Variant Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease also known as vCJD is a very rare neurodegenerative disease that is known to be caused by prion proteins abnormally folded. Our company distinguishes itself in the field of research involving vCJD by providing its clients who are targeting vCJD with holistic solutions that include vCJD vaccine and therapeutics development.
Overview of vCJD
vCJD is classified under prion pathologies and it is anticipated to develop after exposure to products contaminated with the abnormal prion protein, for instance, products from cows that exhibit prion disease (Bovine Spongiform Encephalopathy). It is a transmissible disease affecting the brain which is expressed through a range of rapidly progressing symptoms such as progressive dementia, muscle rigidity, and other neurological ailments.
Fig.1 Timeline of the origin, emergence, and progression of vCJD. (Ritchie, D. L., et al., 2021)
Pathogenesis of vCJD
The mechanism behind vCJD entails the abnormal folding and accumulation of prion protein in the brain regions which in turn leads to the formation of plaques that destroy nerve cells. Furthermore, it should be noted that most of the reported cases of vCJD are linked with the first transmission stemming from infected food, however, the disease can also be transmitted during blood transfusions or usage of plasma products. Until April 2021, a total of 232 cases of probable or definite vCJD have been reported globally.
Vaccine Development for vCJD
The existence of a vaccine would significantly reduce the risk of transmission of the disease. However, there is no vaccine accessible for vCJD, and the reason for that is the prion protein itself which poses a significant barrier to the ability to inactivate and or destroy the prion. There have been some initiatives performed by other research groups such as using modified prion proteins.
Therapeutic Development for vCJD
Ongoing research endeavors are making strides in comprehending the illness and crafting potential therapies. Several experimental therapeutics are under investigation.
Targeting the abnormal prion proteins with antibodies to halt disease progression.
Drugs that can interfere with the formation or propagation of prions are under investigation.
Gene editing tools like CRISPR to target and modify genes associated with prion diseases.
Our Services
Our company is well versed in availing business and support, sophisticated laboratory facilities, consultations, and solutions for vCJD research. We can offer a full service in vCJD drug research and development because we specialize in infectious disease models, vaccines, and therapeutic development.
Featured Services for vCJD
- Optional Models
Mouse model (variation at codon 129) inoculated with vCJD; Wild-type mouse lines (RIII, VM, and C57BL) inoculation with vCJD brain isolates
- Transmission routes include intracerebral inoculation, parenteral, and oral.
We help scientists and researchers to hone in on core processes that entail the innovational therapeutic developments for diseases such as vCJD through the custom services that we provide which allow for the research process to be much more concise. If you are interested in our services, we invite you to contact us for detailed insights and comprehensive quotations.
References
- Ritchie, Diane L et al. "Variant CJD: Reflections a Quarter of a Century on." Pathogens (Basel, Switzerland) 10.11 (2021): 1413.
- Woerman, Amanda L, and Gültekin Tamgüney. "Body-first Parkinson's disease and variant Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease - similar or different?" Neurobiology of disease 164 (2022): 105625.
All of our services and products are intended for preclinical research use
only and cannot be used to diagnose, treat or manage patients.
