Pneumococcus remains a significant infectious agent and vaccine development and therapeutics targeting this organism continues to be of utmost importance. We in our corporation are interested in advancing the field and, therefore, apply our extensive scientific know how, state of the art research capabilities, and are determined to deliver integrated services.
Overview of Pneumococcal Infection
Pneumococcal disease is a disease caused by a bacterium called Streptococcus pneumoniae and it is quite an important international health issue as it leads to pneumonia, meningitis, sepsis or even infection of the middle ear. The low immunity of this bacteria combined with its almost instantaneously lethal feature highlights the need for developing more effective prevention or treatment options, particularly for young children and the elderly.
Virulence factors related to pneumococcal strains include Ply, which is produced by all strains and is a central virulence factor of the bacteria. This pathogenic 53 kDa protein toxin interacts with cholesterol located in eukaryotic cell membranes to form pores which destroys the said cell. PLY is known to activate a variety of pathways in which various types of cells dying and promoting cell death, which causes various inflammatory storms and breaking down of epithelial and endothelial barriers which is a part of the severe biology of the association of the pathology to the diseases caused by pneumococcal.
Fig.1 Introduction to Pneumococcus bacteria. (Berical A. C., et al., 2016)
Vaccine Development for Pneumococcal Infection
Historical Context and Current Vaccines
After the uncovering of the antibacterial characteristics present in penicillin and the more detailed insight into the pneumococcal capsular composition, the first tetravalent polysaccharide pneumococcal vaccine was created. In turn, there appeared the 14-valent and subsequently the 23-valent pneumococcal polysaccharide vaccines (PPSV23) which decreased disease incidence and death in specific groups of people.
Advancements in Conjugate Vaccines
This new line of vaccines is very personal as its development stemmed from a deep realization of the shortcomings that existed in conventional polysaccharide vaccines – their ineffectiveness towards the younger population and the older one as well. Since then, the 7-valent pneumococcal conjugate vaccine (PCV7) has come a long way as it has transitioned into the 13 valent vaccine which depicts greater strain type coverage.
Therapeutics Development for Pneumococcal Infection
There are ongoing attempts to provide targeted therapies which can interrupt specific functions of /or virulence factors of bacteria. Pneumolysin, a crucial toxin produced by pneumococcus, has also developed into a favourable target of new therapies. Numerous reviews have found that a variety of molecules such as antibiotics, peptides, sterols and statins might offer to act as an inhibition of the activity of pneumolysin providing the new means for therapeutics.
| Types of Therapeutics |
Description |
| Antibiotics |
Clarithromycin and other macrolides have shown to negatively regulate pneumolysin (PLY) production and activate pneumococcal autolysis. |
| Peptides |
Several peptides, such as JI-34 and Vasculotide, have been identified as potential adjuvant therapies. |
| Antibodies |
Monoclonal antibodies against PLY have shown protective effects in animal models of infection. |
| Sterols |
Cholesterol and β-sitosterol are examples of sterols that inhibit the binding of PLY to the cell membrane. |
| Statins |
Simvastatin and pravastatin are statins that have shown protective effects against the cytotoxic effects of PLY in vitro. |
Our Services
In our firm, we strive to advance the fight against pneumococcal disease by developing state-of-the-art vaccines and therapeutic strategies. Our group of professional scientists and researchers employs advanced tools together with deep understanding of the mechanism of pneumococcus disease progression to move these projects forward.
- Intratracheal (IT) Mouse Models
- Intranasal (IN) Mouse Models
- Aerosol Mouse Models
- Direct Intrabronchial (IBr) Mouse Models
- Intrapulmonary (IPu) Rat Models
With our unparalleled experience and advanced research facilities, we assist in accelerating the development and commercialization of novel approaches targeted at the worldwide problem of pneumococcal diseases. Should our services appeal to you, do not hesitate to reach out.
References
- Berical, Andrew C., et al. "Pneumococcal vaccination strategies. An update and perspective." Annals of the American Thoracic Society 13.6 (2016): 933-944.
- Cima Cabal, María Dolores, et al. "Pneumolysin as a target for new therapies against pneumococcal infections: A systematic review." Plos one 18.3 (2023): e0282970.
All of our services and products are intended for preclinical research use
only and cannot be used to diagnose, treat or manage patients.
