Contract Research Solutions for Respiratory Diseases

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All of our services and products are intended for preclinical research use only and cannot be used to diagnose, treat or manage patients.

Host-Pathogen Interaction Studies

Q: Do you offer highâthroughput or screeningâformat studies?

Yes, for simpler models (e.g., monocultures in 96â or 384âwell plates) we can accommodate moderate- to highâthroughput screening. Our analytical platforms are scalable, and we can help you design experiments that balance throughput with biological relevance.

Q: Can you combine hostâpathogen studies with pharmacokinetic (PK) assessments?

While our in vitro models are primarily designed for efficacy and mechanistic studies, we can integrate drugâexposure simulations or test compound stability in the presence of cells and pathogens. For dedicated PK analysis, we recommend discussing your needs with our team to design the most informative experiment.

Inquiry

Respiratory infections caused by bacteria, viruses, and fungi remain a major global health challenge, driving the urgent need for effective therapeutics and vaccines. Successful development of novel interventions relies on preclinical models that faithfully recapitulate the complex crosstalk between human host cells and pathogens. At Ace Therapeutics, we offer specialized host-pathogen interaction studies using a diverse portfolio of customizable in vitro models. Our services are designed to support your preclinical CRO needs in respiratory diseases, enabling mechanistic insights, drug efficacy testing, and safety evaluation—all while ensuring experimental flexibility and scientific rigor.

Our In Vitro Model Portfolio for Host-Pathogen Studies

The table below summarizes the range of customizable in vitro models we offer. Each model can be adapted to incorporate specific pathogen strains, multiplicity of infection (MOI), exposure times, and co-culture requirements.

Model Type	Description
Conventional Monocultures	Immortalized cell lines (A549, Calu-3, BEAS-2B) or primary human bronchial/tracheal epithelial cells infected under submerged conditions.
Co-culture Systems	Epithelial cells combined with immune cells (macrophages, dendritic cells, neutrophils) to study cell-cell communication during infection.
Air-Liquid Interface (ALI)	Differentiated airway epithelial cultures grown at ALI, forming tight junctions, cilia, and mucus layers – infected apically.
3D Organoids	Lung organoids (bronchosphere/alveolosphere) derived from primary or iPSC sources, mimicking multicellular architecture.
Organ-on-a-Chip	Microfluidic devices recreating dynamic mechanical forces (e.g., breathing motions) and vascular flow.
Gene-Edited Models	CRISPR-modified cells (knockout/knock-in of key receptors, restriction factors, or immune genes).

Note: All models are established on a project‑basis. We work with you to select or develop the most appropriate system—whether you need a simple screening tool or a complex multi‑cellular microphysiological platform.

Comprehensive Downstream Analysis Services

After establishing the infection model, our analytical capabilities allow you to extract maximal value from each experiment. We offer a wide range of endpoints, which can be combined according to your research goals:

Pathogen & Host Responses

Pathogen load: qPCR, plaque assays, CFU enumeration, fluorescence tagging (GFP/RFP reporters)
Cell viability & cytotoxicity: LDH release, MTT, real‑time impedance (xCelligence), live/dead staining
Inflammatory mediators: Multiplex ELISA for cytokines/chemokines (IL‑6, IL‑8, TNF‑α, IFN‑β, etc.)
Oxidative stress & barrier function: ROS detection, TEER measurements, FITC‑dextran permeability

Molecular & Omics Profiling

Transcriptomics: Bulk or single-cell RNA‑seq to capture host and pathogen gene expression
Proteomics/Phosphoproteomics: Mass spectrometry‑based identification of signaling pathways altered during infection
Metabolomics: Targeted or untargeted analysis of metabolic changes in infected cells

Imaging & Spatial Analysis

High‑content imaging: Automated quantification of infection rates, co‑localization, and cellular phenotypes
Confocal / live‑cell imaging: Real‑time visualization of pathogen entry, intracellular trafficking, and immune synapse formation
Electron microscopy: Ultrastructural details of pathogen‑host interactions

Applications in Preclinical Drug Development

Our host‑pathogen interaction studies support multiple stages of the respiratory drug discovery pipeline:

Antiviral & antibiotic screening: Dose‑response profiling, time‑of‑addition experiments, synergy testing
Host‑directed therapy (HDT) evaluation: Compounds that modulate host factors to limit pathogen replication or immunopathology
Virulence factor characterization: Understanding how specific pathogen genes contribute to disease
Vaccine candidate assessment: Measuring neutralizing antibody activity using live virus or pseudovirus assays
Toxicity & safety: Evaluating whether drug candidates exacerbate infection or disrupt epithelial barrier integrity

Partner with Ace Therapeutics

At Ace Therapeutics, we understand that every pathogen and every therapeutic candidate presents unique challenges. Our host‑pathogen interaction studies are built on a foundation of scientific excellence, flexible customization, and a commitment to advancing your preclinical programs. Whether you are exploring a new chemical entity, a biologic, or a host‑directed therapy, we are here to provide the data you need to move forward with confidence.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can you develop a model using my proprietary cell line or clinical isolate?

Absolutely. Customization is central to our service. We can incorporate your cells (e.g., patient‑derived airway epithelial cells, CRISPR‑edited lines) and your pathogen isolates into the study design. All work is performed under strict confidentiality.

How long does a typical project take?

Project timelines depend on the complexity of the model and the scope of analysis. During the initial consultation, we work with you to define milestones and deliverables. Our goal is to provide timely, high‑quality data without compromising experimental rigor.

Do you offer high‑throughput or screening‑format studies?

Yes, for simpler models (e.g., monocultures in 96‑ or 384‑well plates) we can accommodate moderate- to high‑throughput screening. Our analytical platforms are scalable, and we can help you design experiments that balance throughput with biological relevance.

Can you combine host‑pathogen studies with pharmacokinetic (PK) assessments?

While our in vitro models are primarily designed for efficacy and mechanistic studies, we can integrate drug‑exposure simulations or test compound stability in the presence of cells and pathogens. For dedicated PK analysis, we recommend discussing your needs with our team to design the most informative experiment.