PML (Progressive Multifocal Leukoencephalopathy) is a viral disease that seriously damages the central nervous system and is uncommon and hard to treat. Our company provides an extensive range of services dedicated to driving forward the progress of vaccines and therapeutics tailored for PML.
Progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy, or PML, is an uncommon, but lethal disease of brain characterized by the demyelination of white matter, and is often associated with the reactivation of JC virus. This virus belongs to the family of Polyomaviridae, but typically it remains inactive in the tissues of kidneys of healthy individuals. If a person is immune suppressed, there can be the possibility of the JC Virus leading to an infection. As a result, onto the CNS, there can be an infection of the oligodendrocytes and astrocytes, which in turn causes PML lesions.
Fig.1 Mode of action of progressive multifocal encephalopathy (PML) and immune reconstitution inflammatory syndrome (IRIS) therapeutics. (Bernard-Valnet R., et al., 2021)
Development of a vaccine for PML is a difficult task because of the JC virus and the targeted demographic. The research in development of JCV specific vaccines targets the ability of the immune system to detect ns offset JCV and neutralize it before it spreads. This includes the creation of sub-unit vaccines to control JCV, modular viruses or other JCV elements like protein that induce immune response which helps neutralize JCV.
Another directions worth pursuing involves the creation of viral vectors cages with JCV specific antigens. These viruses are usually made from live, but weakened, or dead viruses. These vectors can put JCV DNA in the host's cells; after which, the cell makes JCV proteins, for the immune system to recognize them. This technique has been suggested in preclinical tests; however, preclinical use has shown great trouble making and proving the safety and effectiveness of vaccines.
Antiviral Therapies
Because the PML is considered virally induced, much use of effort has been concentrated on the use of antiviral medication. These drugs are intended to suppress the replication of the JCV, thereby decreasing the CNS viral load. Among these are those like cidofovir, which has shown some efficacy in vitro but has not led to clinical relevant benefits.
Immunotherapy
In the attempt to increase the level of JCV specific cellular immune responses, immune modulation approaches based on the use of interleukins (IL-2, IL-7) have been employed. Moreover, the application of immune checkpoint inhibitors such as anti-PD-1 monoclonal antibodies seeks to address the problem of T-cell exhaustion by re-energizing them to combat viral infections.
Aldoptive T Cell Therapy
Adoptive transfer of T cells is achieved through separation and proliferation of JCV specific T cells from healthy donors and infusion of these T cells into individuals suffering from PML. This intervention has been effective in decreasing viral loads and improving clinical conditions in the patients suffering from hematological malignancies and in those who have received stem cell transplants.
At our firm, we focus on innovative vaccine and therapeutic development services in order to combat the aggressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy. Our skilled scientists and researchers work to integrate the most recent scientific advances and new technologies in the management of this difficult disease.
By leveraging our deep scientific expertise, state-of-the-art facilities, and commitment to collaborative partnerships, we are poised to make a meaningful impact in the fight against this devastating neurological disease. If you are interested in our services, please feel free to contact us.
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All of our services and products are intended for preclinical research use only and cannot be used to diagnose, treat or manage patients.
