Meningococcal disease remains a significant global health challenge, with the evolving epidemiology of meningococcal serogroups and the need for continuous innovation in vaccine and therapy development. At our company, we are dedicated to driving the advancement of cutting-edge solutions to combat this devastating disease.
Introduction to Meningococcal Disease
Meningococcal disease is a severe, potentially life-threatening condition caused by the bacterium Neisseria meningitidis. This gram-negative diplococcus primarily resides asymptomatically in the human nasopharynx but can occasionally lead to invasive disease, manifesting as meningitis or bacteremia. The disease is characterized by its rapid progression and high mortality rates, with significant morbidity among survivors.
The disease is categorized into several types:
- Meningococcemia: Characterized by disseminated intravascular coagulation leading to petechial or purpuric rash and potential ischemic tissue damage.
- Meningitis: Inflammation of the meninges due to bacterial invasion, causing symptoms like headache, neck stiffness, and photophobia.
Fig.1 Global meningococcal serogroup distribution. (Wiersinga W. J., et al., 2018)
Vaccine Development for Meningococcal Disease
Polysaccharide-Conjugate Vaccines
The first generation of meningococcal vaccines were based on the purified capsular polysaccharides of the various serogroups. While these polysaccharide vaccines provided protection against specific serogroups, they had limited effectiveness in young children, who are at the highest risk of IMD, and did not elicit long-lasting immune memory.
Protein-Based Vaccines
The development of vaccines against serogroup B meningococcus (MenB) has been particularly challenging due to the structural similarities between the MenB capsular polysaccharide and human neural cell adhesion molecules, which can elicit autoimmune responses.
Therapeutics Development for Meningococcal Disease
Antibiotic Therapies
Parenteral antimicrobial therapy is critical in the initial therapeutic of suspected meningococcal disease. The prompt administration of antibiotics such as cefotaxime, ceftriaxone, and penicillin has been associated with improved outcomes.
Adjunctive Therapies
The role of adjunctive therapies, such as corticosteroids, has shown promise in reducing the incidence of neurologic sequelae in meningitis cases. High-dose dexamethasone is administered before or with the first dose of antibiotics, particularly in cases of suspected bacterial meningitis.
Our Services
At our company, we are committed to being at the forefront of meningococcal disease research and development. Our comprehensive services span the spectrum from diagnostics development to preclinical studies to support vaccine and therapeutic development.
- Infant Mouse Models
- Novel Murine Model Using a Capsule-Null Bacterial Strain
- Mouse Models of Gonococcal Genital Tract Infection
- Mouse Models with Complement-Deficient Mice (CDM)
Our state-of-the-art preclinical research capabilities enable us to conduct in-depth investigations into the immunogenicity, safety, and efficacy of novel meningococcal vaccine candidates and therapeutic agents. We leverage cutting-edge technologies, including advanced animal models and sophisticated in vitro assays, to generate robust data and inform the progression of our clients' projects. If our services have piqued your interest, we warmly welcome you to reach out to us for further information and to obtain a detailed quotation for the services you require.
References
- Millar, Beverley C., P. J. A. Moore, and J. E. Moore. "Meningococcal disease: has the battle been won?." BMJ Military Health 163.4 (2017): 235-241.
- Pizza, Mariagrazia, Rafik Bekkat-Berkani, and Rino Rappuoli. "Vaccines against meningococcal diseases." Microorganisms 8.10 (2020): 1521.
All of our services and products are intended for preclinical research use
only and cannot be used to diagnose, treat or manage patients.
