1
|
Alfa-Ibrahim Adio A, Malami I, Lawal N, Jega AY, Abubakar B, Bello MB, Ibrahim KG, Abubakar MB, Abdussamad A, Imam MU. Neurotoxic snakebites in Africa: Clinical implications, therapeutic strategies, and antivenom efficacy. Toxicon 2024; 247:107811. [PMID: 38917892 DOI: 10.1016/j.toxicon.2024.107811] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/04/2024] [Revised: 05/23/2024] [Accepted: 06/16/2024] [Indexed: 06/27/2024]
Abstract
Snakebite is a significant health concern in Africa, particularly due to neurotoxic envenomation which can lead to neuromuscular paralysis and respiratory failure. In Nigeria, snakes from the Elapidae family are a notable cause of envenomation cases, though these incidents are underreported. This review examined case reports of neurotoxic envenomation in Africa, highlighting the clinical impacts and the efficacy of available antivenoms. Preclinical studies showed that the polyvalent antivenom from the South African Institute for Medical Research (SAIMR) was highly effective against neurotoxicity with a protective efficacy (R) of 1346.80 mg/mL, while clinical assessment emphasized the need for high-dose antivenom therapy along with supportive measures like mechanical ventilation. Unlike hemorrhagic envenomation, where antivenom promptly resolves bleeding, neurotoxic cases often require additional interventions. The review underscores the necessity for tailored approaches in antivenom therapy to address the complexities of neurotoxic snakebites and reduce their public health burden in Africa.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Abdulbaki Alfa-Ibrahim Adio
- Centre for Advanced Medical Research and Training, Usmanu Danfodiyo University, Sokoto, Nigeria; Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Faculty of Chemical and Life Sciences, Usmanu Danfodiyo University, Sokoto, Nigeria
| | - Ibrahim Malami
- Centre for Advanced Medical Research and Training, Usmanu Danfodiyo University, Sokoto, Nigeria; Department of Pharmacognosy and Ethnopharmacy, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Usmanu Danfodiyo University, Sokoto, Nigeria
| | - Nafiu Lawal
- Centre for Advanced Medical Research and Training, Usmanu Danfodiyo University, Sokoto, Nigeria; Department of Veterinary Microbiology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Usmanu Danfodiyo University, Sokoto, Nigeria
| | - Amina Yusuf Jega
- Department of Pharmaceutical and Medicinal Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Usmanu Danfodiyo University, Sokoto, Nigeria
| | - Bilyaminu Abubakar
- Centre for Advanced Medical Research and Training, Usmanu Danfodiyo University, Sokoto, Nigeria; Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Usmanu Danfodiyo University, Sokoto, Nigeria
| | - Muhammad Bashir Bello
- Centre for Advanced Medical Research and Training, Usmanu Danfodiyo University, Sokoto, Nigeria; Department of Veterinary Microbiology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Usmanu Danfodiyo University, Sokoto, Nigeria; Vaccine Development Unit, Infectious Disease Research Development, King Abdullah International Medical Research Center, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Kasimu Ghandi Ibrahim
- Centre for Advanced Medical Research and Training, Usmanu Danfodiyo University, Sokoto, Nigeria; Department of Basic Medical and Dental Sciences, Faculty of Dentistry, Zarqa University, P.O. Box 2000, Zarqa, 13110, Jordan; Department of Physiology, Faculty of Basic Medical Sciences, College of Health Sciences, Usmanu Danfodiyo University, Sokoto, Nigeria
| | - Murtala Bello Abubakar
- Centre for Advanced Medical Research and Training, Usmanu Danfodiyo University, Sokoto, Nigeria; Department of Physiology, Faculty of Basic Medical Sciences, College of Health Sciences, Usmanu Danfodiyo University, Sokoto, Nigeria
| | - Abdussamad Abdussamad
- Department of Veterinary Physiology and Biochemistry, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Bayero University, Kano, Nigeria
| | - Mustapha Umar Imam
- Centre for Advanced Medical Research and Training, Usmanu Danfodiyo University, Sokoto, Nigeria; Department of Medical Biochemistry, Faculty of Basic Medical Sciences, College of Health Sciences, Usmanu Danfodiyo University, Sokoto, Nigeria.
