Rheumatic Fever
Rheumatic fever (RF) is an autoimmune disease triggered by group A Streptococcus (GAS) infection. It can lead to serious complications such as rheumatic heart disease (RHD) and sydenham's chorea (SC). Our company, a leader in the field, offers comprehensive services in rheumatic fever drug and therapy development.
Introduction to Rheumatic Fever
Rheumatic fever is an autoimmune disease that occurs following an untreated or inadequately treated GAS infection, most commonly streptococcal pharyngitis. It primarily affects children and young adults and is characterized by inflammatory reactions primarily targeting the heart, joints, skin, and central nervous system.
The pathogenesis of rheumatic fever involves both innate and adaptive immune responses. Following GAS infection, bacterial antigens stimulate the innate immune system, triggering an inflammatory cascade. This leads to the activation of T cells and B cells, resulting in the production of autoantibodies and the formation of immune complexes. These immune complexes deposit in various tissues, leading to inflammation, tissue damage, and the development of RF-associated complications.
Fig.1 Proportion of rheumatic heart disease cases among all rheumatic fever cases. (Tal R., et al., 2022)
Drug Discovery and Development for Rheumatic Fever
Prompt and appropriate antibiotic therapy is crucial in the therapeutics of RF to eliminate the GAS infection and prevent further complications. Penicillin or its derivatives, such as amoxicillin, are the preferred antibiotics for RF therapeutics. They effectively eradicate GAS and reduce the risk of recurrent RF episodes. In certain cases, corticosteroids may be prescribed to manage severe inflammation or when NSAIDs are insufficient. They possess potent anti-inflammatory properties and can help reduce tissue damage in RF. Our therapy development services encompass preclinical research and drug development, aiming to identify and develop effective therapeutics for rheumatic fever. Please click on the links below to find your customized therapy development solution.
Our Services
At our company, we are dedicated to advancing the field of rheumatic fever research and drug development. We offer a comprehensive range of diagnostics and therapy development services aimed at supporting the development of rheumatic fever therapeutics for pharmaceutical companies around the world. Through rigorous preclinical studies, we evaluate the safety and efficacy of potential drug candidates, targeting the underlying mechanisms of the disease.
GAS Antigen Induced RHD Models
Our immunization of mice with group A streptococcal (GAS) antigens induced immune responses similar to those observed in humans, which may lead to the development of cardiac pathology similar to rheumatic heart disease (RHD).
Sydenham's Chorea Rat Models
Sydenham's chorea (SC) is a neurological disorder associated with RF/RHD, characterized by uncoordinated jerking movements. Our company specializes in developing a rat model for SC, offering researchers a valuable tool to study the underlying mechanisms and test potential therapeutics.
Our company excels in developing robust and reliable cell-based models that accurately mimic key aspects of rheumatic fever. For example, primary human cardiac cells, including cardiomyocytes, fibroblasts, and endothelial cells, can be isolated and cultured to create a relevant microenvironment for studying rheumatic fever pathology.
Organoid models offer a more complex and physiologically relevant system to study the intricate interactions between different cell types and tissues in rheumatic fever. Our company specializes in developing organoid models that capture the structural and functional characteristics of affected organs, such as the heart and joints.
Through in vitro and in vivo studies, we evaluate the therapeutic potential of drug candidates, optimizing their dosage and administration routes. In addition to the aforementioned services and models, we also provide customized solutions and develop disease models that cater specifically to your unique needs. If our services have piqued your interest, please do not hesitate to contact us.
Reference
- Tal R., et al. "Rheumatic fever in a developed country–is it still relevant? A retrospective, 25 years follow-up." Pediatric Rheumatology 20.1 (2022): 20.