Viral Keratitis

Keratitis is described as an ocular condition marked by inflammation of the cornea, the clear part that encases the iris and pupil. Protheragen is dedicated to advancing the development of novel diagnostics and therapeutics for viral keratitis. Our company offers a comprehensive suite of services designed to support researchers and pharmaceutical companies in their efforts to combat this challenging ocular disease.

Overview of Viral Keratitis

Viral keratitis remains one of the most prevalent and economically expensive ocular diseases in the United States, inflicting over $175 million a year in therapeutic costs. It is a critical form of infectious keratitis stemming from inflammation of the cornea, which has the potential to impair vision, partially or completely. The leading infectious cause of viral keratitis is herpesviruses, such as herpes simplex virus (HSV), varicella-zoster virus (VZV), cytomegalovirus (CMV), and Epstein-Barr virus (EBV). The listed viruses can inflict severe forms of keratitis, including epithelial, stromal, endothelial, as well as neurotrophic keratitis.

Model of HSV-1 infection and keratitis caused by reactivation from latency.

Fig. 1 Model of HSV-1 infection and reactivation from latency to cause keratitis. (Koganti R., et al., 2021)

Diagnostics Development for Viral Keratitis

Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR)

PCR is a precise and sensitive method for the detection of viral DNA or RNA in aqueous humor or corneal scraping. Furthermore, it is able to detect definite viruses such as HSV, CMV, VZV, and EBV. Specifically, in cases of early infection where the viral load is high, PCR becomes exceptionally beneficial.

Immunofluorescence Assays

The utilization of antibodies tagged with fluorescence can identify viral antigens in corneal sample tissues. Though they are not as sensitive as PCR, they are quick. Immunofluorescence assays have high sensitivity to identify the proteins and confirm the isolates from viruses infecting the cornea.

Goldmann-Witmer Coefficient (GWC)

The GWC tracks the concentration of specific virus antibodies in the aqueous humor. An increase in GWC above three indicates the presence of antibodies showing infection. It is valuable in detection of infections in cases without full antibody levels where there is no immunosuppression, that is, in whose body the immune system is fully active.

Next-Generation Sequencing (NGS)

Utilizing next-generation sequencing (NGS) technologies, one is capable of recognizing viral genomes and obtaining information regarding viral heterogeneity and resistance mechanisms. It is especially effective for diagnosing several viruses within one specimen and discovering new strains of viruses.

Therapeutics Development for Viral Keratitis

Antiviral Nucleoside Analogues
Acyclic nucleoside analogues such as acyclovir (ACV) are used to treat keratitis caused by a viral infection. ACV prevents replicative of the virus by competitively inhibiting viral DNA polymerase. Other analogues include Foscarnet, ganciclovir, and valacyclovir, which all have some advantages and disadvantages. For example, cidofovir has broad-spectrum activity but is nephrotoxic with oral administration.
Emerging Therapies
New therapeutics for viral keratitis include the use of CRISPR/Cas9 systems to excise dormant viral genomes, viral glycoprotein-binding aptamers, and cationic peptides that block viral entry. For example, BX795, a PDK1 inhibitor, shows potential by reducing HSV-1 infection through inhibition of viral protein synthesis. Moreover, sustained-acyclovir-release-complex DECON has been formulated to enhance compliance.

Our Services

At Protheragen, we offer a comprehensive suite of services for the development of novel diagnostics and therapeutics for viral keratitis. Our team of experts in virology, immunology, and ophthalmology collaborates to develop innovative solutions to address the unmet needs of viral keratitis.

Diagnostics Development

Therapeutic Development

Preclinical Research

Disease Models

HSV-1 Infection Keratitis Models
CMV Infection Keratitis Models
VZV Infection Keratitis Models
EBV Infection Keratitis Models

Protheragen's preclinical research services encompass a wide range of activities, from target validation to efficacy and safety studies. We utilize state-of-the-art facilities and equipment to conduct high-quality research that meets international standards. If you are interested in our services, please feel free to contact us.

Reference

Koganti, Raghuram, et al. "Pathobiology and treatment of viral keratitis." Experimental eye research 205 (2021): 108483.