Discoid Lupus Erythematosus
Discoid lupus erythematosus (DLE) is a chronic autoimmune disease characterized by distinctive skin lesions that can lead to scarring and disfigurement. As a leading company in the field of autoimmune disease research, our company is committed to providing professional DLE drug and therapy development solutions.
Introduction to Discoid Lupus Erythematosus
Discoid lupus erythematosus (DLE) represents a variant of cutaneous lupus erythematosus (CLE) primarily impacting the skin. It manifests as the emergence of circular or oval-shaped lesions distinguished by raised, reddened borders and central areas of tissue atrophy. These lesions predominantly appear on sun-exposed regions of the body, including the face, scalp, and ears. The pathogenesis of DLE involves an aberrant immune response, specifically the activation of T lymphocytes and the production of autoantibodies targeting skin components such as DNA and Ro/SSA antigens. This immune dysregulation leads to persistent inflammation, tissue damage, and impaired mechanisms for tissue repair.
Fig.1 Different genotypes of discoid lupus erythematosus (DLE). (Nguyen C. N., et al., 2021)
Drug Discovery and Development for Discoid Lupus Erythematosus
The therapeutics of DLE aim to control disease activity and prevent scarring. Currently, the primary therapeutic options for DLE include topical and systemic medications. Topical corticosteroids, calcineurin inhibitors, and retinoids are commonly used to treat localized skin lesions. Systemic therapy for DLE typically involves the use of antimalarials, such as hydroxychloroquine (HCQ) and chloroquine. These medications have shown efficacy in reducing disease activity and preventing flares. Combination therapy with antimalarials and quinacrine has demonstrated enhanced effectiveness, particularly in refractory cases.
Our therapy development services focus on identifying novel therapeutic targets and developing innovative therapeutic approaches for DLE. You can click on the links below to find your customized solution.
Small Molecule Drug
Probiotics Therapy
Therapeutic Antibody
Cell Therapy
Gene Therapy
Therapeutics Development
Our Services
At our company, we take pride in offering comprehensive services for DLE diagnostics and therapy development. We specialize in the development and validation of animal models and in vitro models for DLE. Our models accurately mimic the immunological and pathological features of DLE, allowing for in-depth research and the testing of therapeutic interventions.
Induced DLE Models
Induced DLE mouse models are created by administering specific drugs and/or exposing mice to environmental triggers, leading to the development of DLE-like skin lesions. We specialize in designing and implementing these models using well-defined triggers, such as fluorouracil (FU) and ultraviolet B light (UVBL) exposure.
TCRα-/- Models
The TCRα-/- mouse model, lacking the alpha chain of the T cell receptor, has shown promise in drug-induced models of DLE. We have established expertise in utilizing TCRα-/- mice to study the effects of FU and UVBL exposure on the development of cutaneous DLE-like lesions.
Co-culture systems, where different cell types are cultured together, are invaluable for investigating the complex interplay between immune cells, keratinocytes, and other cell populations in the development and progression of DLE.
Our company provides expertise in genetically manipulating organoids, which enables researchers to dissect the specific roles of genes and signaling pathways implicated in DLE pathogenesis.
At our company, we also offer comprehensive preclinical research services, including efficacy and safety studies. 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. Should our array of services capture your interest, we warmly encourage you to reach out to us without hesitation.
References
- Nguyen C. N., and Soo-Jung Kim. "Dermatitis herpetiformis: An update on diagnosis, disease monitoring, and management." Medicina 57.8 (2021): 843.
- Reunala Timo, Kaisa Hervonen, and Teea Salmi. "Dermatitis herpetiformis: an update on diagnosis and management." American Journal of Clinical Dermatology 22.3 (2021): 329-338.