Viral infections occur when a virus penetrates the body and commandeers a host cell to begin reproduction. This can happen at the initial site of entry, resulting in a localized infection, or the virus can spread throughout the body, causing a systemic infection. Our company leads the field in vaccine development services, utilizing advanced technologies and specialized knowledge to fight against viral infections.
Overview of Viral Infections
Viral infections arise when viruses, consisting of genetic material (DNA or RNA) within a protein shell, infiltrate host cells and hijack their machinery for replication. The pathogenic effects of viruses include cellular damage, evasion of the immune system, and triggering of host immune responses. These infections can be classified as localized, where the virus stays at the entry point, or systemic, where it disseminates throughout the body.
Fig.1 The course of viral infection in the host cell. (Gebre M. S., et al., 2021)
Advances in Diagnosis of Viral Infections
Virus detection methods can be categorized into two groups: molecular and non-molecular detection techniques. Currently, widely used methods include developing antibodies against the virus using immunofluorescence or immune enzyme conjugates, enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), serological tests, or direct virus detection through nucleic acid amplification methods.
- Non-molecular virus detection methods
Non-molecular virus detection methods include electron microscopy, X-ray microscopy, computed tomography, and visual symptom detection. These methods offer advantages such as high-resolution imaging and quick scans but are limited by requirements for high virus concentrations, sample thickness constraints, and non-specific symptom observation.
- Molecular virus detection methods
Molecular virus detection methods include detecting viral proteins through antibodies and directly detecting the virus or its components. Key techniques are PCR, RT-PCR, nucleic acid sequence-based amplification (NASBA), and loop-mediated isothermal amplification (LAMP). These methods offer high sensitivity and specificity but require high-quality nucleic acid purification and can be affected by inhibitors in samples.
Fig.2 Differences between molecular and non-molecular detection methods. (Gebre M. S., et al., 2021)
Vaccine Development for Viral Infections
| Vaccine type |
Target pathogen |
Mechanism of action |
Advantages |
Challenges |
Development Stage |
| Nucleic Acid |
Influenza |
Delivers viral DNA to cells to produce antigens |
Stable at higher temperature, no risk of causing disease |
Lower immunogenicity compared to live attenuated vaccine |
Phase III Clinical Trials |
| Nucleic Acid |
COVID-19 |
Uses mRNA to instruct cells to produce antigens |
Fast development, no risk of integration |
Short shelf life, cold chain requirements |
Approved for Emergency Use |
| Virus-like Particle |
HPV |
Presents viral proteins in a non-replicative manner |
Strong immune response, safe profile |
Complex manufacturing process, expensive |
Approved for Use |
| Nanoparticles Vaccine |
Malaria |
Contains specific malaria proteins |
Safe for vulnerable populations, no risk of disease |
Requires adjuvants to boost immunogenicity |
Preclinical Studies |
| Protein Subunit |
Tuberculosis |
Contains specific TB proteins |
Well-tolerated, no risk of causing disease |
Challenges in inducing strong cellular immunity |
Preclinical Studies |
| Nucleic Acid |
HIV |
Uses mRNA to instruct cells to produce antigens |
Customizable and adaptable, no risk of integration |
Cold chain requirements, potential for low immunogenicity |
Phase I Clinical Trials |
| Vector-based |
MERS-CoV |
Uses viral vectors to deliver MERS-CoV antigens |
Elicits robust immune response |
Pre-existing immunity to vector |
Phase II Clinical Trials |
| Subunit Vaccine |
PreF3 |
Induces immune response with stabilized preF |
Humoral and cellular immune responses; higher humoral response with higher dosage |
Efficacy can differ; need for trials in high burden countries |
Phase I, II, III |
Therapeutic Development for Viral Infections
The significant epidemiological impact of viral infections, along with the continuous emergence and reemergence of certain viruses and the challenges in finding effective treatments, has driven numerous studies to explore new therapeutic strategies for viral infections.
Antibody Therapy
Advances in antibody therapy for viral infections have shown significant potential. The importance lies in the high specificity of monoclonal antibodies, which can precisely target critical components of viruses, offering more effective prevention options. For example, monoclonal antibodies like VRC01 and 3BNC117, targeting HIV, have demonstrated strong neutralizing capabilities and are being tested.
