Among all bacteria, Mycoplasma pneumoniae is distinguished by its cell wall-less structure, which renders antibiotics inefficient and highlights the critical need for effective vaccines. Allow me to emphasize that our firm has been contributing to research in Mycoplasma pneumoniae infection by working on new promising vaccine candidates and treatment options.
Introduction to Mycoplasma Pneumoniae Infection
Mycoplasma pneumoniae (M. pneumoniae) is a type of bacteria and it is one of the main bacteria which is responsible for causing community-acquired pneumonia and it affects children and young adults. M. pneumoniae mostly attaches on the respiratory system causing the development of an upper and lower respiratory infection. These pathogens can attach to specific cells of their hosts through some particular proteins; these proteins include P1, P30 and P116 which are important in the pathogenicity. For example, the secretion of the CARDS toxin further encourages the inflammation and destruction of tissues during severe cases of the infection.
Fig.1 Pathogenic mechanisms of M. pneumoniae. (Jiang Z., et al., 2021)
Vaccine Development for Mycoplasma Pneumoniae Infection
Inactivated and Live-Attenuated Vaccines
Throughout history, earlier attempts to create M. pneumoniae vaccines have involved the use of inactivated and live-attenuated forms. Though inactivated vaccines are considered generally safe, a meta-analysis revealed a decrease of only 40% of cases suffering from respiratory tract infections. Unlike the precedent mentioned, MTs animal models have shown promise in the development of live-attenuated vaccines but have not yet reached the human phase due to safety concerns.
Subunit and Recombinant Protein Vaccines
In preclinical research, it was demonstrated that subunit vaccines which target the P1 adhesin and other spore surface proteins were effective. However, intrinsically, the P1 protein is an important virulence factor and is also a good antigen for use in a vaccine. Such antigens can now be expressed as recombinant proteins by making use of recombinant DNA technology which leads to the creation of vaccines that are effective and safer.
DNA Vaccines
DNA vaccines are rather a new methodology and work by administering the effective genes contained within the plasmid DNA resulting in an immune response. Such vaccines have been shown to generate humoral as well as cell-mediated immunity in animal models. Nevertheless, DNA uptake and expression in vivo remain hurdles to be addressed.
Live Vector Vaccines
As vectors, LVVs use safe or attenuated bacteria to introduce M. pneumoniae antigens. The great advantage of this delivery method is that it resembles natural infection which may result in strong and long-lasting immune response. There is ongoing research in this area and such M. pneumoniae vaccine may be developed with the aid of LVV technology.
Therapeutics Development for Mycoplasma Pneumoniae Infection
Macrolide and Alternative Therapies
The rising rate of macrolide-resistance in M. pneumoniae is creating new challenges in regard to treatment directions. Such a resistance calls for inventing new antibiotics and modalities. New alternatives include fluoroquinolones and tetracyclines which are under studying for the therapeutics of resistant strains.
Immunomodulatory Therapies
Taking into account the high level of inflammatory response caused by M. pneumoniae, certain immunomodulatory therapies are being re-evaluated to minimize the intensity of the symptoms and the complications associated with the disease. These therapies seek to manipulate the immune response in the host so as to avoid excessive inflammation and resultant tissue injury.
Our Services
As a leading provider of research service, we provide a full range of services to ensure a comprehensive approach in developing state-of-the-art vaccines and therapies for Mycoplasma pneumoniae pathogens. We provide comprehensive support for pharmaceutical companies across the globe which enables them to receive a comprehensive approach in dealing with this pathogen.
- Gnotobiotic Mouse Models: single or repeated infection
- BALB/c Mouse Models: the intranasal route for five consecutive days
- Hamster Models
- Guinea Pig Models
- Rat Models
Immunotherapy candidates and vaccine candidates are thoroughly evaluated in our preclinical research, both for their safety and effectiveness. We use certain animal models and assess their disease alongside vaccine efficacy. Should you require any further details or a thorough cost assessment, we are graciously willing to help you and if our services appeal to you, kindly reach out to us.
References
- Jiang Zhulin, et al. "Mycoplasma pneumoniae infections: pathogenesis and vaccine development." Pathogens 10.2 (2021): 119.
- Bajantri Bharat, Sindhaghatta Venkatram, and Gilda Diaz-Fuentes. "Mycoplasma pneumoniae: a potentially severe infection." Journal of clinical medicine research 10.7 (2018): 535.
All of our services and products are intended for preclinical research use
only and cannot be used to diagnose, treat or manage patients.