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Rodríguez-Vargas A, Franco-Vásquez AM, Triana-Cerón M, Alam-Rojas SN, Escobar-Wilches DC, Corzo G, Lazcano-Pérez F, Arreguín-Espinosa R, Ruiz-Gómez F. Immunological Cross-Reactivity and Preclinical Assessment of a Colombian Anticoral Antivenom against the Venoms of Three Micrurus Species. Toxins (Basel) 2024; 16:104. [PMID: 38393182 PMCID: PMC10891627 DOI: 10.3390/toxins16020104] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2023] [Revised: 01/27/2024] [Accepted: 02/05/2024] [Indexed: 02/25/2024] Open
Abstract
Snakebite accident treatment requires the administration of antivenoms that provide efficacy and effectiveness against several snake venoms of the same genus or family. The low number of immunogenic components in venom mixtures that allow the production of antivenoms consequently gives them partial neutralization and a suboptimal pharmacological response. This study evaluates the immunorecognition and neutralizing efficacy of the polyvalent anticoral antivenom from the Instituto Nacional de Salud (INS) of Colombia against the heterologous endemic venoms of Micrurus medemi, and M. sangilensis, and M. helleri by assessing immunoreactivity through affinity chromatography, ELISA, Western blot, and neutralization capability. Immunorecognition towards the venoms of M. medemi and M. sangilensis showed values of 62% and 68% of the protein composition according to the immunoaffinity matrix, respectively. The analysis by Western blot depicted the highest recognition patterns for M. medemi, followed by M. sangilensis, and finally by M. helleri. These findings suggest that the venom compositions are closely related and exhibit similar recognition by the antivenom. According to enzyme immunoassays, M. helleri requires a higher amount of antivenom to achieve recognition than the others. Besides reinforcing the evaluation of INS antivenom capability, this work recommends the use of M. helleri in the production of Colombian antisera.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ariadna Rodríguez-Vargas
- Grupo de Investigación en Animales Ponzoñosos y sus Venenos, Instituto Nacional de Salud, Bogotá 111321, Colombia; (M.T.-C.); (S.N.A.-R.); (F.R.-G.)
| | - Adrián Marcelo Franco-Vásquez
- Departamento de Química de Biomacromoléculas, Instituto de Química, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Coyoacán, Mexico City 04510, Mexico; (A.M.F.-V.); (F.L.-P.); (R.A.-E.)
| | - Miguel Triana-Cerón
- Grupo de Investigación en Animales Ponzoñosos y sus Venenos, Instituto Nacional de Salud, Bogotá 111321, Colombia; (M.T.-C.); (S.N.A.-R.); (F.R.-G.)
- Bacterial Molecular Genetics Laboratory, Research Department, Universidad El Bosque, Bogotá 110121, Colombia
| | - Shaha Noor Alam-Rojas
- Grupo de Investigación en Animales Ponzoñosos y sus Venenos, Instituto Nacional de Salud, Bogotá 111321, Colombia; (M.T.-C.); (S.N.A.-R.); (F.R.-G.)
| | | | - Gerardo Corzo
- Departamento de Medicina Molecular y Bioprocesos, Instituto de Biotecnología, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Cuernavaca 62210, Mexico;
| | - Fernando Lazcano-Pérez
- Departamento de Química de Biomacromoléculas, Instituto de Química, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Coyoacán, Mexico City 04510, Mexico; (A.M.F.-V.); (F.L.-P.); (R.A.-E.)
| | - Roberto Arreguín-Espinosa
- Departamento de Química de Biomacromoléculas, Instituto de Química, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Coyoacán, Mexico City 04510, Mexico; (A.M.F.-V.); (F.L.-P.); (R.A.-E.)
| | - Francisco Ruiz-Gómez
- Grupo de Investigación en Animales Ponzoñosos y sus Venenos, Instituto Nacional de Salud, Bogotá 111321, Colombia; (M.T.-C.); (S.N.A.-R.); (F.R.-G.)
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Vanuopadath M, Rajan K, Alangode A, Nair SS, Nair BG. The Need for Next-Generation Antivenom for Snakebite Envenomation in India. Toxins (Basel) 2023; 15:510. [PMID: 37624267 PMCID: PMC10467155 DOI: 10.3390/toxins15080510] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/20/2023] [Revised: 07/05/2023] [Accepted: 07/11/2023] [Indexed: 08/26/2023] Open
Abstract
The limitations posed by currently available antivenoms have emphasized the need for alternative treatments to counteract snakebite envenomation. Even though exact epidemiological data are lacking, reports have indicated that most global snakebite deaths are reported in India. Among the many problems associated with snakebite envenomation, issues related to the availability of safer and more efficient antivenoms are of primary concern. Since India has the highest number of global snakebite deaths, efforts should be made to reduce the burden associated with snakebite envenoming. Alternative methods, including aptamers, camel antivenoms, phage display techniques for generating high-affinity antibodies and antibody fragments, small-molecule inhibitors, and natural products, are currently being investigated for their effectiveness. These alternative methods have shown promise in vitro, but their in vivo effectiveness should also be evaluated. In this review, the issues associated with Indian polyvalent antivenoms in neutralizing venom components from geographically distant species are discussed in detail. In a nutshell, this review gives an overview of the current drawbacks of using animal-derived antivenoms and several alternative strategies that are currently being widely explored.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | - Bipin Gopalakrishnan Nair
- School of Biotechnology, Amrita Vishwa Vidyapeetham, Kollam 690 525, Kerala, India; (M.V.); (K.R.); (A.A.); (S.S.N.)
