Behçet's Disease
Behçet's disease (BD) is a complex autoimmune disorder characterized by recurrent oral and genital ulcers, ocular inflammation, and various systemic manifestations. Our company is at the forefront of drug and therapy development services in the field of Behçet's disease.
Overview of Behçet's Disease
Behçet's disease is a chronic, relapsing-remitting autoimmune disorder that affects multiple systems within the body. The hallmark symptoms of BD include recurrent oral and genital ulcers, ocular inflammation (uveitis), skin lesions, arthritis, and various systemic manifestations such as gastrointestinal, neurological, and vascular involvement. The underlying mechanisms are not yet fully understood; however, several key factors have been implicated. These include the activation of both innate and adaptive immune responses, increased production of pro-inflammatory cytokines, and the presence of immune complexes. Genetic factors, particularly the association with HLA-B51, have also been identified, suggesting a genetic predisposition to the disease.
Fig.1 ERAP1-HLAB51 interaction in Behçet's disease (BD). (Van der Houwen T. B., et al., 2022)
Drug Discovery and Development for Behçet's Disease
The choice of therapy depends on the severity and location of Behçet's disease manifestations. Currently, there is no cure for Behçet's disease, but several drug and therapy options have shown efficacy in managing the symptoms and reducing the frequency and severity of relapses.
- Immunosuppressive Agents: Drugs such as azathioprine, cyclosporine, and methotrexate are used as second-line therapeutics to control more severe and refractory cases of Behçet's disease.
- Corticosteroids: Oral or topical corticosteroids are commonly used to control acute flares and reduce inflammation.
- Biological Therapy: Tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha) inhibitors, such as infliximab, have demonstrated efficacy in reducing ocular inflammation and other manifestations of the disease.
- Interferon Therapy: Interferon-alpha (IFN-alpha) has been utilized as an alternative therapeutic option for Behçet's disease.
Developing novel therapeutics for Behçet's disease is a primary focus at our company. The graphic below shows the different therapy development services we can provide, you can click on the links to learn more.
Small Molecule Drug
Probiotics Therapy
Therapeutic Antibody
Cell Therapy
Gene Therapy
Therapeutics Development
Our Services
At our company, we offer cutting-edge diagnostics development services aimed at improving the detection and monitoring of this complex condition. Leveraging our expertise in autoimmune disease research and development, we employ state-of-the-art methodologies to identify and optimize potential therapeutic candidates. We also specialize in developing reliable and relevant disease models that mimic the key features of Behçet's disease. These models allow us to evaluate experimental drugs and therapies.
HLA-B*51 Models
By introducing the human leukocyte antigen-B51 (HLA-B51) allele into animal models, we facilitate investigations into immune dysregulation, inflammatory processes, and potential therapeutic interventions associated with BD.
Alpha-Tropomyosin Models
At our company, we provide model development services focused on α-TM. Alpha-tropomyosin (α-TM) has been implicated in the pathogenesis of BD, particularly in the development of ocular symptoms.
Heat Shock Protein Models
By developing animal models with altered expression or function of specific HSPs, we can delve into the mechanisms by which HSPs contribute to the immune dysregulation and inflammatory responses observed in BD.
S Antigen Models
S antigen, a retinal photoreceptor protein, has been implicated in the ocular manifestations of BD. S antigen models allow for the exploration of retinal tissue damage, ocular inflammation, and potential therapeutic interventions targeting S antigen in BD.
Herpes Simplex Virus Type-1 Models
The similarities between BD symptoms and those associated with herpes simplex virus type-1 (HSV-1) infection have led to the development of animal models utilizing HSV-1.
Human Sera Models
By employing sera from BD patients, we can assess the effects of these antibodies on neuronal processes, neurotoxicity, and behavioral manifestations, providing a deeper understanding of neuro-Behçet's disease.
Utilizing primary cells or cell lines derived from BD patients to investigate the dysregulation of various cell types, including endothelial cells, T cells, B cells, and monocytes/macrophages.
By generating organoids that mimic specific affected tissues, such as the oral mucosa, gastrointestinal tract, or ocular tissues, we can investigate the cellular and molecular processes underlying BD manifestations in these organs.
Customized Disease Models
In addition to the aforementioned range of services and models, we also specialize in tailoring customized solutions and developing disease models that precisely align with your distinctive requirements.
Preclinical research forms the foundation of successful drug development. At our company, we offer a comprehensive range of preclinical research services tailored to Behçet's disease. Our experienced team of researchers conducts in-depth studies to assess the safety, efficacy, and pharmacokinetics of potential therapeutic interventions. Should our array of services capture your interest, we warmly encourage you to reach out to us without hesitation.
References
- Van der Houwen T. B., P. M. van Hagen, and J. A. M. van Laar. "Immunopathogenesis of Behçet's disease and treatment modalities." Seminars in Arthritis and Rheumatism. Vol. 52. WB Saunders, 2022.
- Alpsoy Erkan, et al. "Treatment of Behçet's disease: an algorithmic multidisciplinary approach." Frontiers in medicine 8 (2021): 624795.