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van den Berg CW, Gonçalves-de-Andrade RM, Okamoto CK, Tambourgi DV. C5a receptor is cleaved by metalloproteases induced by sphingomyelinase D from Loxosceles spider venom. Immunobiology 2012; 217:935-41. [DOI: 10.1016/j.imbio.2012.01.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/09/2011] [Revised: 01/04/2012] [Accepted: 01/04/2012] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
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Villas-Boas IM, Gonçalves-de-Andrade RM, Pidde-Queiroz G, Assaf SL, Portaro FC, Sant'Anna OA, van den Berg CW, Tambourgi DV. 95. Biological and Immunochemical Characterization of Premolis semirufa Caterpillar-Bristles Toxic Components. Toxicon 2012. [DOI: 10.1016/j.toxicon.2012.04.096] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
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Pidde-Queiroz G, Gonçalves-de-Andrade RM, Okamoto CK, Sobreira TJ, de Oliveira PS, Murakami MT, van den Berg C, Tambourgi DV. 263. Molecular Cloning and Characterization of a Sphingomyelinase D from Loxosceles adelaida, a Brazilian Brown Spider from Karstic Areas. Toxicon 2012. [DOI: 10.1016/j.toxicon.2012.04.264] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
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van den Berg CW, Gonçalves-de-Andrade RM, Okamoto CK, Tambourgi DV. 266. C5a Receptor is Cleaved by Metalloproteases Induced by Sphingomyleinase D in Loxosceles Spider Venom. Toxicon 2012. [DOI: 10.1016/j.toxicon.2012.04.267] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
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Venancio EJ, Portaro FC, Kuniyoshi AK, Carvalho DC, Pidde-Queiroz G, Tambourgi DV. 170. Identification of a Dynorphin-Degrading Metallopeptidase Releasing Leu-Enkephalin in Brazilian Tityus spp. Scorpion Venoms. Toxicon 2012. [DOI: 10.1016/j.toxicon.2012.04.171] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/28/2022]
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Villas-Boas IM, Gonçalves-de-Andrade RM, Pidde-Queiroz G, Assaf SLMR, Portaro FCV, Sant'Anna OA, van den Berg CW, Tambourgi DV. Premolis semirufa (Walker, 1856) envenomation, disease affecting rubber tappers of the Amazon: searching for caterpillar-bristles toxic components. PLoS Negl Trop Dis 2012; 6:e1531. [PMID: 22389740 PMCID: PMC3289609 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0001531] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/25/2011] [Accepted: 12/24/2011] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The caterpillar of the moth Premolis semirufa (Lepidoptera: Arctiidae), commonly named Pararama, is endemic of the Amazon basin. Accidental contact with these caterpillar bristles causes local symptoms such as intense heat, pain, edema and itching which last for three to seven days; however, after multiples contacts, it may induce joint-space narrowing and bone alteration, as well as degeneration of the articular cartilage and immobilization of the affected joints. Specific treatment for this disease does not exist, but corticosteroids are frequently administered. Despite of the public health hazard of Premolis semirufa caterpillar poisoning, little is known about the nature of the toxic components involved in the induction of the pathology. METHODOLOGY/PRINCIPAL FINDINGS Here we have investigated the biological and immunochemical characteristics of the caterpillar's bristles components. Analysis of the bristles extract in in vitro assays revealed the presence of proteolytic and hyaluronidase activities but no phospholipase A(2) activity. In vivo, it was observed that the bristles extract is not lethal but can induce an intense inflammatory process, characterized by the presence of neutrophils in the paw tissues of injected mice. Furthermore, the bristles components stimulated an intense and specific antibody response but autoantibodies such as anti-DNA or anti-collagen type II were not detected. CONCLUSION The results suggest that Premolis semirufa caterpillar bristles secretion contains a mixture of different enzymes that may act together in the generation and development of the clinical manifestations of the Pararama envenomation. Moreover, the high immunogenicity of the caterpillar bristles components, as shown by the generation of high antibody titers, may also contribute to the induction and establishment of the inflammatory disease.
