Mycoplasma genitalium (M. genitalium) is a sexually transmitted infection (STI) that has garnered significant attention due to its rising incidence and the challenges it poses in terms of antimicrobial resistance. Our company's comprehensive approach to vaccine and therapy development, coupled with robust preclinical research services, positions us at the forefront of combating this emerging pathogen.
Overview of Mycoplasma Genitalium Infection
Mycoplasma genitalium is an emerging and persistent pathogen that has become a significant public health concern worldwide. As one of the smallest self-replicating organisms, this fastidious bacterium lacks a cell wall, making it inherently resistant to many conventional antibiotic classes that target cell wall synthesis. M. genitalium is a leading cause of non-gonococcal urethritis in men and has been associated with a range of reproductive tract infections in women, including cervicitis, pelvic inflammatory disease, and tubal factor infertility.
Fig.1 Mycoplasma genitalium structure and interactions with human reproductive tract epithelial cells. (McGowin C. L., et al., 2017)
Vaccine Development for Mycoplasma Genitalium Infection
Multi-Epitope Subunit Vaccines
Multi-epitope subunit vaccines incorporate multiple B-cell and T-cell epitopes from the pathogen's proteome to enhance immunogenicity.
DNA vaccines involve the use of plasmids encoding Mycoplasma genitalium antigens. Upon inoculation, these plasmids are taken up by host cells, which then produce the antigenic proteins, stimulating an immune response.
Although less common due to safety concerns, live attenuated vaccines could potentially provide a robust and long-lasting immunity by closely mimicking natural infection.
Therapeutics Development for Mycoplasma Genitalium Infection
Initially, macrolide antibiotics such as azithromycin were the cornerstone of Mycoplasma genitalium therapeutics. However, the emergence of macrolide-resistant strains has prompted a reevaluation of therapeutic guidelines and a search for alternative therapies.
The development of new antimicrobial agents, including pristinamycin, solithromycin, and sitafloxacin, has shown promise in treating Mycoplasma genitalium, including resistant strains. These agents are in various stages of clinical trials, offering hope for more effective therapeutic options.
Our Services
Through our innovative vaccine development strategies, cutting-edge therapeutics, and state-of-the-art preclinical research capabilities, we provide you with customized solutions based on your requirements.
Disease Models
- M. genitalium Urogenital Infection: Mice, Hamsters, and Rhesus Monkeys
- Cervical Inoculation with M. genitalium: Pig-Tailed Macaques
- Intraoviduct Inoculation: Marmosets and Grivet Monkeys
Preclinical Research
- Drug Safety Evaluation
- In Vivo Pharmacokinetics Study
- In Vitro Pharmacokinetics Study
- Activity Testing
- Drug Resistance Evaluation
To support our vaccine and therapeutic development efforts, we have established a comprehensive suite of M. genitalium infection animal models. These innovative models, including non-human primates, rodents, and tissue-based systems, enable us to study the pathogenesis of this infection, evaluate host-pathogen interactions, and assess the efficacy of our vaccine and drug candidates. 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
- McGowin, Chris L., and Patricia A. Totten. "The unique microbiology and molecular pathogenesis of Mycoplasma genitalium." The Journal of infectious diseases 216.suppl_2 (2017): S382-S388.
- Sethi, Sunil, Kamran Zaman, and Neha Jain. "Mycoplasma genitalium infections: current treatment options and resistance issues." Infection and drug resistance (2017): 283-292.
- Ali, Sharafat, et al. "Proteome wide vaccine targets prioritization and designing of antigenic vaccine candidate to trigger the host immune response against the Mycoplasma genitalium infection." Microbial Pathogenesis 152 (2021): 104771.
All of our services and products are intended for preclinical research use
only and cannot be used to diagnose, treat or manage patients.