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Deka A, Bhatia S, Santra V, Bharti OK, Lalremsanga HT, Martin G, Wüster W, Owens JB, Graham S, Doley R, Malhotra A. Multilevel Comparison of Indian Naja Venoms and Their Cross-Reactivity with Indian Polyvalent Antivenoms. Toxins (Basel) 2023; 15:toxins15040258. [PMID: 37104196 PMCID: PMC10142961 DOI: 10.3390/toxins15040258] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/03/2023] [Revised: 03/21/2023] [Accepted: 03/26/2023] [Indexed: 04/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Snake envenoming is caused by many biological species, rather than a single infectious agent, each with a multiplicity of toxins in their venom. Hence, developing effective treatments is challenging, especially in biodiverse and biogeographically complex countries such as India. The present study represents the first genus-wide proteomics analysis of venom composition across Naja species (N. naja, N. oxiana, and N. kaouthia) found in mainland India. Venom proteomes were consistent between individuals from the same localities in terms of the toxin families present, but not in the relative abundance of those in the venom. There appears to be more compositional variation among N. naja from different locations than among N. kaouthia. Immunoblotting and in vitro neutralization assays indicated cross-reactivity with Indian polyvalent antivenom, in which antibodies raised against N. naja are present. However, we observed ineffective neutralization of PLA2 activities of N. naja venoms from locations distant from the source of immunizing venoms. Antivenom immunoprofiling by antivenomics revealed differential antigenicity of venoms from N. kaouthia and N. oxiana, and poor reactivity towards 3FTxs and PLA2s. Moreover, there was considerable variation between antivenoms from different manufacturers. These data indicate that improvements to antivenom manufacturing in India are highly desirable.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Archana Deka
- Molecular Toxinology Laboratory, Department of Molecular Biology and Biotechnology, Tezpur University, Tezpur 784028, Assam, India
| | - Siddharth Bhatia
- CSIR-Centre for Cellular and Molecular Biology, Laboratory for Conservation of Endangered Species, Hyderabad 500048, Telangana, India
| | - Vishal Santra
- Society for Nature Conservation, Research and Community Engagement (CONCERN), Nalikul, Hooghly 712407, West Bengal, India
- Captive and Field Herpetology, Anglesey LL65 1YU, UK
- Snake Research Institute, Gujarat Forest Department, Government of Gujarat, Valsad 396050, Gujarat, India
| | - Omesh K. Bharti
- State Institute of Health and Family Welfare, Shimla 171009, Himachal Pradesh, India
| | | | | | - Wolfgang Wüster
- Molecular Ecology and Evolution @ Bangor (MEEB), School of Natural Sciences, Bangor University, Gwynedd LL57 2UW, UK
| | - John B. Owens
- Captive and Field Herpetology, Anglesey LL65 1YU, UK
- Molecular Ecology and Evolution @ Bangor (MEEB), School of Natural Sciences, Bangor University, Gwynedd LL57 2UW, UK
| | - Stuart Graham
- Molecular Ecology and Evolution @ Bangor (MEEB), School of Natural Sciences, Bangor University, Gwynedd LL57 2UW, UK
| | - Robin Doley
- Molecular Toxinology Laboratory, Department of Molecular Biology and Biotechnology, Tezpur University, Tezpur 784028, Assam, India
| | - Anita Malhotra
- Molecular Ecology and Evolution @ Bangor (MEEB), School of Natural Sciences, Bangor University, Gwynedd LL57 2UW, UK
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Corrêa-Netto C, Strauch MA, Monteiro-Machado M, Teixeira-Araújo R, Fonseca JG, Leitão-Araújo M, Machado-Alves ML, Sanz L, Calvete JJ, Melo PA, Zingali RB. Monoclonal-Based Antivenomics Reveals Conserved Neutralizing Epitopes in Type I PLA 2 Molecules from Coral Snakes. Toxins (Basel) 2022; 15:toxins15010015. [PMID: 36668835 PMCID: PMC9863321 DOI: 10.3390/toxins15010015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/11/2022] [Revised: 12/18/2022] [Accepted: 12/22/2022] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
For over a century, polyclonal antibodies have been used to treat snakebite envenoming and are still considered by the WHO as the only scientifically validated treatment for snakebites. Nevertheless, moderate innovations have been introduced to this immunotherapy. New strategies and approaches to understanding how antibodies recognize and neutralize snake toxins represent a challenge for next-generation antivenoms. The neurotoxic activity of Micrurus venom is mainly due to two distinct protein families, three-finger toxins (3FTx) and phospholipases A2 (PLA2). Structural conservation among protein family members may represent an opportunity to generate neutralizing monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) against family-conserved epitopes. In this work, we sought to produce a set of monoclonal antibodies against the most toxic components of M. altirostris venom. To this end, the crude venom was fractionated, and its major toxic proteins were identified and used to generate a panel of five mAbs. The specificity of these mAbs was characterized by ELISA and antivenomics approaches. Two of the generated mAbs recognized PLA2 epitopes. They inhibited PLA2 catalytic activity and showed paraspecific neutralization against the myotoxicity from the lethal effect of Micrurus and Naja venoms' PLA2s. Epitope conservation among venom PLA2 molecules suggests the possibility of generating pan-PLA2 neutralizing antibodies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Carlos Corrêa-Netto
- Instituto Vital Brazil, Rio de Janeiro 24230-410, RJ, Brazil
- Instituto de Bioquímica Médica Leopoldo de Meis, Instituto Nacional de Biologia Estrutural e Bioimagem, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro 21941-902, RJ, Brazil
- Correspondence: (C.C.-N.); (R.B.Z.); Tel.: +55-213-938-6782 (R.B.Z.)
