaneous outbreaks in Germany and Serbia in 1967, MVD has since been linked to several outbreaks primarily in Africa, with a case fatality rate reaching as high as 88%. The disease is zoonotic, with fruit bats, particularly Rousettus aegyptiacus, identified as the natural reservoir. The transmission to humans occurs through direct contact with infected animals or contaminated bodily fluids.

Schematic diagram of the pathophysiological analysis of Marburg virus (MARV) infection.Fig.1 Pathophysiology of Marburg virus (MARV) infection. (Chakraborty S., et al., 2022)

Vaccine Development for Marburg Virus Disease

Recombinant Vector Vaccines

Recombinant vector vaccines have shown promise in preclinical studies. These vaccines use a harmless virus or bacteria to carry a piece of the MARV genome into the host's cells, prompting an immune response without causing disease. One example is the recombinant vesicular stomatitis virus (rVSV) vaccine, which has demonstrated complete protection in non-human primate models when administered post-exposure.

DNA and RNA Vaccines

Nucleic acid vaccines, including DNA and RNA vaccines, are a novel approach that involves introducing genetic material encoding MARV antigens directly into the host cells. This technology has the advantage of rapid development and the ability to elicit a strong immune response. An example is the Marburg virus glycoprotein DNA vaccine, which has been tested for safety and immunogenicity in clinical trials.

Virus-Like Particle (VLP) Vaccines

Virus-like particle (VLP) vaccines mimic the structure of the virus, stimulating an immune response without containing any live virus material. VLPs have been developed for Marburg virus (MARV), focusing on the virus's surface glycoprotein, which is crucial for viral entry into host cells. These virus-like particle (VLP) vaccines have shown potential in inducing neutralizing antibodies in preclinical studies.

Therapeutics Development for Marburg Virus Disease

  • Antiviral Therapies: Small molecule antiviral drugs target specific viral enzymes or pathways essential for the virus's replication. Remdesivir, for example, has shown activity against MARV in vitro, and its efficacy is being explored in animal models.
  • Monoclonal Antibodies: Monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) can neutralize the virus by binding to specific viral proteins, preventing viral entry into host cells. mAbs targeting the MARV glycoprotein have been developed and are being evaluated for their therapeutic potential.
  • Immune Modulators: Therapies that modulate the host's immune response can also be effective in treating MVD. Interferons and other cytokines have been studied for their ability to bolster the immune system against MARV.

Our Services

The services we provide comprise an extensive range of solutions for the advancement of vaccines and therapeutics targeting MVD. Specializing in:

  • Vaccine Design and Development: Utilizing cutting-edge technologies to create effective and safe vaccines.
  • Antiviral Drug Discovery: Identifying and optimizing small molecules with potent antiviral activity.
  • Immunotherapy Strategies: Developing therapeutics that harness the power of the immune system to combat MVD.

Our preclinical research services are designed to provide robust data supporting vaccine and therapeutic development. We utilize state-of-the-art facilities and techniques to conduct comprehensive studies. If you are interested in our services, please feel free to contact us.

References

  1. Chakraborty, Sandip, et al. "Marburg virus disease-a mini-review." (2022): 689-696.
  2. Asad, Ameema, et al. "Past and current advances in Marburg virus disease: a review." Infez Med 28.3 (2020): 332-345.
  3. Manno, Daniela. "Developing a vaccine against Marburg virus disease." The Lancet 401.10373 (2023): 251-253.

All of our services and products are intended for preclinical research use only and cannot be used to diagnose, treat or manage patients.