Toxoplasmosis
Toxoplasmosis, an infection induced by the single-celled parasite Toxoplasma gondii, is a significant health concern. In the United States, it stands as the primary cause of fatalities associated with foodborne illnesses. This infection occurs when the parasite, commonly found in undercooked or contaminated food, is ingested. Our company is well-equipped to address your drug and therapy development requirements in Toxoplasmosis therapy.
Introduction to Toxoplasmosis
Toxoplasmosis, caused by the protozoan parasite Toxoplasma gondii, is a widespread infection affecting nearly one-third of the global population. In immunocompetent individuals, it often presents asymptomatically or with mild flu-like symptoms. However, it poses significant risks to immunocompromised individuals and during pregnancy, where it can lead to severe congenital infections. The incidence of acute Toxoplasma infection (ATI) in pregnant women is approximately 1.1% globally, with higher rates in regions such as the Middle East and Africa. In Germany, the average annual incidence of non-pregnancy-associated toxoplasmosis was found to be around 9.5 per 100,000 people between 2011 and 2016.
Molecular Diagnosis Development of Toxoplasmosis
Toxoplasmosis, caused by T. gondii infection, manifests differently depending on the host's immune status. While often asymptomatic in healthy individuals, it can cause flu-like symptoms or severe complications like encephalitis and pneumonia in immunocompromised individuals.
Congenital toxoplasmosis can result in severe fetal abnormalities or miscarriage. Chronic infection involves dormant tissue cysts that may reactivate if immunity wanes. T. gondii can also influence host behavior, reducing rodent fear of cats to enhance transmission and potentially affecting human behavior and mental health. The immune response to T. gondii is characterized by cytokine production and immune modulation to sustain chronic infection.
Fig. 1 Parasite life cycle. (Johnson, S.K. and Johnson, P.T.J., 2021)
Biomakers of Toxoplasmosis
Protein based marker
- Subtilisin-like protein (SUB1): Micronems produced the TgSUB1 protein during the acute phase of infection.
- GRA 1-8: A good serological marker for detecting specific IgG and IgM in toxoplasmosis.
- MIC 2,3 Microneme protein: These are recombinant protein with GST domain.
- M2AP; BAG 1; TgOWP1-f; LDH1, 2; NTPase
DNA based marker
- 5.8S ribosomal RNA gene: Coded by the same DNA strand as the rDNA unit.
- SRP RNA: For secretion of nascent proteins to endoplasmic reticulum is necessary.
- The internal transcribed spacer TS1: ITS-1 is the spacer region between the 18s and 5.8s genes.
Therapeutic Development of Toxoplasmosis
Host-directed therapies (HDTs) are an innovative approach to treating parasitic diseases by targeting the host's cellular and molecular pathways rather than directly targeting the parasite. These therapies aim to enhance the host's immune response, modulate inflammation, and alter the cellular environment to make it less favorable for the parasite's survival and replication. There are some potential host-directed drug targets against Toxoplasmosis.
- Immune check point inhibitors: Reinvigorated T-cell function
- Adoptive immunotherapy: CD8+ T-cell responses to clear infection
- Parasite-derived exosomes: Triggered immune responses and prolonged cell survival times
- Rottlerin: Inhibited mTORC1
Vaccine Development of Toxoplasmosis
| Type | Antigen | Mouse strain | Challenged T.gondii strain | Survival rate (duration)a |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| DNA vaccines | GRA24 | Mouse (BALB/c) | Type I: RH | 0% (32 days) |
| MYR1 | Mouse (BALB/c) | Type I: RH | 0% (36 days) | |
| MIC5, MIC16 | Mouse (Kunming) | Type I: RH Type II: PRU |
0% (26 days) NDb |
|
| Subunit vaccines | ASP3 | Mouse (BALB/c) | Type I: RH | 0% (18 days) |
| PRX1 | Mouse (BALB/c) | Type II: PLK | <70% | |
| Virus-like particle vaccines | MIC8 | Mouse (BALB/c) | Type I: RH | 100% |
| ROP13 | Mouse (BALB/c | Type II: ME49 | Murine model | |
| B and T cell epitopes | Mouse (BALB/c | Type I: RH Type II: ME49 |
0% (20 days) NDb |
Our Services
Our company adopts a collaborative approach, partnering closely with clients to create tailored and innovative therapy strategies for Toxoplasmosis. We offer comprehensive support throughout the entire development process, ensuring effective and customized solutions.
Platforms of Toxoplasmosis Therapy Development
Animal Models of Toxoplasmosis
We have extensive experience in creating and utilizing animal models that faithfully mimic the disease traits and therapeutic reactions of Toxoplasmosis. These models enable us to evaluate the safety and effectiveness of prospective therapies with precision.
| Non-Genetically Engineering Models | ||
|---|---|---|
| We provide an array of models designed to meet specific research requirements for Toxoplasmosis. These models allow researchers to replicate and study the intricate biological processes associated with the disease. | ||
| Optional Models |
|
Acute T. gondii Infection Model Toxoplasma Retinochoroiditis Model |
In addition, we offer a range of comprehensive animal model services that concentrate on specific signaling pathways and molecular targets.
If you are interested in our services, please contact us as soon as possible for more information.
References
- Johnson, S.K. and Johnson, P.T.J., "Toxoplasmosis: Recent Advances in Understanding the Link Between Infection and Host Behavior." Annu Rev Anim Biosci, (2021). 9: p. 249-264.
- Molaei, S., et al., "Toxoplasmosis diagnostic techniques: Current developed methods and biosensors." Talanta, (2023). 252: p. 123828.
- Chu, K.B. and Quan, F.S., "Recent progress in vaccine development targeting pre-clinical human toxoplasmosis." Parasites Hosts Dis, (2023). 61(3): p. 231-239.
All of our services and products are intended for preclinical research use only and cannot be used to diagnose, treat or manage patients.