Acanthamoeba Keratitis (AK)
Acanthamoeba keratitis (AK) is a severe and blinding corneal disease with an insidious onset. It primarily presents with ocular surface irritation, corneal infiltration, and ulceration. If not diagnosed and treated promptly, it can result in significant vision loss. Our company is well-equipped to address your drug and therapy development requirements in Acanthamoeba Keratitis therapy.
Introduction to Acanthamoeba Keratitis
Acanthamoeba keratitis is a rare but serious parasitic infection of the cornea, primarily affecting contact lens wearers. The incidence rate in the United States is estimated at approximately one to two cases per million contact lens users annually. Globally, the annual incidence is around 2.9 cases per million people, with higher rates observed in regions with warmer climates and lower sanitation standards.
Pathogenesis of Acanthamoeba Keratitis
Acanthamoeba keratitis is a corneal infection caused by at least eight species of Acanthamoeba. The pathogenesis involves trophozoites binding to mannosylated proteins on the corneal epithelium, leading to the release of cytopathic factors such as MIP-133, which degrades corneal cells and stroma. This results in severe pain due to radial keratoneuritis. Contact lens wear significantly increases the risk of AK by upregulating mannosylated proteins that facilitate trophozoite binding and invasion.
Fig. 1 Acanthamoeba-mediated corneal epithelial cell death. (Lorenzo-Morales, J., et al., 2015)Molecular Diagnosis of Acanthamoeba Keratitis
- Biomarkers play a crucial role in the diagnosis of Acanthamoeba keratitis. For instance, mannose-induced protease 133 (MIP-133) is a key enzyme secreted by Acanthamoeba trophozoites, closely associated with the pathogenicity of the disease.
- Molecular diagnostic methods, such as polymerase chain reaction (PCR) technology, have been widely used in diagnosing Acanthamoeba keratitis. These methods can rapidly and accurately diagnose the disease by detecting Acanthamoeba DNA in individual samples.
Small Molecule Drugs Development of Acanthamoeba Keratitis
| Drug Name | Mechanism of Action | Target | Development Stage |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chlorhexidine | Increases cell membrane permeability, effective against trophozoite and cyst stages | Bacterial Dihydropteroate synthetase (Bact folP) | Established use |
| Voriconazole | Inhibits synthesis of ergosterol in fungal cell membranes | Candida Cytochrome P450 51 (Candi ERG11) | Investigational use |
| Miltefosine | Alkylphosphocholine, effective against trophozoite and cyst stages | Phospholipase A2 (PLA2G1B) | Orphan drug status, investigational use |
Our Services
Our company embraces a partnership-driven approach. We work closely with clients to develop customized, innovative Acanthamoeba Keratitis therapy strategies and provide strong support throughout the process.
Platforms of Acanthamoeba Keratitis Therapy Development
Animal Models of Acanthamoeba Keratitis
We possess established expertise in developing and using animal models that accurately replicate the disease characteristics and therapeutic responses. These models allow us to assess the safety and efficacy of potential therapies.
| Non-Genetically Engineering Models | ||
| We offer a variety of models tailored to specific research needs related to Acanthamoeba Keratitis. These models enable researchers to simulate and investigate the complex biological processes involved in Acanthamoeba Keratitis. | ||
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| Genetically Engineered Models | ||
| Our proficiency in genetic engineering techniques, including CRISPR/Cas9 technology, enables us to create precise and reliable models that replicate the genetic alterations seen in Acanthamoeba Keratitis. | ||
| Optional Models |
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| Optional Species | Mice, Rats, Non-human primates, Others | |
Additionally, we can offer other comprehensive Animal models services that focus on specific signaling pathways and molecular targets.
If our services interest you, please contact us at your earliest convenience for more details .
References
- Lorenzo-Morales, J., et al., "An update on Acanthamoeba keratitis: diagnosis, pathogenesis and treatment." Parasite, (2015). 22: p. 10.
- Niederkorn, J.Y., "The biology of Acanthamoeba keratitis." Exp Eye Res, (2021). 202: p. 108365.
All of our services and products are intended for preclinical research use only and cannot be used to diagnose, treat or manage patients.