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Tanaka GD, Pidde-Queiroz G, de Fátima D Furtado M, van den Berg C, Tambourgi DV. Micrurus snake venoms activate human complement system and generate anaphylatoxins. BMC Immunol 2012; 13:4. [PMID: 22248157 PMCID: PMC3398285 DOI: 10.1186/1471-2172-13-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/03/2011] [Accepted: 01/16/2012] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Background The genus Micrurus, coral snakes (Serpentes, Elapidae), comprises more than 120 species and subspecies distributed from the south United States to the south of South America. Micrurus snake bites can cause death by muscle paralysis and further respiratory arrest within a few hours after envenomation. Clinical observations show mainly neurotoxic symptoms, although other biological activities have also been experimentally observed, including cardiotoxicity, hemolysis, edema and myotoxicity. Results In the present study we have investigated the action of venoms from seven species of snakes from the genus Micrurus on the complement system in in vitro studies. Several of the Micrurus species could consume the classical and/or the lectin pathways, but not the alternative pathway, and C3a, C4a and C5a were generated in sera treated with the venoms as result of this complement activation. Micrurus venoms were also able to directly cleave the α chain of the component C3, but not of the C4, which was inhibited by 1,10 Phenanthroline, suggesting the presence of a C3α chain specific metalloprotease in Micrurus spp venoms. Furthermore, complement activation was in part associated with the cleavage of C1-Inhibitor by protease(s) present in the venoms, which disrupts complement activation control. Conclusion Micrurus venoms can activate the complement system, generating a significant amount of anaphylatoxins, which may assist due to their vasodilatory effects, to enhance the spreading of other venom components during the envenomation process.
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da Silva WD, Tambourgi DV. The humoral immune response induced by snake venom toxins. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2011; 10:343-57. [PMID: 21824082 DOI: 10.2174/187152811797200623] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/17/2010] [Accepted: 03/25/2011] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
This review summarizes the key contributions to our knowledge regarding the immune response induced by snake venom toxins, focusing particularly on the production of antibodies and their venom-neutralizing effects. We cover the past and present state of the art of anti-snake venom production, followed by an overview of the venomous snakes and their venoms. The toxic properties of relevant snake venom toxins are approached in some details, with particular emphasis on the molecular domains responsible for binding to cells or plasma components in victims. The interactions of these domains are also reviewed, particularly the putatively relevant epitopes, along with the immune system and the resulting antibodies. We also review trials aimed at reducing the quantities of non-relevant antibodies in the antivenoms by substituting whole venoms with purified toxins to immunize animals, or the immunogenicity of the heterologous antivenom antibodies by humanizing their molecules.
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Marengo EB, de Moraes LV, Melo RL, Balan A, Fernandes BL, Tambourgi DV, Rizzo LV, Sant'Anna OA. A Mycobacterium leprae Hsp65 mutant as a candidate for mitigating lupus aggravation in mice. PLoS One 2011; 6:e24093. [PMID: 21961033 PMCID: PMC3178518 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0024093] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/01/2011] [Accepted: 07/30/2011] [Indexed: 02/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Hsp60 is an abundant and highly conserved family of intracellular molecules. Increased levels of this family of proteins have been observed in the extracellular compartment in chronic inflammation. Administration of M. leprae Hsp65 [WT] in [NZBxNZW]F1 mice accelerates the Systemic Lupus Erythematosus [SLE] progression whereas the point mutated K409A Hsp65 protein delays the disease. Here, the biological effects of M. leprae Hsp65 Leader pep and K409A pep synthetic peptides, which cover residues 352–371, are presented. Peptides had immunomodulatory effects similar to that observed with their respective proteins on survival and the combined administration of K409A+Leader pep or K409A pep+WT showed that the mutant forms were able to inhibit the deleterious effect of WT on mortality, indicating the neutralizing potential of the mutant molecules in SLE progression. Molecular modeling showed that replacing Lysine by Alanine affects the electrostatic potential of the 352–371 region. The number of interactions observed for WT is much higher than for Hsp65 K409A and mouse Hsp60. The immunomodulatory effects of the point-mutated protein and peptide occurred regardless of the catalytic activity. These findings may be related to the lack of effect on survival when F1 mice were inoculated with Hsp60 or K409A pep. Our findings indicate the use of point-mutated Hsp65 molecules, such as the K409A protein and its corresponding peptide, that may minimize or delay the onset of SLE, representing a new approach to the treatment of autoimmune diseases.
