Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is a prominent contributor to lower respiratory tract infections worldwide, impacting individuals across various age brackets, with heightened susceptibility observed in infants, the elderly, and those with compromised immune systems. Our organization provides an extensive array of services tailored to bolster the advancement of RSV vaccines and therapeutic solutions.
Overview of Respiratory Syncytial Virus Infection
Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), known as human orthopneumovirus and human respiratory syncytial virus (hRSV), is a negative-sense, single-stranded RNA virus categorized within the Paramyxoviridae family. This highly contagious virus predominantly targets the respiratory system, giving rise to a spectrum of illnesses, from mild cold-like symptoms to severe bronchiolitis and pneumonia. RSV infections peak during the cold winter months, posing elevated risks of morbidity and mortality, particularly among vulnerable populations.
Fig.1 Schematic representation of RSV binding and entry into host cells. (Griffiths C., et al., 2017)
Vaccine Development for Respiratory Syncytial Virus Infection
Subunit Vaccines
Subunit vaccines utilize specific viral antigens to induce an immune response. One promising example is the use of stabilized prefusion RSV-F proteins, which maintain the native conformation of the fusion protein, thereby eliciting a robust immune response. Novavax's RSV-F nanoparticle vaccine, which completed a phase II clinical trial, is a notable example in this category.
Nucleic Acid Vaccines
Nucleic acid vaccines, such as mRNA vaccines, have shown great potential in recent years. They involve introducing a small, non-replicating piece of genetic material that encodes an RSV antigen, triggering an immune response. Moderna and Pfizer/BioNTech are among the companies exploring mRNA vaccine platforms for RSV.
Therapeutics Development for Respiratory Syncytial Virus Infection
- Monoclonal Antibodies
Monoclonal antibodies offer a targeted approach to RSV therapeutics and prevention. Palivizumab (Synagis) is a humanized monoclonal antibody that targets the RSV-F protein, currently licensed for prophylaxis in high-risk pediatric populations. However, the emergence of resistant strains underscores the need for continuous surveillance and development of new antibodies.
- Antivirals
Small-molecule antivirals targeting RSV replication have shown promise in preclinical studies. ALS-008176, a nucleoside analogue, has demonstrated significant reduction in RSV viral load in clinical trials. However, safety concerns and the potential for drug resistance necessitate ongoing research and development.
- Host-Directed Therapies
Host-directed therapies focus on modulating the host's immune response to RSV infection. This approach includes the use of flavonoids to modulate inflammation and apoptosis, thereby enhancing viral clearance and reducing pathology.
Our Services
We specialize in the design, development, and testing of novel RSV vaccines, leveraging cutting-edge technologies and platforms, including subunit, live-attenuated, and nucleic acid-based vaccines.
In addition, our therapeutics development services encompass the discovery and development of small molecules, biologics, and host-directed therapies. We focus on safety, efficacy, and the potential for resistance development.
Preclinical Research
- Pharmacodynamics Study Services
- Pharmacokinetics Study Services
- Drug Safety Evaluation Services
Disease Models
- hRSV Infection Models
- hRSV A2 Infection Models
- hRSV M37 Infection Models
- Macaque-adapted hRSV Infection Models
- Clinical Isolate hRSV Infection Models
Our researchers have established robust in vitro and in vivo models of RSV infection, allowing for the rigorous evaluation of candidate vaccines and therapies in clinically relevant settings. If you are interested in our services, please feel free to contact us.
References
- Griffiths Cameron, Steven J. Drews, and David J. Marchant. "Respiratory syncytial virus: infection, detection, and new options for prevention and treatment." Clinical microbiology reviews 30.1 (2017): 277-319.
- Barr, Rachael, et al. "Respiratory syncytial virus: diagnosis, prevention and management." Therapeutic advances in infectious disease 6 (2019): 2049936119865798.
All of our services and products are intended for preclinical research use
only and cannot be used to diagnose, treat or manage patients.
