Eosinophilic Fasciitis
Eosinophilic fasciitis (EF) denotes an uncommon autoimmune disorder distinguished by inflammation and fibrosis of the fascia, which induces skin thickening, joint contractures, and systemic symptoms. Our esteemed organization remains dedicated to propelling the progress of EF therapies. By offering a wide range of diagnostics and therapy development services, we strive to deliver groundbreaking solutions.
Introduction to Eosinophilic Fasciitis
Eosinophilic fasciitis, also known as Shulman's syndrome, is a rare autoimmune disease that affects the fascia, the connective tissue surrounding muscles, blood vessels, and nerves. It is characterized by inflammation and fibrosis of the fascia, leading to thickening and hardening of the skin. EF typically presents with symmetrical swelling and thickening of the extremities, most commonly the arms and legs. Autoimmune diseases, strenuous exercise, medications, infections, and other triggers have been associated with EF development. The pathogenesis of EF involves dysregulated immune responses, with an overexpression of certain cytokines and immune-related factors.
Fig.1 Biopsy of the right forearm in eosinophilic fasciitis. (Mortezavi M., et al., 2020)
Drug Discovery and Development for Eosinophilic Fasciitis
In cases of persistent eosinophilia or symptoms, higher doses of glucocorticoids may be considered. For refractory cases, several therapies have been explored. These include tocilizumab, baricitinib, sulfasalazine, azathioprine, infliximab, rituximab, dapsone, phototherapy, and psoralen plus photochemotherapy. Successful therapy has also been achieved with cyclosporine A in combination with glucocorticoids or other immunosuppressive therapies. In recent developments, novel drugs such as sirolimus, an inhibitor of rapamycin kinase, have shown promise in non-responsive cases.
Our organization stands at the forefront of EF therapy advancement. We undertake comprehensive research endeavors to identify potential targets for drug intervention and develop innovative therapeutic strategies. To explore and discover your personalized solution, we invite you to click on the provided links below.
Small Molecule Drug
Probiotics Therapy
Therapeutic Antibody
Cell Therapy
Gene Therapy
Therapeutics Development
Our Services
At our company, we take pride in offering a comprehensive range of services for EF, including state-of-the-art diagnostics solutions and therapy development. Our specialized services encompass the creation and validation of EF-specific animal models and in vitro models, enabling us to delve into disease mechanisms, assess potential therapies, and predict their efficacy in human settings. These invaluable tools facilitate the development of EF therapies and pave the way for advancements in therapeutic options.
Induced Animal Models
We induce the disease in mice by injecting collagen or other substances that trigger an immune response leading to fibrosis and inflammation in the fascia. This model allows for the study of disease progression, evaluation of potential therapies, and understanding the underlying mechanisms involved.
Co-culturing fibroblasts with immune cells, such as eosinophils or T cells, enables the study of cell-cell communication and the influence of immune responses on fibrosis development. Our Company specializes in developing co-culture models that accurately represent the cellular interactions and microenvironment of EF.
Eosinophilic fasciitis is a systemic disease that can affect multiple organs and tissues. Our Company specializes in developing multi-organoid systems that integrate different organoids, such as skin, joint, and immune organoids, to study the systemic effects of EF.
Drawing upon our extensive expertise in the field of autoimmune diseases and inflammation research, we are equipped to provide cutting-edge solutions that address the unique challenges associated with EF. 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
- Mortezavi Mahta, Mary Barrett, and Mohammadomid Edrissian. "Successful treatment of refractory eosinophilic fasciitis with reslizumab." JAAD case reports 6.9 (2020): 951-953.
- Mazilu D., et al. "Eosinophilic fasciitis: current and remaining challenges." International Journal of Molecular Sciences 24.3 (2023): 1982.