Viral infections occur in a two-step process, first, the virus breaks into the body and then takes over one of the cells which proceed to make copies of the virus. These types of infections can either be systematic which means they spread all over the body or localized which means they are limited to a specific singular part of the body. Our organization dominates in these specific areas as we tend to make vaccines instead and have strong capabilities combined with technology to protect our clients from viral infections.
Overview of Viral Infections
Viral infections take place when a virus made up of a genetic protein tries to fuse with a specific host cell and uses them to replicate and expand. The viruses have a few pathological effects as well, some of them include, cellular destruction, immune system suppression, and stimulation of the immune system. These types of infections range from localized infections where the point to focus on is solely the place of entry or systematic which can spread through the full body.
Fig.1 The course of viral infection in the host cell. (Gebre M. S., et al., 2021)
Advances in Diagnosis of Viral Infections
Virus detection methods can be divided into two main groups: molecular and non-molecular detection techniques. In our times, widespread methods include elaboration of antibodies against the virus through immunofluorescence or immune enzyme conjugates, ELISA, serodiagnosis, or direct viral detection employing nucleic acid amplification methods.
- Non-molecular virus detection methods
Non-Molecular Viral Detection Techniques include electron microscopy, X-ray detection, computed tomography, and detection of visual symptoms. These methods have high-resolution images and allow for fast inspections, but are hampered by the need for large quantities of the virus, sample thickness, and observation of non-specific symptoms.
- Molecular virus detection methods
Molecular Methods of Detection of Viruses envisage searching for the virus proteins with antibodies or searching directly for the virus or its components. This list includes PCR, RT-PCR, NASBA and LAMP – methods based on nucleic acid amplification. These techniques have the advantages of extreme sensitivity and specificity but also suffer from the high quality requirement of the nucleic acid purification and potential for matrix inhibition.
Fig.2 Differences between molecular and non-molecular detection methods. (Gebre M. S., et al., 2021)
Vaccine Development for Viral Infections
| Vaccine type |
Target pathogen |
Mechanism of action |
Advantages |
Challenges |
Development Stage |
| Nucleic Acid |
Influenza |
Delivers viral DNA to cells to produce antigens |
Stable at higher temperature, no risk of causing disease |
Lower immunogenicity compared to live attenuated vaccine |
Phase III Clinical Trials |
| Nucleic Acid |
COVID-19 |
Uses mRNA to instruct cells to produce antigens |
Fast development, no risk of integration |
Short shelf life, cold chain requirements |
Approved for Emergency Use |
| Virus-like Particle |
HPV |
Presents viral proteins in a non-replicative manner |
Strong immune response, safe profile |
Complex manufacturing process, expensive |
Approved for Use |
| Nanoparticles Vaccine |
Malaria |
Contains specific malaria proteins |
Safe for vulnerable populations, no risk of disease |
Requires adjuvants to boost immunogenicity |
Preclinical Studies |
| Protein Subunit |
Tuberculosis |
Contains specific TB proteins |
Well-tolerated, no risk of causing disease |
Challenges in inducing strong cellular immunity |
Preclinical Studies |
| Nucleic Acid |
HIV |
Uses mRNA to instruct cells to produce antigens |
Customizable and adaptable, no risk of integration |
Cold chain requirements, potential for low immunogenicity |
Phase I Clinical Trials |
| Vector-based |
MERS-CoV |
Uses viral vectors to deliver MERS-CoV antigens |
Elicits robust immune response |
Pre-existing immunity to vector |
Phase II Clinical Trials |
| Subunit Vaccine |
PreF3 |
Induces immune response with stabilized preF |
Humoral and cellular immune responses; higher humoral response with higher dosage |
Efficacy can differ; need for trials in high burden countries |
Phase I, II, III |
Therapeutic Development for Viral Infections
It is undisputed that viral infections pose a great risk to global health. These factors have prompted researchers to reflect upon the possible methods of treating viral infections more effectively: the introduction of vaccines or the use of drugs targeting the viruses.
Antibody Therapy
There have been notable advancements over the last few years when it comes to antibody therapy for viral infections. Additionally, engendered sites on a virus can be targeted with a greater degree of specificity by using monoclonal antibodies, which is a greater form of prevention. There are ongoing tests for VRC01 and 3BNC117, both of which are monoclonal antibodies that target HIV, and so forth, which might have great neutralizing capacity.
Cell Therapy
CAR-T cell therapy involves modifying cancer patients' T cells by incorporating a receptor that targets infected cells and destroys them. This method is likely to be effective against viral infections like HIV and CMV due to its accurate and effective nature. Some issues, however, still exist such as having potential side effects or putting patients through long periods of clinical tests.
Anti-virulence Therapy
One of the most effective Viral and HIV treatments as well as a diagnosis tool is the CRISPR/Cas technology. The technology disrupts the viral genomes or the host factors that are crucial for replicating the virus and in preclinical tests it has proved effective against a few viruses, including HCV and dengue virus. The cutting-edge technology provides goal-oriented treatment which is its core strength.
Small Molecular Drug
There have been incredible advances in creating small molecule drugs. For example, several FDA-approved small molecule drugs for treating Hepatitis C virus (HCV), such as gearlever and grazoprevir, inhibit the HCV NS3/4A protease and have shown high antiviral efficacy in clinical trials. Such medications can prevent crucial enzymes, enhancing treatment effectiveness.
Our Services
Creating vaccines and treating one type of virus is no easy task as it involves in-depth knowledge of different scientific concepts, abiding by the rules made, and extensive testing. We provide extended resources in this regards and help nations create vaccines for various pathogens. As of now, our company assists entities in strategizing for the selection and modification of therapeutic agents.
Types of Viral Infections
Why Choose Us?
The industry for viral infections has a lot of growth opportunity due to recent technological advancements. Moreover, if our extensive services have caught your attention, do reach out to us. We advocate for the use of such tech to increase the spread and effectiveness of vaccines.
References
- Dronina, J., et al., "Advances and insights in the diagnosis of viral infections." J Nanobiotechnology, (2021). 19(1): p. 348.
- Tompa, D.R., et al., "Trends and strategies to combat viral infections: A review on FDA approved antiviral drugs." Int J Biol Macromol, (2021). 172: p. 524-541.
- Salazar, G., et al., "Antibody therapies for the prevention and treatment of viral infections." NPJ Vaccines, (2017). 2: p. 19.
All of our services and products are intended for preclinical research use
only and cannot be used to diagnose, treat or manage patients.