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Dias da Silva W, Tambourgi DV. Comment on “Preclinical assessment of the neutralizing capacity of antivenoms produced in six Latin American countries against medically-relevant Bothrops snake venoms”. Toxicon 2011; 57:1109-10. [DOI: 10.1016/j.toxicon.2011.03.022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/24/2011] [Accepted: 03/31/2011] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
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Tambourgi DV, Gonçalves-de-Andrade RM, van den Berg CW. Loxoscelism: From basic research to the proposal of new therapies. Toxicon 2010; 56:1113-9. [DOI: 10.1016/j.toxicon.2010.01.021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 73] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2009] [Revised: 01/26/2010] [Accepted: 01/29/2010] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
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Carvalho LV, Ruiz RDC, Scaramuzzi K, Marengo EB, Matos JR, Tambourgi DV, Fantini MC, Sant’Anna OA. Immunological parameters related to the adjuvant effect of the ordered mesoporous silica SBA-15. Vaccine 2010; 28:7829-36. [DOI: 10.1016/j.vaccine.2010.09.087] [Citation(s) in RCA: 85] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/24/2010] [Revised: 09/17/2010] [Accepted: 09/26/2010] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
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Pidde-Queiroz G, Furtado MDF, Filgueiras CF, Pessoa LA, Spadafora-Ferreira M, van den Berg CW, Tambourgi DV. Human complement activation and anaphylatoxins generation induced by snake venom toxins from Bothrops genus. Mol Immunol 2010; 47:2537-44. [DOI: 10.1016/j.molimm.2010.07.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/06/2010] [Revised: 07/02/2010] [Accepted: 07/05/2010] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
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Pereira A, Pietro Pereira AS, Silva CL, de Melo Rocha G, Lebrun I, Sant'Anna OA, Tambourgi DV. Antibody response from whole-cell pertussis vaccine immunized Brazilian children against different strains of Bordetella pertussis. Am J Trop Med Hyg 2010; 82:678-82. [PMID: 20348518 DOI: 10.4269/ajtmh.2010.09-0486] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/07/2022] Open
Abstract
Bordetella pertussis is a gram-negative bacillus that causes the highly contagious disease known as pertussis or whooping cough. Antibody response in children may vary depending on the vaccination schedule and the product used. In this study, we have analyzed the antibody response of cellular pertussis vaccinated children against B. pertussis strains and their virulence factors, such as pertussis toxin, pertactin, and filamentous hemagglutinin. After the completion of the immunization process, according to the Brazilian vaccination program, children serum samples were collected at different periods of time, and tested for the presence of specific antibodies and antigenic cross-reactivity. Results obtained show that children immunized with three doses of the Brazilian whole-cell pertussis vaccine present high levels of serum antibodies capable of recognizing the majority of the components present in vaccinal and non-vaccinal B. pertussis strains and their virulence factors for at least 2 years after the completion of the immunization procedure.
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Tanaka GD, Furtado MDFD, Portaro FCV, Sant'Anna OA, Tambourgi DV. Diversity of Micrurus snake species related to their venom toxic effects and the prospective of antivenom neutralization. PLoS Negl Trop Dis 2010; 4:e622. [PMID: 20231886 PMCID: PMC2834742 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0000622] [Citation(s) in RCA: 67] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/01/2009] [Accepted: 01/20/2010] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Micrurus snake bites can cause death by muscle paralysis and respiratory arrest, few hours after envenomation. The specific treatment for coral snake envenomation is the intravenous application of heterologous antivenom and, in Brazil, it is produced by horse immunization with a mixture of M. corallinus and M. frontalis venoms, snakes that inhabit the South and Southeastern regions of the country. However, this antivenom might be inefficient, considering the existence of intra- and inter-specific variations in the composition of the venoms. Therefore, the aim of the present study was to investigate the toxic properties of venoms from nine species of Micrurus: eight present in different geographic regions of Brazil (M. frontalis, M. corallinus, M. hemprichii, M. spixii, M. altirostris, M. surinamensis, M. ibiboboca, M. lemniscatus) and one (M. fulvius) with large distribution in Southeastern United States and Mexico. This study also analyzed the antigenic cross-reactivity and the neutralizing potential of the Brazilian coral snake antivenom against these Micrurus venoms. METHODOLOGY/PRINCIPAL FINDINGS Analysis of protein composition and toxicity revealed a large diversity of venoms from the nine Micrurus species. ELISA and Western blot assays showed a varied capability of the therapeutic antivenom to recognize the diverse species venom components. In vivo and in vitro neutralization assays indicated that the antivenom is not able to fully neutralize the toxic activities of all venoms. CONCLUSION These results indicate the existence of a large range of both qualitative and quantitative variations in Micrurus venoms, probably reflecting the adaptation of the snakes from this genus to vastly dissimilar habitats. The data also show that the antivenom used for human therapy in Brazil is not fully able to neutralize the main toxic activities present in the venoms from all Micrurus species occurring in the country. It suggests that modifications in the immunization scheme, with the inclusion of other venoms in the antigenic mixture, should occur in order to generate effective therapeutic coral snake antivenom.