| | - Marcelo A. Strauch
- Instituto Vital Brazil, Rio de Janeiro 24230-410, RJ, Brazil
- Programa de Farmacologia e Química Medicinal-UFRJ, Instituto de Ciências Biomédicas, Centro de Ciências da Saúde, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Av. Carlos Chagas Filho, 373, Rio de Janeiro 21941-902, RJ, Brazil
| | - Marcos Monteiro-Machado
- Programa de Farmacologia e Química Medicinal-UFRJ, Instituto de Ciências Biomédicas, Centro de Ciências da Saúde, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Av. Carlos Chagas Filho, 373, Rio de Janeiro 21941-902, RJ, Brazil
| | - Ricardo Teixeira-Araújo
- Instituto Vital Brazil, Rio de Janeiro 24230-410, RJ, Brazil
- Instituto de Bioquímica Médica Leopoldo de Meis, Instituto Nacional de Biologia Estrutural e Bioimagem, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro 21941-902, RJ, Brazil
| | | | - Moema Leitão-Araújo
- Fundação Zoobotânica do Rio Grande do Sul, Museu de Ciências Naturais, Núcleo Regional de Ofiologia de Porto Alegre, Porto Alegre 90690-000, RS, Brazil
| | - Maria Lúcia Machado-Alves
- Fundação Zoobotânica do Rio Grande do Sul, Museu de Ciências Naturais, Núcleo Regional de Ofiologia de Porto Alegre, Porto Alegre 90690-000, RS, Brazil
| | - Libia Sanz
- Laboratorio de Venómica Estructural y Funcional, Instituto de Biomedicina de Valencia, 46010 Valencia, Spain
| | - Juan J. Calvete
- Laboratorio de Venómica Estructural y Funcional, Instituto de Biomedicina de Valencia, 46010 Valencia, Spain
| | - Paulo A. Melo
- Programa de Farmacologia e Química Medicinal-UFRJ, Instituto de Ciências Biomédicas, Centro de Ciências da Saúde, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Av. Carlos Chagas Filho, 373, Rio de Janeiro 21941-902, RJ, Brazil
| | - Russolina Benedeta Zingali
- Instituto de Bioquímica Médica Leopoldo de Meis, Instituto Nacional de Biologia Estrutural e Bioimagem, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro 21941-902, RJ, Brazil
- Correspondence: (C.C.-N.); (R.B.Z.); Tel.: +55-213-938-6782 (R.B.Z.)
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Mora-Obando D, Lomonte B, Pla D, Guerrero-Vargas JA, Ayerbe-González S, Gutiérrez JM, Sasa M, Calvete JJ. Half a century of research on Bothrops asper venom variation: Biological and biomedical implications. Toxicon 2022; 221:106983. [DOI: 10.1016/j.toxicon.2022.106983] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/12/2022] [Revised: 11/21/2022] [Accepted: 11/22/2022] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
|
7
|
Rodríguez-Vargas A, Vega N, Reyes-Montaño E, Corzo G, Neri-Castro E, Clement H, Ruiz-Gómez F. Intraspecific Differences in the Venom of Crotalus durissus cumanensis from Colombia. Toxins (Basel) 2022; 14:toxins14080532. [PMID: 36006194 PMCID: PMC9416679 DOI: 10.3390/toxins14080532] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/17/2022] [Revised: 07/12/2022] [Accepted: 07/14/2022] [Indexed: 12/04/2022] Open
Abstract
Biochemical and biological differences in the venom of Crotalus durissus cumanensis from three ecoregions of Colombia were evaluated. Rattlesnakes were collected from the geographic areas of Magdalena Medio (MM), Caribe (CA) and Orinoquía (OR). All three regionally distributed venoms contain proteases, PLA2s and the basic subunit of crotoxin. However, only crotamine was detected in the CA venom. The highest lethality, coagulant, phospholipase A2 and hyaluronidase activities were found in the MM venom. Also, some differences, observed by western blot and immunoaffinity, were found in all three venoms when using commercial antivenoms. Furthermore, all three eco-regional venoms showed intraspecific variability, considering the differences in the abundance and intensity of their components, in addition to the activity and response to commercial antivenoms.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ariadna Rodríguez-Vargas
- Grupo de Investigación en Proteínas, Universidad Nacional de Colombia, Bogotá 11001, Colombia; (N.V.); (E.R.-M.)
