Accelerate Your Antifungal Immunotherapy Discovery & Development: CRO Service for Early-Stage Research

Fungal infections represent a growing global health crisis, particularly for immunocompromised individuals. Despite advances, the current antifungal arsenal is limited, plagued by rising drug resistance, significant side effects, and a lack of effective treatments for emerging pathogens like Candida auris. This urgent need for novel therapeutic approaches has propelled the field towards innovative strategies: Antifungal Immunotherapies and Host-Directed Therapies (HDTs). At Creative Biolabs, we are at the forefront of this exciting research, offering comprehensive services to accelerate the discovery and development of these transformative antifungal solutions. We empower our clients to tackle the most challenging fungal infections by leveraging the host's defenses and modulating immune responses for superior therapeutic outcomes. Request a quote

The Imperative for Innovation: Why Immunotherapy and HDTs?

Fig.1 Mitochondrial Respiration Inhibitors antifungal drugs testing. (Creative Biolabs Authorized)

Traditional antifungals primarily target essential fungal components, such as ergosterol biosynthesis or cell wall integrity. While effective, this approach has led to the evolution of resistant strains and often carries the burden of host toxicity. Immunotherapies and HDTs represent a paradigm shift, focusing on:

  • Boosting Host Immunity: Enhancing the body's natural ability to recognize, clear, and control fungal pathogens.
  • Modulating Inflammatory Responses: Preventing or mitigating excessive, damaging inflammation associated with severe fungal infections.
  • Overcoming Resistance: By targeting host pathways rather than fungal targets, these therapies are less susceptible to direct fungal resistance mechanisms.
  • Adjunctive Therapy: Offering the potential to be used in combination with existing antifungals, improving efficacy and potentially reducing dosages and side effects.

Our Comprehensive CRO Services for Early-Stage Research

Target Services
Hit Identification Services
Preclinical In Vitro and In Vivo Services

Target Identification & Validation

  • Immune Pathway Analysis: Identifying key immune pathways and host factors dysregulated during fungal infections.
  • Fungal-Host Interaction Studies: Elucidating the molecular mechanisms by which fungi evade host immunity.
  • Omics Technologies: Leveraging genomics, transcriptomics, proteomics, and metabolomics to uncover novel host and fungal targets.

High-throughput Screening (HTS) & Hit Identifications

  • High-Throughput Screening (HTS): Developing and implementing robust assays to identify immunomodulatory compounds or HDTs.
  • Phenotypic Screening: Assays to assess the ability of compounds to enhance immune cell function (e.g., phagocytosis, cytokine production, fungal killing).
  • Cell-Based Assays: Utilizing primary human immune cells or established cell lines to model host-fungus interactions.

Preclinical in vitro and in vivo Efficacy Studies

  • Advanced in vitro Infection Models: 2D and 3D cell culture models to mimic human infection, including co-culture systems with immune cells.
  • Murine Fungal Infection Models: Establishing and validating relevant animal models for systemic, invasive, and superficial fungal infections (e.g., candidiasis, aspergillosis, cryptococcosis).
  • Immunomodulatory Efficacy Studies: Assessing the in vivo efficacy of immunotherapies and HDTs, alone or in combination with conventional antifungals.
  • Pharmacokinetic/Pharmacodynamic (PK/PD) Studies: Characterizing drug absorption, distribution, metabolism, excretion, and target engagement in relevant models.

Fig.2 Research on Mitochondrial Respiration Inhibitors Antifungal drugs. (Creative Biolabs Authorized)

Discover How We Can Help - Request a Consultation

Mechanisms of Action: A Deeper Dive

Vaccine Development

Inducing specific adaptive immune responses (e.g., T-cell and antibody production) that confer long-lasting protection against fungal pathogens. This involves identifying conserved fungal antigens capable of eliciting a robust and protective immune response.

Cytokine Therapy

Administering exogenous cytokines or modulators of cytokine pathways to enhance antifungal immune cell activity (e.g., boosting phagocyte function, promoting Th1 responses).

Cellular Immunotherapy

Utilizing engineered immune cells (e.g., CAR T-cells, NK cells) or adoptive transfer of immune cells with enhanced antifungal capabilities.

Antibody Therapy

Developing monoclonal antibodies that directly neutralize fungal virulence factors, opsonize fungal cells for improved phagocytosis, or block immune suppressive pathways.

Immunometabolism Modulation

Reprogramming the metabolic pathways of host immune cells to enhance their antifungal effector functions. Fungi often manipulate host cell metabolism to evade immunity, and targeting these pathways can restore effective immune responses.

Targeting Host Receptors

Regulate the activity of host pattern recognition receptors (PRRs) that detect fungal components, thereby providing a more effective response for the immune system.

Host-Defense Peptides (HDPs)

Exploring the therapeutic potential of naturally occurring or synthetic peptides that possess direct antimicrobial activity and/or immunomodulatory properties.

Repurposing Existing Drugs

Investigating established drugs used for other conditions that exhibit immunomodulatory or host-directed antifungal effects.

Our Research Advantages & Company Strengths

  • Specialized Expertise: A dedicated team of mycologists and immunologists with a deep understanding of fungal pathogenesis and host immunity.
  • State-of-the-Art Facilities: Equipped with BSL-compliant laboratories, advanced imaging systems, and cutting-edge analytical platforms.
  • Extensive Fungal Biobank: Access to a diverse collection of clinically relevant fungal strains, including multidrug-resistant isolates and emerging pathogens like Candida auris.
  • Customized Solutions: Flexible and tailored research programs designed to meet the specific needs and objectives of each client.
  • Integrated Approach: Seamless integration of discovery, preclinical, and translational research services for efficient drug development.

Target Customer Groups

  • Pharmaceutical and Biotechnology Companies: Seeking to expand their antifungal pipelines with innovative immunotherapies and HDTs.
  • Academic Research Institutions: Collaborating on translational research projects to move promising discoveries closer to clinical application.
  • Start-ups: Requiring expert guidance and comprehensive research support to de-risk and advance their novel antifungal programs.

The Future is Immunological

The field of antifungal immunotherapies and HDTs is rapidly evolving, with promising preclinical and clinical developments. Researchers are increasingly unraveling the complex interplay between fungal pathogens and the host immune system, leading to the identification of novel targets and pathways. The prospects of antifungal therapy are undergoing a revolutionary transformation. Unleash the full potential of these breakthrough strategies in collaboration with Creative Biolabs. Let our expertise, cutting-edge facilities, and commitment to scientific excellence be the catalyst for your next antifungal breakthrough. Contact us today to discuss your research needs and discover how our specialized services can accelerate your journey toward a healthier, fungal-free future.

FAQs

What types of fungal infections do you focus on?

We have expertise across a broad spectrum of fungal infections, including invasive candidiasis, aspergillosis, cryptococcosis, mucormycosis, and emerging fungal threats.

Do you offer combination therapy studies?

Yes, we specialize in evaluating the synergistic effects of immunotherapies and HDTs when combined with existing antifungal agents, aiming to improve efficacy and overcome resistance.

What is your capacity for high-throughput screening?

We possess significant HTS capabilities, enabling rapid and efficient screening of large compound libraries for immunomodulatory and host-directed antifungal activity.
Online Inquiry

For Research Use Only. Not intended for use in food manufacturing or medical procedures (diagnostics or therapeutics). Do Not Use in Humans.

Live Biotherapeutic


ISO 9001 Certified - Creative Biolabs Quality Management System.
Contact us

Copyright © 2025 Creative Biolabs. All Rights Reserved.

Inquiry Basket