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Project Description

Please note that we are a research service provider, not a pharmacy or clinic, so we are unable to see patients and do not offer diagnostic and treatment services for individuals.

Rhinovirus Infection

As prevalent viral culprits in human infections, rhinoviruses (RVs) reign supreme as the leading triggers of the common cold and significant contributors to asthma flare-ups, notably in children. Positioned at the vanguard of progress, our company spearheads the development of groundbreaking strategies to combat rhinovirus infections.

Overview of Rhinovirus Infection

Rhinoviruses (RVs) are non-enveloped, positive-sense, single-stranded RNA viruses that fall under the Picornaviridae family. They stand out as a key instigator of upper respiratory tract infections, boasting a repertoire of over 160 distinct serotypes organized into three species: RV-A, RV-B, and RV-C. These viruses primarily spread through direct contact or aerosols and are notorious for their capacity to invade the epithelial cells of the respiratory tract, inciting inflammation and immune reactions that manifest as symptoms resembling the common cold.

Human rhinovirus genomic organization, virion structure, and species. Fig.1 Schematic representation of human rhinovirus genome organization, virion structure, and species. (Stobart C. C., et al., 2017)

Vaccine Development for Rhinovirus Infection

Subunit vaccines utilize specific viral proteins or virus-like particles (VLPs) to induce an immune response. Notable examples include vaccines targeting the capsid proteins VP4 and VP2 (VP0), which have been identified as broadly conserved regions across RV serotypes. Immunization with RV-A16 VP0 protein, in combination with Th1-directing adjuvants, has been shown to promote potent Th1 immune responses and generate antibodies that bind multiple virus serotypes.
The development of a polyvalent or universal RV vaccine presents a formidable challenge due to the high number of serotypes. Nevertheless, recent studies have demonstrated the potential of polyvalent inactivated RV vaccines in inducing neutralizing antibodies against a broad range of serotypes. A 50-valent inactivated vaccine preparation, for instance, induced neutralizing antibodies to all but one type tested in rhesus macaques.

Therapeutics Development for Rhinovirus Infection

Antiviral Drugs

The development of antiviral drugs targeting RVs has seen progress with compounds such as ribavirin, pleconaril, and rupintrivir. These drugs work by interfering with various stages of the viral replication cycle, from viral entry to uncoating and protease activity. Pleconaril, for example, binds to the viral capsid, inhibiting uncoating, while rupintrivir targets the viral 3C protease, essential for RV replication.

Host Defense Peptides

Host defense peptides (HDPs), such as cathelicidins, have shown potential in combating RV infections. These endogenous peptides possess direct antiviral activity and can modulate the immune response. Research has demonstrated that exogenous delivery of LL-37, a human cathelicidin, can reduce RV replication in vitro.

Immunomodulatory Therapies

Strategies focusing on modulating the host immune response have also shown promise. Interferons, for instance, can induce an antiviral state by stimulating the production of interferon-stimulated genes, which can limit RV replication. Vitamin D supplementation has been explored as a means to enhance the innate immune response and reduce RV replication.

Our Services

Leveraging our expertise in molecular biology and immunology, we design and develop novel vaccines and therapeutics targeting conserved RV antigens and pathways.

Vaccine Development

Therapeutic Development

Infectious Disease Models

Mouse Model for HRV Infection using HRV2 Variant
Transgenic Mouse Model of Major-Group HRV Infection
Mouse Model of Rhinovirus-Induced Exacerbation of Allergic Airway Inflammation

Preclinical research is a critical phase in the development of vaccines and therapeutics. Our services include:

Molecular Characterization: We perform detailed molecular characterizations of RVs to identify conserved antigens and potential drug targets.
In Vitro Screening and Assays: We conduct comprehensive in vitro testing to evaluate the antiviral activity of compounds and the immunogenicity of vaccine candidates.
Animal Model Development: We develop and utilize relevant animal models to study RV pathogenesis and to assess the efficacy of vaccines and therapeutics.
Efficacy Assessments: Through a series of rigorous tests, we evaluate the efficacy of our vaccine and therapeutic candidates in preparation for clinical trials.

If you are interested in our services, please feel free to contact us.

References

Stobart Christopher C., Jenna M. Nosek, and Martin L. Moore. "Rhinovirus biology, antigenic diversity, and advancements in the design of a human rhinovirus vaccine." Frontiers in microbiology 8 (2017): 2412.
Blaas, Dieter, and Renate Fuchs. "Mechanism of human rhinovirus infections." Molecular and cellular pediatrics 3 (2016): 1-4.
Casanova, Victor, et al. "Antiviral therapeutic approaches for human rhinovirus infections." Future virology 13.7 (2018): 505-518.

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