- Correspondence:
| | - Nohora Vega
- Grupo de Investigación en Proteínas, Universidad Nacional de Colombia, Bogotá 11001, Colombia; (N.V.); (E.R.-M.)
| | - Edgar Reyes-Montaño
- Grupo de Investigación en Proteínas, Universidad Nacional de Colombia, Bogotá 11001, Colombia; (N.V.); (E.R.-M.)
| | - Gerardo Corzo
- Departamento de Medicina Molecular y Bioprocesos, Instituto de Biotecnología, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Cuernavaca 62210, Mexico; (G.C.); (E.N.-C.); (H.C.)
| | - Edgar Neri-Castro
- Departamento de Medicina Molecular y Bioprocesos, Instituto de Biotecnología, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Cuernavaca 62210, Mexico; (G.C.); (E.N.-C.); (H.C.)
| | - Herlinda Clement
- Departamento de Medicina Molecular y Bioprocesos, Instituto de Biotecnología, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Cuernavaca 62210, Mexico; (G.C.); (E.N.-C.); (H.C.)
| | - Francisco Ruiz-Gómez
- Grupo de Investigación en Animales Ponzoñosos y sus Venenos, Instituto Nacional de Salud, Bogotá 111321, Colombia;
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
|
9
|
Vanuopadath M, Raveendran D, Nair BG, Nair SS. Venomics and antivenomics of Indian spectacled cobra (Naja naja) from the Western Ghats. Acta Trop 2022; 228:106324. [PMID: 35093326 DOI: 10.1016/j.actatropica.2022.106324] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/30/2021] [Revised: 01/17/2022] [Accepted: 01/18/2022] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
Abstract
Venom proteome profiling of Naja naja from the Western Ghats region in Kerala was achieved through SDS-PAGE and RP-HPLC followed by Q-TOF LC-MS/MS analysis, incorporating PEAKS and Novor assisted de novo sequencing methodologies. A total of 115 proteins distributed across 17 different enzymatic and non-enzymatic venom protein families were identified through conventional and 39 peptides through homology-driven proteomics approaches. Fourteen peptides derived through de novo complements the Mascot data indicating the importance of homology-driven approaches in improving protein sequence information. Among the protein families identified, glutathione peroxidase and endonuclease were reported for the first time in the Indian cobra venom. Immunological cross-reactivity assessed using Indian polyvalent antivenoms suggested that VINS showed better EC50 (2.48 µg/mL) value than that of PSAV (6.04 µg/mL) and Virchow (6.03 µg/mL) antivenoms. Western blotting experiments indicated that all the antivenoms elicited poor binding specificities, especially towards low molecular mass proteins. Second-generation antivenomics studies revealed that VINS antivenom was less efficient to detect many low molecular mass proteins such as three-finger toxins and Kunitz-type serine protease Inhibitors. Taken together, the present study enabled a large-scale characterization of the venom proteome of Naja naja from the Western Ghats and emphasized the need for developing more efficient antivenoms.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Dileepkumar Raveendran
- Indriyam Biologics Pvt. Ltd., SCTIMST-TIMed, BMT Wing-Poojappura, Thiruvananthapuram 695 012, Kerala, India
| | | | | |
Collapse
|
10
|
Immunorecognition and Neutralization of Crotalus durissus cumanensis Venom by a Commercial Antivenom Produced in Colombia. Toxins (Basel) 2022; 14:toxins14040235. [PMID: 35448844 PMCID: PMC9025410 DOI: 10.3390/toxins14040235] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/14/2022] [Revised: 03/16/2022] [Accepted: 03/16/2022] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
Abstract
In Colombia, on average 2.9% of the nearly 5600 snakebite events that occur annually involve the rattlesnake Crotalus durissus cumanensis. The envenomation by this snake is mainly characterized by neurotoxicity and the main toxin is crotoxin (~64.7% of the total venom). The Instituto Nacional de Salud (INS) produces a polyvalent antivenom aimed at the treatment of bothropic, crotalid, and lachesic envenomations; nonetheless, its immune reactivity profile and neutralizing capacity over biological activities of the C. d. cumanensis venom has been poorly evaluated. In this sense, the study aims: (1) to describe an in-depth exploration of its immunoreactivity through second-generation antivenomics and HPLC fraction-specific ELISA immunoprofiles; and (2) to evaluate the neutralization pattern of the rattlesnake venom in vitro and in vivo biological activities. The results obtained showed a variable recognition of crotoxin subunits, in addition to a molecular mass-dependent immunoreactivity pattern in which the disintegrins were not recognized, and snake venom metalloproteinases and L-amino acid oxidases were the most recognized. Additionally, a high neutralization of proteolytic and coagulant activities was observed, but not over the PLA2 activity. Further, the median effective dose against C. d. cumanensis venom lethality was 962 μL of antivenom per mg of venom. In conclusion, (1) the antivenom recognition over the crotoxin and the disintegrins of the C. d. cumanensis should be improved, thus aiming upcoming efforts for the exploration of new techniques and approaches in antivenom production in Colombia, and (2) the neutralization activity of the antivenom seems to follow the molecular mass-dependent recognition pattern, although other explanations should be explored.
