Chronic granulomatous disease (CGD) is a rare genetic disorder characterized by a defect in the immune system that impairs the body's ability to effectively fight off certain types of bacterial and fungal infections. Understanding the intricate mechanisms underlying CGD is essential for developing effective therapeutic strategies and improving outcomes for individuals. In the realm of rare gastrointestinal disease mechanism research and therapeutic development, our company stands at the forefront with a wealth of experience and robust technical support. We can offer innovative research programs and comprehensive services to further the advancement of therapeutic strategies.

Introduction to CGD

Chronic granulomatous disease (CGD) is a rare primary immunodeficiency disorder characterized by an impaired phagocytic function within the innate immune system. This genetic condition is not only infrequent, with an incidence of approximately 1 in 200,000 individuals, but it also primarily affects children. The immune system of individuals with CGD is unable to produce reactive oxygen species, which are necessary for killing certain types of bacteria and fungi (Fig.1). As a result, those with CGD are susceptible to recurrent and severe infections.

Fig.1 The role of NADPH complex. (Zerbe, C. S., and Holland, S. M., 2024)

Pathogenesis of CGD

The primary cause of CGD is mutations in genes that encode for the components of the nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate (NADPH) oxidase enzyme complex. This complex is responsible for producing reactive oxygen species that play a crucial role in the immune system's ability to kill certain types of bacteria and fungi. Mutations in any one of the genes encoding for the NADPH oxidase complex can result in CGD (Fig.2).

Fig.2 Illustration of the NADPH oxidase complex subunits (OEC). (Justiz-Vaillant, A. A., et al., 2023)

Diagnostics Development of CGD

Diagnosing CGD involves a series of diagnostic tests, including assessments of neutrophil superoxide production and genetic testing to confirm the presence of the disease. The sequencing of the individual's phox gene are crucial step in diagnosing and determining the molecular defects associated with CGD. Techniques like next-generation sequencing (NGS), Sanger sequencing, and gene scan analysis are instrumental in identifying the specific genetic mutations responsible for CGD.

Therapeutics of CGD

• Immunotherapy
  Haematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation (HCT) is the main therapeutic for CGD. When it comes to treating CGD through HCT, the identification of an appropriate Human Leucocyte Antigen (HLA)-matched donor is crucial. The source of HCT can vary, with options including cord blood, bone marrow, or peripheral blood.
  Hematopoietic stem cells, obtained from the selected donor, are infused into the individual. These cells (immature and versatile) mature into platelets, red blood cells, and white blood cells, replenishing the individual's compromised immune system.
• Small molecule drugs therapy
  In managing CGD, preventative measures such as antimicrobial and antifungal prophylaxis play a vital role in reducing the risk of infections. Medications like trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole, ciprofloxacin, and other antimicrobials are commonly used to lower the incidence of bacterial and fungal infections in individuals with CGD.
  Furthermore, therapeutics with TNF-alpha inhibitors and immunosuppressants can help alleviate inflammatory complications associated with the disease.
• Gene therapy
  The lentiviruses or gene editing technologies are also the targeted therapeutic strategies for CGD, offering hope for improved outcomes in individuals with this rare immunodeficiency disorder. Such as lentiviral gene therapy and gene editing techniques, offer promising avenues for treating CGD.
  Ex-vivo autologous CD34⁺ hematopoietic stem and progenitor cell-based lentiviral gene therapy post-myeloablative conditioning, can potentially address the underlying genetic defects causing CGD.

Our Services

Our company has advanced technologies and skilled professionals in rare gastrointestinal disease research, like CGD. We offer valuable services aimed at understanding the disease's mechanisms and developing improved diagnostic and therapeutic strategies, including the development of animal models, therapeutic platforms, and diagnostic methods.

Platforms of CGD Therapy Development

Animal Models of CGD

The animal models provide valuable insights into the disease mechanisms and can be used to study potential therapeutic strategies. Our company can offer various chemical complexes or gene editing techniques to create an animal model of CGD.

With a commitment to pushing boundaries and exploring new frontiers in rare gastrointestinal disease research, our company can provide tailored solutions with innovation and expertise to support your pharmacokinetics study and drug safety evaluation.

No matter what stage of research you are at, we can provide you with corresponding research services. If you are interested in our services, please feel free to contact us for more details and quotation information of related services.

References

• Justiz-Vaillant, A. A., et al. "Chronic Granulomatous Disease (CGD): Commonly Associated Pathogens, Diagnosis and Treatment." Microorganisms 11.9 (2023): 2233.
• Jofra Hernández, R., et al. "Hematopoietic Tumors in a Mouse Model of X-linked Chronic Granulomatous Disease after Lentiviral Vector-Mediated Gene Therapy." Molecular therapy: the journal of the American Society of Gene Therapy 29.1 (2021): 86–102.
• Zerbe, C. S., and Holland, S. M. "Functional neutrophil disorders: Chronic granulomatous disease and beyond." Immunological reviews 322.1 (2024): 71–80.

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