Tailored Preclinical Research for Sealpox Virus in Therapeutics & Diagnostics

Overview

The Sealpox virus (SPV) belongs to the Avipoxvirus genus within the Poxviridae family, which contains viruses that target animals such as mammals alongside birds and reptiles. SPV shares a close genetic relationship with poxviruses that include vaccinia virus and avian poxvirus, which are known to target poultry and wild birds. Marine mammals acquire sealpox virus by touching infected animals or inhaling their secretions, such as respiratory droplets, which leads to skin lesions or widespread outbreaks. SPV infection results in pock-like skin and mucous membrane lesions in marine mammals, including seals. The severity of these lesions varies from minor harmless spots to major ulcers, which interrupt the animal's eating and breathing functions as well as disrupt body temperature control. Despite it not being a direct human health threat, the virus can pose substantial risks to wildlife populations, especially marine mammals, resulting in serious health problems and death in extreme situations. Scientists study this virus because it serves as a model for understanding viral evolution and transmission, along with pathogen progression in wildlife populations. Creative Biolabs delivers preclinical research services that concentrate on viral studies for SPV and various poxviruses. We provide virus isolation and propagation services as well as virus characterization and pathogenesis studies using animal models. Our team carries out laboratory experiments and animal testing to examine antiviral medications and evaluate potential vaccines alongside diagnostic instruments.

Accelerated SPV Preclinical Research Services

• For Therapeutics Development

In Vitro Antiviral Efficacy Assays

• Cytotoxicity Assays: Assess the potential toxicity of the therapeutic agents on cultured cells (e.g., MTT, Alamar Blue, or LDH assays).
• Viral Load Reduction: Measuring the reduction in viral titers post-treatment using qPCR, viral plaque assays, or other viral quantification methods.
• Cell Viability Assays: Monitoring the effects of potential antiviral compounds on cell viability, often in parallel with viral load reduction.
• Time-of-Addition Studies: Identifying the most effective treatment time window during the viral life cycle.
• Mechanism-of-Action Studies: Understanding how the compound inhibits the virus at the molecular level (e.g., blocking viral entry, replication, or assembly).

In Vivo Efficacy Studies (Animal Models)

• Animal Model Development: Use of animals (e.g., rodents or non-human primates) infected with SPV to evaluate the therapeutic efficacy.
• Dose-Response Studies: Determining the optimal dose and treatment regimen for maximal antiviral effect.
• Pharmacokinetics and Bioavailability: Assessing how the drug is absorbed, distributed, metabolized, and excreted in the animal model.
• Survival Studies: Monitoring the impact of the therapeutic agent on animal survival rates after SPV infection.
• Viral Load Reduction: Measuring the reduction of viral titers in tissues (e.g., blood, liver, spleen) and correlating with clinical improvement.

• For Diagnostics Development

Antigen Detection Assays

• Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA): Used for detecting specific viral antigens in patient samples, such as blood, serum, or lesions. This assay uses antibodies to bind and capture the viral antigen.
• Immunofluorescence Assays (IFA): Detects viral antigens in tissue samples or cell cultures by using fluorescently labeled antibodies.
• Lateral Flow Assay (LFA): A portable, rapid diagnostic test that uses a test strip to detect viral antigens in clinical samples (e.g., blood, swabs, or fluid).
• Western Blotting: Detects viral antigens by separating proteins based on their size and then detecting specific antigens using antibodies.

Nucleic Acid Detection Assays

• Loop-mediated Isothermal Amplification (LAMP): A fast and inexpensive alternative to PCR that amplifies nucleic acids at a constant temperature, providing rapid diagnosis without the need for complex equipment.
• Next-Generation Sequencing (NGS): Used for sequencing viral genomes, identifying viral strains, and monitoring mutations. NGS can also detect viral RNA and DNA directly from clinical samples and provide deep insights into viral diversity.
• In Situ Hybridization (ISH): A method to localize specific nucleic acid sequences within infected tissue sections, allowing for visual detection of SPV RNA.

Antibody Detection Assays (Serology)

• Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA): Commonly used to detect specific antibodies (IgM or IgG) in serum or plasma samples, indicating exposure to SPV. IgM typically appears early in infection, while IgG indicates past exposure.
• Western Blotting: Used to detect the presence of antibodies against SPV proteins in the serum of infected individuals. This is often used as a confirmatory test after initial screening.
• Indirect Immunofluorescence Assay (IFA): Used to detect antibodies in patient serum by using viral antigens fixed on slides and labeled secondary antibodies.
• Neutralization Assay: Measures the ability of antibodies to neutralize the virus by preventing its infectivity in cell culture, which can provide insight into the immune response quality.

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Products for SPV Research

The engineering of monoclonal antibodies for SPV allows them to bind to specific viral antigens, which leads to accurate virus detection and neutralization. Diagnostic assays and therapeutic applications can benefit from these antibodies. Scientists use genetic engineering techniques to produce recombinant SPV proteins, which enable researchers to examine the virus's structure and function. These elements play a critical role in developing vaccines and producing antibodies while advancing our knowledge of viral mechanisms.

• Recombinant SPV proteins or antigens

• Antibodies against SPV proteins

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Applications

• SPV has applications in scientific research and potential therapeutic development areas.
• SPV functions as a model organism to research poxvirus biology alongside viral evolution and host-virus interactions in marine mammals.
• SPV plays a crucial role in creating diagnostic tools, including PCR assays and serological tests to detect and monitor viral infections in wildlife populations.
• SPV serves as a practical model for viral pathogenesis research because of its likeness to other poxviruses and enables scientists to create vaccines that work across different species.

Advantages

• Expertise & Experience: Our experienced virology scientists deliver extensive research capabilities and custom solutions for diverse viral investigations.
• Cutting-Edge Technology: Our laboratory uses advanced equipment and methodologies to achieve precise virus isolation, propagation, and analysis while also developing reliable diagnostic assays.
• Customizable Solutions: Our flexible research services are customized to each client's requirements and include antiviral screening as well as vaccine development and diagnostic assay validation.
• Preclinical to Clinical Transition: We support viral research and therapeutic development throughout the entire process, which begins with early-stage preclinical research and continues through preclinical support.

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