Collapse
|
11
|
Attarde S, Iyer A, Khochare S, Shaligram U, Vikharankar M, Sunagar K. The Preclinical Evaluation of a Second-Generation Antivenom for Treating Snake Envenoming in India. Toxins (Basel) 2022; 14:toxins14030168. [PMID: 35324665 PMCID: PMC8950585 DOI: 10.3390/toxins14030168] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/08/2021] [Revised: 01/03/2022] [Accepted: 01/06/2022] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Snake envenoming afflicts the Indian subcontinent with the highest rates of mortality (47,000) and morbidity globally. The only effective treatment for snakebites is the administration of antivenom, which is produced by the hyperimmunisation of equines. Commercial Indian antivenoms, however, have been shown to exhibit a poor preclinical performance in neutralising venom, as a result of inter- and intrapopulation snake venom variation. Additionally, their poor dose effectiveness necessitates the administration of larger volumes of antivenom for treatment, leading to several harmful side effects in snakebite victims, including serum sickness and fatal anaphylaxis. In this study, we employed chromatographic purification to enhance the dose efficacy of commercial Indian antivenoms. The efficacy of this ‘second-generation’ antivenom was comparatively evaluated against six other marketed antivenoms using a number of in vitro and in vivo preclinical assays, which revealed its superior venom recognition capability. Enhanced purity also resulted in significant improvements in dose effectiveness, as the ‘second-generation’ antivenom exhibited a 3 to 4.5 times increased venom neutralisation potential. Furthermore, preclinical assays revealed the increased effectiveness of the ‘second-generation’ antivenom in countering morbid effects inflicted by the ‘big four’ Indian snakes. Thus, we demonstrate the role of simpler purification steps in significantly enhancing the effectiveness of snakebite therapy in regions that are most affected by snakebites.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Saurabh Attarde
- Evolutionary Venomics Lab, Centre for Ecological Sciences, Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore 560012, Karnataka, India; (S.A.); (A.I.); (S.K.)
| | - Ashwin Iyer
- Evolutionary Venomics Lab, Centre for Ecological Sciences, Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore 560012, Karnataka, India; (S.A.); (A.I.); (S.K.)
| | - Suyog Khochare
- Evolutionary Venomics Lab, Centre for Ecological Sciences, Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore 560012, Karnataka, India; (S.A.); (A.I.); (S.K.)
| | - Umesh Shaligram
- Serum Institute of India Pvt. Ltd., 212/2, Hadapsar, Off Soli Poonawalla Road, Pune 411028, Maharashtra, India; (U.S.); (M.V.)
| | - Mayur Vikharankar
- Serum Institute of India Pvt. Ltd., 212/2, Hadapsar, Off Soli Poonawalla Road, Pune 411028, Maharashtra, India; (U.S.); (M.V.)
| | - Kartik Sunagar
- Evolutionary Venomics Lab, Centre for Ecological Sciences, Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore 560012, Karnataka, India; (S.A.); (A.I.); (S.K.)
