Molluscum contagiosum virus (MCV) possesses four genotypes, wherein MCV-1 is the most widespread. It is spread via direct skin contact, autoinoculation, and perhaps by contaminated fomites. Our company provides a wide range of services dedicated to expediting the advancement of vaccines and therapies for molluscum contagiosum.
Introduction to Molluscum Contagiosum
Known as water warts, molluscum contagiosum (MC) is one of the most widespread viral skin infections that is caused by the molluscum contagiosum virus (MCV) that belongs to the Poxviridae family. This self-limiting infection primarily affects children, sexually active adults, and those with weakened immune systems, with a prevalence rate of 8.28% in children globally.
The MCV replicates within the skin's epidermal layer and the cytoplasm of the host's cells, incorporating itself into the genome of the host cell. Interestingly, the virus has developed complex mechanisms to withstand the host's defense systems. An example is the modification of the nuclear factor-kB (NF-kB) pathway that is responsible for controlling periods of inflammation.
Fig.1 Dermatoscopic findings of molluscum contagiosum (MC). (Meza-Romero R., et al., 2019)
Vaccine Development for Molluscum Contagiosum
Viral Vector Vaccines
A harmless virus is used in viral vector vaccines to as a vehicle to transfer the MCV genes into the host, consequently inducing the creation of viral proteins which in turn generates an immune response. Evidence from pre-clinical testing indicates that the approach might be effective due to the anticipated strong response to both cellular and humoral immune systems.
DNA and RNA Vaccines
Nucleic medicine, consisting of DNA and RNA vaccines, includes personalized vaccines that are developed by using selected genes from the patient's tumor to synthesize DNA or RNA. The most considerable benefit from this approach is that it elicits both, the non-specific and specific immune reactions. Contemporary work encompasses advancing the methods of delivery and increasing the nucleic acids stability in the wreath.
Therapeutics Development for Molluscum Contagiosum
Antiviral Agents
Research is active in the development of antiviral agents specifically targeting molluscum contagiosum virus (MCV). Antiviral agents such as cidofovir are developed to target the viral enzymes responsible for MCV replication and to harass other viral pathway activities. The drawback is that it may never be very effective because of the poor therapeutic index.
Immunotherapies
Immunodulatory drugs like imiquimod stimulate the host immune system to effectively clear the MCV. These types of medicines are of high value to people who have poor immune defenses.
Topical Therapies
There are some topical medications such as cantharidin and potassium hydroxide that are popularly used because they can irreversibly damage the lesions. Their formulations are under study to increase potency and reduce ocular irritation.
Our Services
In our well-known organization, we provide extensive services that facilitate the growth and development of the MC vaccine and therapeutics creation. Our multidisciplinary team has in-depth expertise from various segments of the drug and vaccine creation processes.
- MCV Infection Animal Models
- Customized Animal Models
Optional Species: mouse (BALB/c mouse and C57BL/6 mouse), rat, non-primate
Optional Viruses: vDA49, vMC159 and vMC160
With our scientific expertise and modern facilities, along with our knowledge of the Molluscum Contagiosum framework, we are able to position ourselves as industry leaders. We are poised to shorten the time needed to develop effective solutions. For inquiries regarding our systems, kindly get in touch with us directly.
References
- Meza-Romero, Rodrigo, Cristián Navarrete-Dechent, and Camila Downey. "Molluscum contagiosum: an update and review of new perspectives in etiology, diagnosis, and treatment." Clinical, cosmetic and investigational dermatology (2019): 373-381.
- Biswas, Sunetra, et al. "A comparison of the effect of molluscum contagiosum virus MC159 and MC160 proteins on vaccinia virus virulence in intranasal and intradermal infection routes." Journal of General Virology 99.2 (2018): 246-252.
- Hebert, Adelaide A., Neal Bhatia, and James Q. Del Rosso. "Molluscum contagiosum: epidemiology, considerations, treatment options, and therapeutic gaps." The Journal of Clinical and Aesthetic Dermatology 16.8 Suppl 1 (2023): S4.
All of our services and products are intended for preclinical research use
only and cannot be used to diagnose, treat or manage patients.
