Pneumococcal infection is still a major public health problem, and it is necessary to continuously develop more effective vaccines and therapeutics. In our company, we are committed to promoting progress in this field, using our deep scientific knowledge, and advanced research capabilities, and committed to providing one-stop services.
Overview of Pneumococcal Infection
Pneumococcal infection, caused by the bacterium Streptococcus pneumoniae, is a significant global health concern, leading to a spectrum of diseases ranging from pneumonia, meningitis, sepsis, and otitis media. The bacterium's high mortality rate, especially among children under five and the elderly, underscores the urgency for effective prevention and therapeutic strategies.
Pneumolysin is a central virulence factor produced by all pneumococcal strains. This 53 kDa protein toxin binds to cholesterol in eukaryotic cell membranes, forming pores that lead to cell destruction. PLY can activate various cell death pathways, trigger inflammatory cascades, and disrupt epithelial and endothelial barriers, contributing to the severe pathology associated with pneumococcal infections.
Fig.1 Introduction to Pneumococcus bacteria. (Berical A. C., et al., 2016)
Vaccine Development for Pneumococcal Infection
Historical Context and Current Vaccines
With the discovery of the antibacterial properties of penicillin and a deeper understanding of pneumococcal capsular structure, the first tetravalent polysaccharide pneumococcal vaccine emerged. This was followed by the development of the 14-valent and later the 23-valent pneumococcal polysaccharide vaccines (PPSV23), which significantly reduced morbidity and mortality in certain populations.
Advancements in Conjugate Vaccines
Recognizing the limitations of polysaccharide vaccines, particularly their lack of efficacy in young children and the elderly, conjugate vaccines were developed. The 7-valent pneumococcal conjugate vaccine (PCV7) demonstrated remarkable success in reducing invasive pneumococcal disease (IPD) and has since been expanded to the 13-valent vaccine (PCV13), offering broader serotype coverage.
Therapeutics Development for Pneumococcal Infection
Targeted therapies that disrupt specific bacterial functions or virulence factors are being investigated. Pneumolysin, a key pneumococcal toxin, has emerged as a promising target for novel therapies. Systematic reviews have identified various molecules, including antibiotics, peptides, sterols, and statins, that inhibit pneumolysin's activity, offering potential new avenues for therapeutics.
| Types of Therapeutics |
Description |
| Antibiotics |
Clarithromycin and other macrolides have shown to negatively regulate pneumolysin (PLY) production and activate pneumococcal autolysis. |
| Peptides |
Several peptides, such as JI-34 and Vasculotide, have been identified as potential adjuvant therapies. |
| Antibodies |
Monoclonal antibodies against PLY have shown protective effects in animal models of infection. |
| Sterols |
Cholesterol and β-sitosterol are examples of sterols that inhibit the binding of PLY to the cell membrane. |
| Statins |
Simvastatin and pravastatin are statins that have shown protective effects against the cytotoxic effects of PLY in vitro. |
Our Services
At our company, we dedicate ourselves to progressing the battle against pneumococcal infections by creating groundbreaking vaccine and therapeutic solutions. Our team of seasoned researchers and scientists utilizes state-of-the-art technologies and a profound comprehension of pneumococcal pathogenesis to propel these initiatives forward.
- Intratracheal (IT) Mouse Models
- Intranasal (IN) Mouse Models
- Aerosol Mouse Models
- Direct Intrabronchial (IBr) Mouse Models
- Intrapulmonary (IPu) Rat Models
By leveraging our extensive expertise and cutting-edge research infrastructure, we enable our partners to accelerate the development of innovative solutions that address the global challenge of pneumococcal infections. If you are interested in our services, please feel free to contact us.
References
- Berical, Andrew C., et al. "Pneumococcal vaccination strategies. An update and perspective." Annals of the American Thoracic Society 13.6 (2016): 933-944.
- Cima Cabal, María Dolores, et al. "Pneumolysin as a target for new therapies against pneumococcal infections: A systematic review." Plos one 18.3 (2023): e0282970.
All of our services and products are intended for preclinical research use
only and cannot be used to diagnose, treat or manage patients.