- Correspondence:
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Venom proteomic analysis of medically important Nigerian viper Echis ocellatus and Bitis arietans snake species. Biochem Biophys Rep 2021; 28:101164. [PMID: 34765747 PMCID: PMC8571701 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbrep.2021.101164] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/08/2021] [Revised: 10/13/2021] [Accepted: 10/25/2021] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Snakebite envenoming remains a neglected tropical disease which poses severe health hazard, especially for the rural inhabitants in Africa. In Nigeria, vipers are responsible for the highest number of deaths. Hydrophilic interaction liquid chromatography coupled with LC-MS/MS was used to analyze the crude venoms of Echis ocellatus (Carpet viper) and Bitis arietans (Puff adder) in order to understand their venom proteomic identities. Results obtained revealed that gel-free proteomic analysis of the crude venoms led to the identification of 85 and 79 proteins, respectively. Seventy-eight (78) proteins were common between the two snake species with a 91.8% similarity score. The identified proteins belong to 18 protein families in E. ocellatus and 14 protein families in B. arietans. Serine proteases (22.31%) and metalloproteinases (21.06%) were the dominant proteins in the venom of B. arietans; while metalloproteinases (34.84%), phospholipase A2s (21.19%) and serine proteases (15.50%) represent the major toxins in the E. ocellatus venom. Other protein families such as three-finger toxins and cysteine-rich venom proteins were detected in low proportions. This study provides an insight into the venom proteomic analysis of the two Nigerian viper species, which could be useful in identifying the toxin families to be neutralized in case of envenomation. Venom proteomic of Nigeria's most medically important snakes is presented. SVMP, SVSP and PLA2 were the major toxin families in E. ocellatus and B. arietans. The venom proteomes of these vipers displayed 91.8% similarity in composition.
Collapse
|
13
|
Calvete JJ, Lomonte B, Saviola AJ, Bonilla F, Sasa M, Williams DJ, Undheim EA, Sunagar K, Jackson TN. Mutual enlightenment: A toolbox of concepts and methods for integrating evolutionary and clinical toxinology via snake venomics and the contextual stance. Toxicon X 2021; 9-10:100070. [PMID: 34195606 PMCID: PMC8234350 DOI: 10.1016/j.toxcx.2021.100070] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/28/2021] [Revised: 06/01/2021] [Accepted: 06/07/2021] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Snakebite envenoming is a neglected tropical disease that may claim over 100,000 human lives annually worldwide. Snakebite occurs as the result of an interaction between a human and a snake that elicits either a defensive response from the snake or, more rarely, a feeding response as the result of mistaken identity. Snakebite envenoming is therefore a biological and, more specifically, an ecological problem. Snake venom itself is often described as a "cocktail", as it is a heterogenous mixture of molecules including the toxins (which are typically proteinaceous) responsible for the pathophysiological consequences of envenoming. The primary function of venom in snake ecology is pre-subjugation, with defensive deployment of the secretion typically considered a secondary function. The particular composition of any given venom cocktail is shaped by evolutionary forces that include phylogenetic constraints associated with the snake's lineage and adaptive responses to the snake's ecological context, including the taxa it preys upon and by which it is predated upon. In the present article, we describe how conceptual frameworks from ecology and evolutionary biology can enter into a mutually enlightening relationship with clinical toxinology by enabling the consideration of snakebite envenoming from an "ecological stance". We detail the insights that may emerge from such a perspective and highlight the ways in which the high-fidelity descriptive knowledge emerging from applications of -omics era technologies - "venomics" and "antivenomics" - can combine with evolutionary explanations to deliver a detailed understanding of this multifactorial health crisis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Juan J. Calvete
- Evolutionary and Translational Venomics Laboratory, Instituto de Biomedicina de Valencia, CSIC, Valencia, Spain
| | - Bruno Lomonte
- Unidad de Proteómica, Instituto Clodomiro Picado, Facultad de Microbiología, Universidad de Costa Rica, San José, Costa Rica
| | - Anthony J. Saviola
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, USA
| | - Fabián Bonilla
- Laboratorio de Investigación en Animales Peligrosos (LIAP), Instituto Clodomiro Picado, Facultad de Microbiología, Universidad de Costa Rica, San José, Costa Rica
| | - Mahmood Sasa
- Laboratorio de Investigación en Animales Peligrosos (LIAP), Instituto Clodomiro Picado, Facultad de Microbiología, Universidad de Costa Rica, San José, Costa Rica
- Museo de Zoología, Centro de Investigaciones en Biodiversidad y Ecología Tropical, Universidad de Costa Rica, Costa Rica
| | | | - Eivind A.B. Undheim
- Centre for Biodiversity Dynamics, Department of Biology, NTNU, Trondheim, Norway
- Centre for Ecological and Evolutionary Synthesis, Department of Biosciences, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
| | - Kartik Sunagar
- Evolutionary Venomics Lab, Centre for Ecological Sciences, Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore, Karnataka, India
| | - Timothy N.W. Jackson
- Australian Venom Research Unit, Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia
| |
Collapse
|
14
|