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Dias da Silva W, Tambourgi DV. IgY: a promising antibody for use in immunodiagnostic and in immunotherapy. Vet Immunol Immunopathol 2010; 135:173-80. [PMID: 20083313 PMCID: PMC7126787 DOI: 10.1016/j.vetimm.2009.12.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 114] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/07/2009] [Revised: 12/16/2009] [Accepted: 12/30/2009] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
Immunoglobulin IgY is the major antibody produced by chickens (Gallus domesticus). After their V-C gene is rearranged in B cells, IgY is continually synthesized, excreted into the blood and transferred to the egg yolk, where it is accumulated. IgY is produced by hens to provide their offspring with an effective humoral immunity against the commonest avian pathogens until full maturation of their own immune system. In this review we aim to give an overview about the generation, structure, properties of IgY, as well as the advantages of chicken antibodies use over mammalian antibodies in immunodiagnostics and immunotherapy.
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de Santi Ferrara GI, Fernandes-Pedrosa MDF, Junqueira-de-Azevedo IDLM, Gonçalves-de-Andrade RM, Portaro FCV, Manzoni-de-Almeida D, Murakami MT, Arni RK, van den Berg CW, Ho PL, Tambourgi DV. SMase II, a new sphingomyelinase D from Loxosceles laeta venom gland: molecular cloning, expression, function and structural analysis. Toxicon 2009; 53:743-53. [PMID: 19249326 DOI: 10.1016/j.toxicon.2009.02.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/10/2008] [Revised: 02/07/2009] [Accepted: 02/11/2009] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
Sphingomyelinase D (SMase D) present in the venoms of Loxosceles spiders is the principal component responsible for local and systemic effects observed in the loxoscelism. By using "expressed sequencing tag", it was possible to identify, in a L. laeta venom gland library, clones containing inserts coding for proteins with similarity to SMase D. One of these clones was expressed and the recombinant protein compared with the previously characterized SMase I from L. laeta, in terms of their biological, biochemical and structural properties. The new recombinant protein, SMase II, possesses all the biological properties ascribed to the whole venom and SMase I. SMase II shares 40% and 77% sequence similarity with SMase I and Lb3, respectively; the latter, a SMase D isoform from L. boneti, catalytically inactive. Molecular modeling and molecular dynamics simulations were employed to understand the structural basis, especially the presence of an additional disulfide bridge, in an attempt to account for the observed differences in SMases D activity.
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Okamoto CK, Gonçalves-De-Andrade RM, Queiroz GP, Gutierez VP, De Almeida DM, Cury Y, Bertani R, Portaro FCV, Tambourgi DV. Ctenus medius and Phoneutria nigriventer spiders venoms share noxious proinflammatory activities. JOURNAL OF MEDICAL ENTOMOLOGY 2009; 46:58-66. [PMID: 19198518 DOI: 10.1603/033.046.0108] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/27/2023]
Abstract
Ctenus medius Keyserling, 1891 (Araneae: Ctenidae) co-occurs in various microhabitats of the Brazilian Atlantic Forest and can be easily misidentified as the medically important spider Phoneutria nigriventer Keyserling, 1981 (Ctenidae). Despite being phylogenetically close to Phoneutria, no data are available about the toxic potential of Ctenus medius venom. Here we show that, although presenting different profile of protein composition, C. medius venom displays some of the toxic properties exhibited by P. nigriventer venom, including proteolytic, hyaluronidasic and phospholipasic activities, as well as the ability of causing hyperalgesia and edema. Moreover, C. medius venom interferes in the activation of the complement system in concentrations that P. nigriventer venom is inactive. Thus, these data show that venoms of spiders from Ctenidae family share important proinflammatory properties and suggest that the C. medius bite may have an important noxious effect in human accidents.
