Innovative Preclinical Research for Vaccinia Virus: Accelerating Drug Discovery & Diagnostic Advancement

Overview

Vaccinia virus (VACV) served as a global antigen in smallpox vaccination programs. The vaccine was used for almost two centuries until smallpox eradication across the earth in 1980, when vaccination against VACV stopped. Under microscopic examination, the particle morphology resembles an elliptical brick. The complete viral genome measures approximately 190 kilobases. Researchers divide the genome into three sections, which consist of one central region and two flanking regions. The central region is responsible for the coding and synthesis of structural proteins, while the flanking regions control the virus's infection mechanism and host interactions. When VACV propagates in vivo, it will experience four different forms: The VACV undergoes a transformation that begins with intracellular mature virus (IMV), followed by intracellular envelope virus (IEV), continues to membrane fusion envelope virus (CEV), and ends with extracellular envelope virus (EEV). The intracellular mature virus (IMV) and extracellular envelope virus (EEV) both act as essential components for viral adhesion to host cells. VACV exists in four different in vivo forms, with two being essential during host infection. IMV facilitates viral transmission between hosts, whereas the virus spreads within an individual host primarily through EEV. Creative Biolabs stands out due to its specialized strengths in vaccinia virus research. The company employs scientific research personnel who have extensive research and development backgrounds to offer precise services through virus screening, structural analysis, and drug development. Through tailored solutions and cutting-edge technologies, customers will get their research results fast based on their specific needs.

Accelerated VACV Preclinical Research Services (Therapeutics & Diagnostics)

• For Therapeutics Development

In Vitro Antiviral Efficacy Assays

• Cytopathic Effect (CPE) Inhibition Assay: This test determines the level of protection a compound provides to cells against damage caused by VACV.
• Plaque Reduction Assay (PRA): The Plaque Reduction Assay evaluates plaque formation decrease post-treatment by directly measuring infectious virus levels.
• Virus Yield Reduction Assay (via qPCR, TCID₅₀, or PFU/mL): This assay evaluates how drug exposure leads to a decrease in viral progeny production.
• High-Throughput Screening (HTS): Screens compound libraries for anti-VACV activity.
• EC₅₀, IC₅₀, CC₅₀, and Selectivity Index (SI): The therapeutic window and potency of drugs are evaluated through standard pharmacological measurements.

In Vivo Efficacy Studies (Animal Models)

• Murine Models of VACV Infection: The intranasal, intraperitoneal, and dermal challenge routes depend on the expected disease outcome in murine models of VACV infection.
• Survival and Clinical Scoring: The survival and clinical scoring system measures weight loss, behavior patterns, lesion dimensions, and comprehensive health indicators.
• Histopathology and Tissue Analysis: This analysis focuses on inflammation levels and tissue damage while mapping viral antigen distribution.
• Pharmacokinetics and Pharmacodynamics (PK/PD): Research focuses on drug absorption, metabolism, and distribution processes alongside their links to antiviral effectiveness.

• For Diagnostics Development

Antigen Detection Assays

• qPCR (Quantitative PCR): The standard method for VACV DNA detection in clinical, environmental, and animal specimens.
• LAMP (Loop-Mediated Isothermal Amplification): LAMP provides quick DNA test results through a portable device designed for field diagnostic applications.
• Multiplex PCR Assays: The Multiplex PCR Assays technique enables researchers to detect VACV DNA while distinguishing it from other orthopoxviruses at the same time.
• Next-Generation Sequencing (NGS): Next-Generation Sequencing enables researchers to identify genetic strains while analyzing mutations and designing assays.

Nucleic Acid Detection Assays

• ELISA (Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay): The ELISA technology enables quantitative measurement of specific VACV antigens across serum samples, swabs, and tissue specimens.
• Lateral Flow Assays (LFIA): Point-of-care or field-based rapid antigen tests.
• Immunofluorescence Assay (IFA): Use of fluorescently labeled antibodies for visualizing cells infected by VACV.
• Immunohistochemistry (IHC): Immunohistochemistry identifies VACV antigens within tissues, particularly in biopsy or necropsy samples.

Antibody Detection Assays (Serology)

• IgM/IgG ELISA: The IgM/IgG ELISA test determines whether VACV exposure occurred recently by detecting IgM or in the past through IgG identification.
• Plaque Reduction Neutralization Test (PRNT): Gold standard for measuring neutralizing antibody responses.
• Western Blot: Confirms antibody specificity to distinct VACV proteins.
• Multiplex Serological Assays: This test identifies antibodies against various orthopox antigens within one biological sample.

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Products for VACV Research

The VACV genome provides the basis for producing proteins through recombinant DNA technology, which are called recombinant VACV proteins or antigens. Researchers and medical professionals utilize these proteins in many applications, such as vaccine development, along with diagnostic testing and pathogenesis studies of the virus.

• Recombinant Vaccinia virus proteins or antigens

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Applications

Advantages

1. PCR-based methods demonstrate superior sensitivity, which enables the detection of VACV even when viral loads are minimal.

2. The rapid results from antigen tests, including lateral flow assays, enable efficient testing in point-of-care environments because they deliver outcomes within minutes.

3. Serological tests identify antibodies to determine if individuals have encountered VACV or received vaccination against it.

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