Cell Therapy
CAR-T cell therapy works by genetically modifying T cells to express receptors that can target and destroy virus-infected cells. It offers a promising approach to treating viral infections like HIV and CMV due to its precision and effectiveness. However, challenges remain, such as potential side effects and the need for extensive clinical testing to ensure its safety and efficacy.
Anti-virulence Therapy
CRISPR/Cas technology has demonstrated effectiveness in both the treatment and diagnosis of viral diseases, such as HIV and SARS-CoV-2. CRISPR/Cas can target and disrupt viral genomes or host factors essential for viral replication, showing promise in preclinical studies against various viruses, including hepatitis B and dengue. The importance of this technology lies in its ability to provide precise, targeted interventions.
Small Molecular Drug
There have been remarkable strides in the development of small molecule drugs for treating viral infections. For instance, several FDA-approved small molecule drugs for treating Hepatitis C virus (HCV), such as gearlever and grazoprevir, inhibit the HCV NS3/4A protease and have shown high antiviral efficacy in clinical trials. These drugs can target key enzymes, significantly reduce viral load.
Our Services
The development of therapies and vaccines for viral infections is an intricate and rigorous process that requires scientific expertise, regulatory compliance, and extensive testing. Our company specializes in providing comprehensive therapy and vaccine development services, tailored to address the unique challenges posed by different pathogens.
Types of Viral Infections
| A-B |
C |
D-E |
H |
- Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS)
- Adenovirus Infection
- Argentine Hemorrhagic Fever
- Astrovirus Infection
- BK Virus Infection
- Bolivian Hemorrhagic Fever
|
- Calicivirus Infection
- Chickenpox
- Chikungunya
- Colorado Tick Fever (CTF)
- Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19)
- Crimean-Congo Hemorrhagic Fever (CCHF)
- Cytomegalovirus Infection
|
- Dengue Fever
- Eastern Equine Encephalitis (EEE)
- Ebola Virus Disease (EVD)
- Enterovirus Infection
- Epstein–Barr Virus Infectious Mononucleosis
- ErythemaI Infectiosum
- Exanthem Subitum
|
- Hand, Foot and Mouth Disease (HFMD)
- Hantavirus Pulmonary Syndrome (HPS)
- Heartland Virus Disease
- Hemorrhagic Fever with Renal Syndrome (HFRS)
- Hendra Virus Infection
- Hepatitis A
- Hepatitis B
|
| H |
J-M |
N-R |
S-Z |
- Hepatitis C
- Hepatitis D
- Hepatitis E
- Herpes Simplex Human Bocavirus Infection
- Human Metapneumovirus Infection
- Human Papillomavirus Infection
- Human Parainfluenza Virus Infection
- Human T-lymphotropic Virus 1 Infection
|
- Japanese Encephalitis
- Lassa Fever
- Lymphocytic Choriomeningitis
- Marburg Hemorrhagic Fever (MHF)
- Measles
- Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS)
- Molluscum Contagiosum (MC)
- Monkeypox
- Mumps
|
- Nipah Virus Infection
- Poliomyelitis
- Progressive Multifocal Leukoencephalopathy
- Rabies
- Respiratory Syncytial Virus Infection
- Rhinovirus Infection
- Rift Valley Fever (RVF)
- Rotavirus Infection
- Rubella
|
- Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS)
- Subacute Sclerosing Panencephalitis (SSPE)
- Tick-borne Encephalitis
- Venezuelan Equine Encephalitis
- Venezuelan Hemorrhagic Fever
- West Nile Fever
- Yellow Fever
- Zika Fever
|
Why Choose Us?
The realm of therapeutic strategies for viral infections is constantly evolving, with emerging technologies offering exciting prospects for innovation and improvement. At our company, we harness these advancements to enhance the efficacy and availability of vaccines. If you find our comprehensive range of services appealing, we urge you to contact us without hesitation.
References
- Dronina, J., et al., "Advances and insights in the diagnosis of viral infections." J Nanobiotechnology, (2021). 19(1): p. 348.
- Tompa, D.R., et al., "Trends and strategies to combat viral infections: A review on FDA approved antiviral drugs." Int J Biol Macromol, (2021). 172: p. 524-541.
- Salazar, G., et al., "Antibody therapies for the prevention and treatment of viral infections." NPJ Vaccines, (2017). 2: p. 19.
All of our services and products are intended for preclinical research use
only and cannot be used to diagnose, treat or manage patients.
