Efficient in vivo delivery is a critical determinant of gene therapy success. At CD BioSciences, we provide comprehensive solutions tailored to the unique challenges posed by human herpesviruses (HHVs)—a family of large, enveloped DNA viruses that establish lifelong infection and latency in the host.
Our services bridge the gap between vector construction and pre-clinical validation, ensuring that therapeutic vectors achieve precise delivery, efficient transgene expression, and minimal immunogenic risks in vivo.
We focus on the research and pre-clinical stages of HHV-related gene therapy development and work exclusively with pharmaceutical and biotechnology partners to advance candidate therapeutics before clinical evaluation.
Our Expertise in HHV-Focused In Vivo Delivery
1. Understanding the HHV Challenge
Unlike many RNA or AAV-based viral systems, HHVs such as HSV-1 or KSHV exhibit complex life cycles that include latent and lytic phases. Delivering therapeutic genes into cells harboring latent HHV requires precise control over vector tropism and gene expression.
CD BioSciences leverages deep virology expertise to design delivery strategies that account for viral latency, immune evasion mechanisms, and tissue specificity.
2. From Vector to Host: Bridging Laboratory and Animal Systems
We combine molecular vector optimization with animal model delivery studies to evaluate how gene therapy constructs perform in real biological contexts. Our integrated pipeline includes:
- Route and formulation optimization: intravenous, intratumoral, intranasal, and CNS-directed delivery protocols.
- Tissue tropism and biodistribution analysis: qPCR and in situ hybridization for vector genomes in target and non-target organs.
- Reporter-based expression quantification: bioluminescence and fluorescent tracking to measure transduction efficiency in real time.
- Safety and tolerability assessment: serological and histopathological evaluation of immune or inflammatory responses in mice or non-human models.
Comprehensive Service Portfolio
1. Vector Optimization for In Vivo Use
Before entering animal testing, our team evaluates vector design parameters that influence in vivo performance. These include:
- Envelope glycoprotein engineering for enhanced cell entry.
- Promoter and regulatory element selection for cell-type-specific expression.
- Codon optimization for mammalian translation systems.
- Stability enhancement through genomic re-arrangement control and sequence shielding.
2. Delivery Strategy Development
Our scientists customize delivery protocols based on vector type (viral or non-viral), target tissue, and disease context. We routinely support:
- HSV-based vectors for neurotropic delivery and long-term expression.
- KSHV-based vectors for tumor-specific transgene delivery in PEL and KS models.
- Non-replicating lentiviral or hybrid systems for safety-enhanced applications.
- Nanoparticle and lipid-based delivery for co-delivery of genes and modulatory RNAs.
3. In Vivo Biodistribution and Expression Assessment
We conduct systematic studies to determine where and how efficiently the vector delivers its payload. Analyses include:
- Quantitative PCR for vector copy number in major organs.
- Immunofluorescence and western blot for transgene protein detection.
- Reporter signal tracking for kinetic expression profiling.
- Off-target localization and persistence analysis to evaluate biosafety.
4. Immunogenicity and Host Response Evaluation
A successful delivery platform must balance efficacy and safety. Our pre-clinical immunology team monitors:
- Neutralizing antibody generation and cytokine profiles.
- Innate immune receptor activation (TLR, RIG-I pathways).
- Cellular toxicity and inflammatory infiltration through histology.
5. Data Analysis and Reporting
All in vivo experiments are documented under GLP-compliant research standards. We provide comprehensive reports including:
- Raw data curation and bioinformatics visualization.
- Comparative efficiency summaries across vectors and routes.
- Recommendations for subsequent vector optimization or combination therapies.
Specialized Applications
1. Latent Infection Models
For HHVs that establish latency (e.g., HSV-1 in neurons, KSHV in B cells), we offer delivery testing in models that mimic natural latent reservoirs. These models are essential for evaluating vector performance under conditions where viral genomes persist episomally and host immunity is active.
2. Tumor-Targeted Delivery
Our oncolytic and gene therapy teams collaborate to test HHV-derived vectors in xenograft and syngeneic tumor models. We measure vector biodistribution within tumor microenvironments and analyze transgene-driven anti-tumor activity.
3. Neurotropic Delivery
Given the strong neuronal tropism of certain HHVs, we design delivery strategies for CNS applications such as pain modulation or neurological disease research, while carefully evaluating blood-brain-barrier penetration and long-term expression stability.
Why Choose CD BioSciences
1. Focused on HHV Biology
Our core competence lies in understanding the molecular and cellular biology of HHVs. This expertise enables rational vector design and delivery optimization for viruses that exhibit complex host interactions and latent lifecycles.
2. Integrated Technology Platforms
In Vivo Delivery Solutions are supported by our cross-functional platforms in Vector Construction, Viral Engineering, Animal Model Development, and Immunological Evaluation. This integration ensures continuity from vector design to pre-clinical testing.
3. Regulatory-Ready Pre-Clinical Packages
We adhere to international research standards (ICH, OECD, NIH guidelines) to ensure that data generated at CD BioSciences support subsequent IND filing or technology transfer to clinical developers.
4. Tailored Project Design
Every HHV-related project is unique. We offer flexible project structures —from feasibility studies to comprehensive delivery optimization campaigns— co-developed with our clients to fit specific viral targets, delivery routes, and therapeutic goals.
5. Scientific Transparency and Data Integrity
Our team maintains open communication throughout the project lifecycle. All results are traceable, reproducible, and accompanied by experimental metadata and statistical validation.
Workflow Overview
- Project Consultation and Design – Define objectives, select vector type and delivery route.
- Vector Optimization – Refine construct for in vivo expression and stability.
- Animal Model Selection – Choose appropriate HHV-related model (mouse, rat, or NHP).
- Delivery and Monitoring – Perform administration and longitudinal tracking.
- Data Analysis and Reporting – Comprehensive scientific and regulatory-grade reporting.
Applications in HHV Research
Our in vivo delivery solutions support a wide range of HHV-related research goals:
- Antiviral gene therapy development (e.g., RNA interference or CRISPR systems for viral genome silencing).
- Immunomodulatory vector delivery to enhance host antiviral responses.
- Vaccine vector delivery testing for pre-clinical efficacy evaluation.
- Tumor-targeted therapies for KSHV- and EBV-associated malignancies.
Partner with CD BioSciences
As a US-based biotechnology company specialized in human herpesvirus research, CD BioSciences provides a unique combination of scientific expertise, technical infrastructure, and collaborative flexibility. Our In Vivo Delivery Solutions empower pharmaceutical and academic partners to accelerate gene therapy innovation for HHV-related diseases.
To initiate a project or discuss collaborative opportunities, please contact our scientific team through our online inquiry form or email us directly at info@cd-biosci.com.
References
- Roizman B, Knipe DM. Herpes Simplex Viruses. In: Fields Virology, 7th ed. Philadelphia: Lippincott Williams & Wilkins; 2021.
- Cohen JI. Herpesvirus latency and reactivation: molecular mechanisms and therapeutic targets. Clin Microbiol Rev. 2020;33(3):e00105-19.
- Rupprecht CE, et al. Development of HSV-based vectors for gene delivery to the nervous system. Hum Gene Ther. 2019;30(10):1249-1264.
- Kang Y, et al. Advances in delivery systems for gene therapy. Front Pharmacol. 2021;12:748449.
- Cesarman E. Gammaherpesviruses and oncogenesis. Annu Rev Pathol. 2021;16:387-414.