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de Almeida DM, Fernandes-Pedrosa MDF, de Andrade RMG, Marcelino JR, Gondo-Higashi H, de Azevedo IDLMJ, Ho PL, van den Berg C, Tambourgi DV. A new anti-loxoscelic serum produced against recombinant sphingomyelinase D: results of preclinical trials. Am J Trop Med Hyg 2008; 79:463-470. [PMID: 18784245] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Envenomation by Loxosceles species (brown spider) can lead to local dermonecrosis and to serious systemic effects. The main toxic component in the venom of these spiders is sphingomyelinase D (SMase D) and various isoforms of this toxin are present in Loxosceles venoms. We have produced a new anti-loxoscelic serum by immunizing horses with recombinant SMase D. In the present study, we compared the neutralization efficacy of the new anti-loxoscelic serum and anti-arachnidic serum (the latter serum is used for therapy for loxoscelism in Brazil) against the toxic effects of venoms from spiders of the genus Loxosceles. Neutralization tests showed that anti-SMase D serum has a higher activity against toxic effects of L. intermedia and L. laeta venoms and similar or slightly weaker activity against toxic effects of L. gaucho than that of Arachnidic serum. These results demonstrate that recombinant SMase D can replace venom for anti-venom production and therapy.
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de Almeida DM, Gondo-Higashi H, Marcelino JR, Ho PL, de Azevedo IDLMJ, van den Berg C, de Andrade RMG, Tambourgi DV, Fernandes-Pedrosa MDF. A New Anti-loxoscelic Serum Produced Against Recombinant Sphingomyelinase D: Results of Preclinical Trials. Am J Trop Med Hyg 2008. [DOI: 10.4269/ajtmh.2008.79.463] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/07/2022] Open
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Marengo EB, de Moraes LV, Faria M, Fernandes BL, Carvalho LV, Tambourgi DV, Rizzo LV, Portaro FCV, Camargo ACM, Sant'Anna OA. Administration of M. leprae Hsp65 interferes with the murine lupus progression. PLoS One 2008; 3:e3025. [PMID: 18716655 PMCID: PMC2515089 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0003025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/08/2008] [Accepted: 08/01/2008] [Indexed: 01/12/2023] Open
Abstract
The heat shock protein [Hsp] family guides several steps during protein synthesis, are abundant in prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells, and are highly conserved during evolution. The Hsp60 family is involved in assembly and transport of proteins, and is expressed at very high levels during autoimmunity or autoinflammatory phenomena. Here, the pathophysiological role of the wild type [WT] and the point mutated K409A recombinant Hsp65 of M. leprae in an animal model of Systemic Lupus Erythematosus [SLE] was evaluated in vivo using the genetically homogeneous [NZBxNZW]F1 mice. Anti-DNA and anti-Hsp65 antibodies responsiveness was individually measured during the animal's life span, and the mean survival time [MST] was determined. The treatment with WT abbreviates the MST in 46%, when compared to non-treated mice [p<0.001]. An increase in the IgG2a/IgG1 anti-DNA antibodies ratio was also observed in animals injected with the WT Hsp65. Incubation of BALB/c macrophages with F1 serum from WT treated mice resulted in acute cell necrosis; treatment of these cells with serum from K409A treated mice did not cause any toxic effect. Moreover, the involvement of WT correlates with age and is dose-dependent. Our data suggest that Hsp65 may be a central molecule intervening in the progression of the SLE, and that the point mutated K409A recombinant immunogenic molecule, that counteracts the deleterious effect of WT, may act mitigating and delaying the development of SLE in treated mice. This study gives new insights into the general biological role of Hsp and the significant impact of environmental factors during the pathogenesis of this autoimmune process.
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Fernandes-Pedrosa MDF, Junqueira-de-Azevedo IDLM, Gonçalves-de-Andrade RM, Kobashi LS, Almeida DD, Ho PL, Tambourgi DV. Transcriptome analysis of Loxosceles laeta (Araneae, Sicariidae) spider venomous gland using expressed sequence tags. BMC Genomics 2008; 9:279. [PMID: 18547439 PMCID: PMC2440767 DOI: 10.1186/1471-2164-9-279] [Citation(s) in RCA: 98] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/30/2008] [Accepted: 06/12/2008] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Background The bite of spiders belonging to the genus Loxosceles can induce a variety of clinical symptoms, including dermonecrosis, thrombosis, vascular leakage, haemolysis, and persistent inflammation. In order to examine the transcripts expressed in venom gland of Loxosceles laeta spider and to unveil the potential of its products on cellular structure and functional aspects, we generated 3,008 expressed sequence tags (ESTs) from a cDNA library. Results All ESTs were clustered into 1,357 clusters, of which 16.4% of the total ESTs belong to recognized toxin-coding sequences, being the Sphingomyelinases D the most abundant transcript; 14.5% include "possible toxins", whose transcripts correspond to metalloproteinases, serinoproteinases, hyaluronidases, lipases, C-lectins, cystein peptidases and inhibitors. Thirty three percent of the ESTs are similar to cellular transcripts, being the major part represented by molecules involved in gene and protein expression, reflecting the specialization of this tissue for protein synthesis. In addition, a considerable number of sequences, 25%, has no significant similarity to any known sequence. Conclusion This study provides a first global view of the gene expression scenario of the venom gland of L. laeta described so far, indicating the molecular bases of its venom composition.
