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Project Description

Please note that we are a research service provider, not a pharmacy or clinic, so we are unable to see patients and do not offer diagnostic and treatment services for individuals.

Vogt-Koyanagi-Harada (VKH) Syndrome

Vogt-Koyanagi-Harada (VKH) syndrome pathology correlates with autoimmune attacks on melanocyte systems, particularly on tyrosinase family proteins (TYR, TRP1, TRP2) responsible for melanin production. By combining our deep scientific expertise, technological prowess, and unwavering commitment to innovation, Protheragen offers a one-stop service for diagnostics and therapeutic development for Vogt-Koyanagi-Harada (VKH) syndrome.

Overview of Vogt-Koyanagi-Harada (VKH) Syndrome

Vogt-Koyanagi-Harada (VKH) syndrome is an uncommon, granulomatous inflammatory condition that mainly affects melanin-containing structures like the eyes, inner ear, meninges, and skin. Vogt first described VKH syndrome in 1906, noting its several clinical manifestations and sequelae like bilateral panuveitis, exudative retinal detachments, vitiligo, poliosis, alopecia, and auditory involvement. Patients of Asian, Hispanic, and American Indian descent are most commonly affected, with Caucasians comparatively less. Swift and intensive therapeutics are essential in order to avert prolonged illness and its complications.

Fundus findings in chronic recurrent Vogt-Koyanagi-Harada (VKH) Syndrome.

Fig.1 Fundus findings in chronic recurrent VKH. (Urzua C. A., et al., 2022)

Immunopathological Features of Vogt-Koyanagi-Harada (VKH) Syndrome

T-cell-mediated autoimmunity: The choroid infiltration of T and B lymphocytes occurs as a result of CD4+ T-cell activation where HLA-DRB10405 and HLA-DRB10410 are responsible for presenting the melanocyte antigens.
Molecular mimicry: Cross-reactivity between viral peptides (e.g., cytomegalovirus) and melanocyte antigens may trigger the disease.
Cytokine involvement: Th1 (IFN-γ) and Th17 (IL-17) responses are dominantly activated, with a concomitant impairment of the Tregs which drives inflammation further.
B-cell role: Refractory cases respond to therapeutics with rituximab (anti-CD20) because of B-cells' ability to display antigens and generate autoantibodies.

Therapeutics of Vogt-Koyanagi-Harada (VKH) Syndrome

Corticosteroids

The primary therapeutics of VKH disease still lies with high-dose systemic corticosteroids, particularly during its acute phase. Initially, intravenous methylprednisolone is used, then oral prednisone is administered. Complications are avoided and inflammation is reduced considerably with corticosteroids.

Non-Steroidal Immunosuppressive Agents

These consisit of mycophenolate mofetil, azathioprine, cyclosporine , and methotrexate. Along with corticosteroids, they help in preventing chronic evolution and improving long-term outcomes. These agents help in modulating the immune response and preventing relapse from occuring.

Biologic Agents

In instances unresponsive to standard therapeutics, there is emerging evidence for the use of adalimumab (an anti-TNF agent) and rituximab (a B-cell depleting agent) due to their effectiveness. These medications offer additional therapeutic pathways for cases suffering from VKH by chronic targeting particular immune factors involved in its pathophysiology.

Combination Therapy

The combined use of corticosteroids alongside non-steroidal immunosuppressive agents has been proven as more effective than corticosteroids alone allowing for better prevention of chronic evolution and complications. With this approach, control of inflammation is improved, therefore achieving better outcomes in the long term.

Our Services

Protheragen develops specific targeted VKH syndrome diagnostics and therapeutics. Utilizing our immunology and ophthalmology expertise enables us to implement advanced multidisciplinary approaches toward early diagnostics and therapeutics development.

Diagnostics Development

Karyotype Analysis Service
Omics Analysis Service
Biomarker Development Service
Artificial Intelligence Service

Therapeutic Development

Small Molecule Drug
Cell Therapy
Gene Therapy
Therapeutic Antibody
Therapeutic Peptide
Therapeutic Protein
Customized Therapy Development

Disease Models

Melanocyte-associated Antigen Immunization Mouse Models
TRP-1 Immunization Rat Models
TRP-1 Immunization Akita dog Models
TRP-1 Immunization Monkey Models

Preclinical Research

Pharmacodynamics Study Services
Pharmacokinetics Study Services
Drug Safety Evaluation Services
Customized Research Services

Protheragen offers customized services to meet the specific needs of our clients. Our team of experts works closely with clients to design and implement tailored solutions for diagnostics and therapeutics development. If you are interested in our services, please feel free to contact us.

References

Urzua, Cristhian A., et al. "Vogt-Koyanagi-Harada disease: the step-by-step approach to a better understanding of clinicopathology, immunopathology, diagnosis, and management: a brief review." Journal of ophthalmic inflammation and infection 12.1 (2022): 17.
Herbort Jr, Carl P., et al. "Precise, simplified diagnostic criteria and optimized management of initial-onset Vogt–Koyanagi–Harada disease: an updated review." Eye 36.1 (2022): 29-43.