Cryptococcosis is an ailment that affects immunocompromised individuals and is caused by fungal infection from two species namely Cryptococcus gattii and Cryptococcus neoformans. Our company is at the forefront of innovation and excellence in the field of infectious diseases with a specific emphasis on Cryptococcosis and meets the requirements of scientists and researchers.
Overview of Cryptococcosis
Cryptococcosis is an opportunistic infection disease that occurs almost exclusively in individuals with a compromised immune system, like people infected with HIV or AIDS, recipients of organ transplants, and individuals receiving immunosuppressive therapeutic. A general incidence of 0.45 cases of meningeal cryptococcosis per 100,000 persons per year has been observed in the general population. Cryptococcosis can be associated with pneumonia, meningitis, headache, fever, cough, in severe advanced neurological symptoms.
Fig.1 Conventional antifungals and new molecules for cryptococcosis therapy. (Spadari, C. C., et al., 2020)
Pathogenesis of Cryptococcosis
The human manifestation of cryptococcosis is believed to develop following the inhalation of spores or yeasts of C. gattii or C. neoformans which are found in nature. It is furthermore important to note that these spores are fungi, which infiltrate the lungs and are able to spread, for example, to the central nervous system. The virulence of Cryptococcus is conferred through virulence factors such as polysaccharide capsules which help the organism escape the immune system of the host.
Vaccine Development for Cryptococcosis
Fungal vaccine development is the use of recombinant protein antigens or polysaccharide antigens to stimulate the immune system against the fungus. These antigens can be combined with adjuvants to enhance the immune response.
- Whole-Cell Antigens
ZNF2 overexpression strain; ∆sgl1 strain; ∆cda1/2/3 strain; C. neoformans IFN-γ expressing strain (H99γ), etc.
- Capsular Polysaccharides
Glucuronoxylomannan (GXM); Galactoxylomannan (GalXM); CP-protein carrier-conjugated vaccines, etc.
- Mannoproteins
Chitin deacetylase (Cda1, Cda2, also known as MP98 and Cda3); 25-kDa chitin deacetylase homologue (d25), etc.
Therapeutic Development for Cryptococcosis
| Types |
Names |
Mechanism of Action |
Targets |
Research Phase |
| Amphotericin B |
Small molecule drug |
Cause leakage of cellular contents, and leads to death by cellular dysfunction |
Ergosterol |
Approved |
| Fluconazole (FLC) |
Small molecule drug |
Inhibit the fungal cytochrome P450-dependent lanosterol C14-alpha-demethylase |
CYP51A1 |
Approved |
| VT-1598 |
Small molecule drug |
Highly selective fungal Cyp51 inhibitor |
CYP51A1 |
Phase I trials |
| Exogenous IFN-γ |
Cytokine |
Direct the immune system toward the protective Th1 type immunity |
/ |
Phase II trials |
| Mycograb |
Recombinant human antibody |
Against fungal heat shock protein 90 (Hsp90) |
Hsp90 |
Phase II trials |
| 18B7 |
Monoclonal antibody |
Promote rapid clearance of serum cryptococcal antigen |
Capsular polysaccharide |
Phase I trials |
Our Services
There is a broad range of what we do, but notably, our company has cutting-edge tools for infectious disease models, vaccine development, and the development of therapies that allow us to develop therapeutic modalities for cryptococcosis. It allows us to assist you regardless of what stage your research is as we employ complex laboratory equipment as well as modern diagnostic tools.
Vaccine Development Platforms
Therapeutic Development Platforms
Infectious Disease Models
Infectious diseases such as cryptococcosis can be effectively studied by utilizing animal models. We provide a variety of infectious disease models for animal testing, that aid researchers in determining the root cause of the disease, testing out possible cures, and even testing vaccine candidates.
Cryptococcus can be administered to an animal that has immunodeficiencies, or an animal that is deficient in certain immune cells by using multiple routes such as intranasal, intravenous, and intratracheal routes.
Optional Models: RAG-1-/- mice model of C. neoformans infection, etc.
With a steadfast commitment to advancing knowledge and therapeutics in this complex fungal infection, we provide a comprehensive suite of services. If you are interested in our service, please don't hesitate to contact us.
References
- Spadari, Cristina de Castro et al. "New Approaches for Cryptococcosis Treatment." Microorganisms 8.4 (2020): 613.
- do Carmo, Fabíolla Nacimento et al. "Cryptococcus spp. and Cryptococcosis: focusing on the infection in Brazil." Brazilian journal of microbiology 53.3 (2022): 1321-1337.
All of our services and products are intended for preclinical research use
only and cannot be used to diagnose, treat or manage patients.
