Optic Neuritis
Optic neuritis (ON) is a complex inflammatory condition that requires innovative and targeted therapeutic approaches. Our company is dedicated to advancing the therapeutic options for optic neuritis through our comprehensive drug and therapy development services.
Introduction to Optic Neuritis
Optic neuritis is an inflammatory condition characterized by the inflammation of the optic nerve, which transmits visual information from the eye to the brain. It commonly presents with vision loss, pain with eye movement, and changes in color perception. Optic neuritis is often associated with multiple sclerosis (MS) and can be an early manifestation of the disease. The pathogenesis of Optic Neuritis involves an autoimmune response targeting the myelin sheath surrounding the optic nerve. Immune cells infiltrate the optic nerve, leading to inflammation, demyelination, and subsequent damage to the nerve fibers.
Fig.1 The immune pathophysiology of optic neuritis. (De Lott L. B., et al., 2022)
Therapy Discovery and Development for Optic Neuritis
The therapeutic of optic neuritis aims to reduce inflammation, restore visual function, and prevent further damage. Currently, corticosteroids, particularly methylprednisolone, are the mainstay of acute therapeutic for optic neuritis. These medications have been shown to promote faster recovery of vision, although their overall benefit is modest. While corticosteroids have shown efficacy in acute therapeutic, there is a need for novel therapeutic approaches that target the underlying pathogenesis of optic neuritis. Our company is at the forefront of developing innovative drug and therapy options for optic neuritis, aiming to provide better solutions for pharmaceutical companies. Please click on the links below to learn more about our services.
Our Services
At our company, we offer comprehensive optic neuritis diagnostics and therapy development services, leveraging our expertise and cutting-edge research facilities. Our preclinical research services focus on identifying and validating potential drug targets, developing animal models that mimic the pathogenesis of optic neuritis, and conducting in vitro studies to evaluate the efficacy and safety of potential therapeutic agents. By utilizing advanced techniques and state-of-the-art technologies, we accelerate the discovery and development of promising drug candidates.
EAE Animal Models
Our experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE) models encompass various subtypes. For instance, in the dark agouti rat model, acute optic nerve inflammation manifests earlier than spinal cord inflammation, while in C57BL6 mice, optic nerve inflammation occurs chronically alongside inflammation in the rest of the CNS.
Other Rodent Models
In addition to EAE models, we also offer other rodent models of optic neuritis to cater to diverse research needs. One of these models is the 2D2 mouse engineered with MOG-specific TCR transgenic T cells. The other is an animal model of neuromyelitis optica (NMO) involving aquaporin-4 antibodies.
We offer expert isolation and culture services for primary cells involved in optic neuritis, such as retinal ganglion cells, astrocytes, microglia, and immune cells. Our meticulous techniques ensure the maintenance of cell viability, functionality, and phenotypic characteristics essential for accurate disease modeling.
Our organoid model development service provides researchers with advanced tools to study optic neuritis in a more physiologically relevant manner. Key aspects of our organoid model development service include optic nerve organoid development, co-development of retinal organoids, and high-throughput screening.
Beyond the wide range of services and models mentioned previously, our expertise extends to crafting bespoke solutions and designing disease models that are perfectly tailored to your individual requirements. We take great pride in our ability to adapt and customize our offerings to meet the unique needs of each client. If our comprehensive range of services has piqued your interest, we wholeheartedly encourage you to contact us without any hesitation.
Reference
- De Lott Lindsey B., Jeffrey L. Bennett, and Fiona Costello. "The changing landscape of optic neuritis: a narrative review." Journal of neurology (2022): 1-14.