Rotavirus, a pathogen characterized by its double-stranded RNA, is the causative agent of rotavirus infection. Our organization is leading the way in the rapidly evolving domain of vaccine and therapeutic innovation specifically aimed at combating rotavirus.
Overview of Rotavirus Infection
Rotavirus stands out as a major viral pathogen predominantly impacting infants and young children, leading to severe gastroenteritis. This condition is marked by symptoms such as diarrhea, vomiting, fever, and abdominal pain. Classified as a double-stranded RNA virus within the Reoviridae family, rotavirus is a significant global health concern, causing approximately 500,000 fatalities annually among children under the age of five. The virus is transmitted through the fecal-oral route, with a heightened risk of spread in environments lacking adequate sanitation and hygiene practices.
The pathophysiological process of Rotavirus infection begins with the virus infiltrating the intestinal epithelial cells, which causes cellular damage and impairs the intestinal barrier's integrity. Consequently, this leads to dehydration and electrolyte imbalances as a result of severe diarrhea. It is noteworthy that initial infections with Rotavirus do not typically induce long-lasting immunity. However, subsequent exposures to the virus elicit a more extensive antibody response, which can help to reduce the severity of future infections.
Fig.1 Schematic diagram of the structure of rotavirus. (Crawford S. E., et al., 2017)
Vaccine Development for Rotavirus Infection
- Live-Attenuated Oral Vaccines
Live-attenuated oral vaccines have been instrumental in combating rotavirus infection. The two primary vaccines in global use are RotaTeq (RV5) and Rotarix (RV1). These vaccines have shown high efficacy in preventing severe rotavirus gastroenteritis in clinical trials.
RotaTeq is a pentavalent vaccine that targets five common serotypes of rotavirus. It is administered in three doses, providing broad protection against diverse rotavirus strains.
Rotarix is a monovalent vaccine that focuses on a single serotype. Despite its narrower spectrum, it has demonstrated significant efficacy, particularly in regions where this serotype predominates.
- mRNA-based Vaccines
Emerging from the cutting edge of vaccine technology, mRNA-based vaccines have shown promise in preclinical trials for rotavirus infection. These vaccines leverage the body's own cellular machinery to produce viral proteins, thereby eliciting an immune response.
Therapeutics Development for Rotavirus Infection
Antiviral Drugs
The development of antiviral drugs for rotavirus has been a critical area of focus. Nitazoxanide, for instance, has been shown to reduce the duration of diarrhea in children infected with rotavirus.
Interferon Therapy
Harnessing the body's immune system to combat rotavirus, immunotherapies have been explored. Interferons, such as alpha and lambda, have shown potential in reducing rotavirus replication, providing a novel therapeutic approach.
Our Services
The development of effective vaccines and therapeutics against rotavirus infection is a dynamic and evolving field. We specialize in creating custom vaccine candidates tailored to specific rotavirus strains, leveraging both traditional and cutting-edge mRNA technology. Moreover, our team is at the forefront of identifying and developing novel antiviral compounds and immunotherapies.
Disease Models
- EDIM (Epizootic Diarrhea of Infant Mice) Models
- Rotavirus Infection Rabbit Models
- Rotavirus Infection Pig Models
- Rotavirus Infection Calves Models
Preclinical Research
- Pharmacodynamics Study Services
- Pharmacokinetics Study Services
- Drug Safety Evaluation Services
- Customized Research Services
Molecular Biology and Virology: We conduct in-depth studies to understand the virus's genetic makeup and life cycle, informing the development of targeted vaccines and therapeutics.
Immunogenicity Testing: Through rigorous testing, we evaluate the immune response evoked by our vaccine candidates to ensure they provide robust protection.
Pharmacokinetics and Pharmacodynamics: We assess the behavior of our therapeutics in the body to optimize dosage and administration strategies.
If you are interested in our services, please feel free to contact us.
References
- Crawford, Sue E., et al. "Rotavirus infection." Nature Reviews Disease Primers 3.1 (2017): 1-16.
- Jiang, Lin, et al. "Advances in the development of antivirals for rotavirus infection." Frontiers in Immunology 14 (2023): 1041149.
- Carvalho, Miguel F., and Davinder Gill. "Rotavirus vaccine efficacy: current status and areas for improvement." Human vaccines & immunotherapeutics (2019).
All of our services and products are intended for preclinical research use
only and cannot be used to diagnose, treat or manage patients.