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Seibert CS, Tambourgi DV, Santoro ML, Sampaio‐Verssoni SC, Takahashi HK, Peres CM, Sano‐Martins IS. Structural damage to erythrocyte‐membrane proteins induced by Lonomia obliqua caterpillar bristle extract. FASEB J 2008. [DOI: 10.1096/fasebj.22.1_supplement.1219.2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
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da Silva MFS, Nóbrega A, Ribeiro RC, Levy MS, Ribeiro OG, Tambourgi DV, Sant'Anna DA, da Silva AC. Genetic selection for resistance or susceptibility to oral tolerance imparts correlation to both Immunoglobulin E level and mast cell number phenotypes with a profound impact on the atopic potential of the individual. Clin Exp Allergy 2007; 36:1399-407. [PMID: 17083350 DOI: 10.1111/j.1365-2222.2006.02588.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/01/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Immunological oral tolerance is being studied with great interest due to its therapeutic potential in allergy and autoimmunity processes, although the cellular and molecular mechanisms linking these different phenomena remain elusive. In the present study, two mouse lines with extreme phenotypes for susceptibility [TS Line] or resistance [TR Line] to oral tolerance and their [TS x TR]F2 segregants were used in order to evaluate the impact of these traits on the atopic potential of the individuals. OBJECTIVE Demonstrate whether the tr and ts genes, cumulated during 18 generations of bidirectional genetic selection, influence expression of two important immunobiological traits (IgE and mast cell) critical to allergic response. METHODS Mice with extreme phenotypes for oral tolerance to ovalbumin (OVA), produced by assortative mating (TS and TR Line), and their (TS x TR)F2 segregating were used. Serum IgE levels assayed by ELISA, and mastocytes counted with toluidine blue staining were evaluated in naïve mice. Anaphylaxis was induced by intravenous injection of OVA, intestinal inflammation by oral administration of OVA 7 days after immunization, and pulmonary inflammation by intranasal and nebulization OVA challenges. Specific IgE was dosed by passive cutaneous anaphylaxis. RESULTS The naïve TS mice have a 20-fold lower serum IgE level and two- to threefold diminished mast cell numbers in mucosal sites, when compared with TR-mice, which were highly susceptible to allergic inflammation and anaphylactic shock. The associations of oral tolerance, serum IgE levels and mast cell numbers in naïve animals were confirmed analysing the simultaneous presence of these traits in individuals of a [TS x TR]F2 -segregating population. CONCLUSION The results suggest that the complex of genes controlling TS and TR phenotypes play a main role in the regulation of the atopic potential of the individual. The studies of these traits in interline F2 segregants demonstrated a co-segregation of TS and TR phenotypes with IgE responsiveness and mast cell numbers. Thus, the opposite capacity of the genetically modified mice may be involved in co-adaptative mechanisms reflecting a dynamic relation between gene frequencies in a natural population. These correlations give circumstantial evidence to support clinical applications of oral tolerance in allergic and autoimmune diseases.
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van den Berg CW, Gonçalves-de-Andrade RM, Magnoli FC, Tambourgi DV. Loxosceles spider venom induces the release of thrombomodulin and endothelial protein C receptor: implications for the pathogenesis of intravascular coagulation as observed in loxoscelism. J Thromb Haemost 2007; 5:989-95. [PMID: 17229042 DOI: 10.1111/j.1538-7836.2007.02382.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The venom of the spider Loxosceles can cause both local and systemic effects including disseminated intravascular coagulation. AIM The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of the venom of Loxosceles intermedia (L. intermedia) and the purified Sphingomyelinase D (SMaseD) toxin upon the Protein C (PC) natural anticoagulant pathway. RESULTS Both the venom and e purified SMaseD reduced the cell surface expression of thrombomodulin (TM) and Endothelial PC Receptor on endothelial cells in culture. The reduction of cell surface expression was caused by cleavage from the cell surface mediated by activation of an endogenous metalloproteinase. Reduction of TM and Endothelial PC Receptor on the surface of these cells resulted in an impaired ability of the cells to assist in the thrombin-induced activation of PC. CONCLUSION This novel observation gives further insight into the mechanisms of the pathology induced by venom from Loxosceles spiders and may aid the development of a suitable therapy.
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