Hepatitis D Virus Vaccines
Creative Biolabs is a world leader in the field of viral vaccine development. With our extensive experience and advanced platform, we are therefore confident in offering the best vaccine development services for Hepatitis D Virus. We guarantee the finest results for our customers all over the world.
Hepatitis D (hepatitis delta) is a disease caused by the Hepatitis D Virus (HDV), a small spherical enveloped virusoid. HDV is thought to be a subviral satellite because it can propagate only in the presence of the Hepatitis B Virus (HBV). Transmission of HDV can occur either via simultaneous infection with HBV (coinfection) or superimposed on chronic hepatitis B or hepatitis B carrier state (superinfection). Both superinfection and coinfection with HDV results in more severe complications compared to infection with HBV alone. These complications include a greater likelihood of experiencing liver failure in acute infections and a rapid progression to liver cirrhosis, with an increased risk of developing liver cancer in chronic infections. In combination with HBV, hepatitis D has the highest fatality rate of all the hepatitis infections, at 20%.
The Epidemiology of HDV Infection
Limited serological studies indicate a worldwide distribution of HDV in association with HBV. Three genotypes (I–III) of HDV are recognized on the basis of phylogenetic analysis and these are found, respectively, in southern Europe, Japan and Taiwan, and South America. It has been estimated that 5% of HBsAg carriers worldwide (approximately 15 million people) are infected with HDV. In areas of low prevalence of HBV, those at risk of hepatitis B, particularly intravenous drug users, are also at risk of HDV infection. Delta infection is associated with acute and chronic hepatitis, always in the presence of hepatitis B, and superinfection in a carrier of hepatitis B virus often leads to exacerbation of severe hepatitis. The mode of transmission of HDV is similar to parenteral spread of HBV.
Fig.1 Schematic representation of HBV and HDV virions.
The Pathogenesis of HDV Infection
The pathogenesis of the disease is uncertain. It has long been held that HDV is pathogenic and that the liver injury in hepatitis D is related to HDV itself. These data have been challenged recently with the observation that HDV re-occurs in liver-transplanted patients soon after grafting but without signs of HBV recurrence or evidence of liver damage. In these individuals, HDV may establish latent infection that is not dependent upon HBV for replication, and which is only associated with recrudescent liver injury after the acquisition of HBV. Hepatitis D virions cannot be released from the infected hepatocytes without an envelope supplied by HBV.
The Development of HDV Vaccines
HDV is dependence on the presence of HBV for it to replicate, which should be highly considered when developing the vaccine for HDV infection. HDV can be prevented in people who are not already HBV-infected by hepatitis B vaccination. New strategies to develop a vaccine to prevent HDV superinfection are needed.
Creative Biolabs is pleased to share our cutting-edge technology and extensive expertise in the field of Hepatitis D Virus vaccine development and has focused on the viral vaccines for years. We can offer high-quality customized services by adjusting protocols to meet even the most specific requirements. If you are interested in our services, please contact us for more details.
Reference
- Rizzetto M. (2015). “Hepatitis D virus: introduction and epidemiology”. Cold Spring Harbor perspectives in medicine, 5(7), a021576.
All of our products can only be used for research purposes. These vaccine ingredients CANNOT be used directly on humans or animals.