Patra A, Herrera M, Gutiérrez JM, Mukherjee AK. The application of laboratory-based analytical tools and techniques for the quality assessment and improvement of commercial antivenoms used in the treatment of snakebite envenomation. Drug Test Anal 2021; 13:1471-1489. [PMID: 34089574 DOI: 10.1002/dta.3108] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/02/2021] [Revised: 06/01/2021] [Accepted: 06/03/2021] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Snakebite envenomation is a public health problem of high impact, particularly for the developing world. Antivenom, which contains whole or protease-digested immunoglobulin G, purified from the plasma of hyper-immunized animals (mainly horses), is the mainstay for the treatment of snakebite envenomation. The success of antivenom therapy depends upon its ability to abrogate or reduce the local and systemic toxicity of envenomation. In addition, antivenom administration must be safe for the patients. Therefore, antivenom manufacturers must ensure that these products are effective and safe in the treatment of envenomations. Antivenom efficacy and safety are determined by the physicochemical characteristics of formulations, purity of the immunoglobulin fragments and antibodies, presence of protein aggregates, endotoxin burden, preservative load, and batch to batch variation, as well as on the ability to neutralize the most important toxins of the venoms against which the antivenom is designed. In this context, recent studies have shown that laboratory-based simple analytical techniques, for example, size exclusion chromatography, sodium dodecyl sulphate polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis, mass spectrometry, immunological profiling including immuno-turbidimetry and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays, Western blotting, immune-chromatographic technique coupled to mass spectrometry analysis, reverse-phase high performance liquid chromatography, spectrofluorometric analysis, in vitro neutralization of venom enzymatic activities, and other methodologies, can be applied for the assessment of antivenom quality, safety, stability, and efficacy. This article reviews the usefulness of different analytical techniques for the quality assessment of commercial antivenoms. It is suggested that these tests should be applied for screening the quality of commercial antivenoms before their preclinical and clinical assessment.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Aparup Patra
- Microbial Biotechnology and Protein Research Laboratory, Department of Molecular Biology and Biotechnology, Tezpur University, Tezpur, India
| | - María Herrera
- Instituto Clodomiro Picado, Facultad de Microbiología, Universidad de Costa Rica, San José, Costa Rica
| | - José María Gutiérrez
- Instituto Clodomiro Picado, Facultad de Microbiología, Universidad de Costa Rica, San José, Costa Rica
| | - Ashis K Mukherjee
- Microbial Biotechnology and Protein Research Laboratory, Department of Molecular Biology and Biotechnology, Tezpur University, Tezpur, India.,Life Science Division, Institute of Advanced Study in Science and Technology, Vigyan Path, Garchuk, Paschim Boragaon, Guwahati, 781035, India
| |
Collapse
|
15
|
Remarkable intrapopulation venom variability in the monocellate cobra (Naja kaouthia) unveils neglected aspects of India's snakebite problem. J Proteomics 2021; 242:104256. [PMID: 33957314 DOI: 10.1016/j.jprot.2021.104256] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/08/2021] [Revised: 04/29/2021] [Accepted: 05/01/2021] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
Interpopulation venom variation has been widely documented in snakes across large geographical distances. This variability is known to markedly influence the effectiveness of snakebite therapy, as antivenoms manufactured against one population may not be effective against others. In contrast, the extent of intrapopulation venom variability, especially at finer geographical scales, remains largely uninvestigated. Moreover, given the historical focus on the 'big four' Indian snakes, our understanding of venom variation in medically important yet neglected snakes, such as the monocellate cobra (Naja kaouthia), remains unclear. To address this shortcoming, we investigated N. kaouthia venoms sampled across a small spatial scale (<50 km) in Eastern India. An interdisciplinary approach employed in this study unveiled considerable intrapopulation differences in the venom proteomic composition, pharmacological and biochemical activities, and toxicity profiles. Documentation of stark differences in venoms at such a finer geographical scale, despite the influence of similar ecological and environmental conditions, is intriguing. Furthermore, evaluation of in vitro and in vivo venom recognition and neutralisation potential of Indian polyvalent 'big four' antivenoms and Thai monovalent N. kaouthia antivenom revealed concerning deficiencies. These results highlight the negative impact of phylogenetic divergence and intrapopulation snake venom variation on the effectiveness of conventional antivenom therapy. SIGNIFICANCE: In contrast to our understanding of snake venom variation across large distances, which is theorised to be shaped by disparities in ecology and environment, intrapopulation variation at finer geographic scales remains scarcely investigated. Assessment of intrapopulation venom variability in Naja kaouthia at a small spatial scale (<50 km) in Eastern India unravelled considerable differences in venom compositions, activities and potencies. While the influence of subtle differences in prey preference and local adaptations cannot be ruled out, these findings, perhaps, also emphasise the role of accelerated molecular evolutionary regimes that rapidly introduce variations in evolutionarily younger lineages, such as advanced snakes. The inability of 'big four' Indian antivenoms and Thai N. kaouthia monovalent antivenom in countering these variations highlights the importance of phylogenetic considerations for the development of efficacious snakebite therapy. Thus, we provide valuable insights into the venoms of one of the most medically important yet neglected Indian snakes.
Collapse
|
16
|
Senji Laxme RR, Attarde S, Khochare S, Suranse V, Martin G, Casewell NR, Whitaker R, Sunagar K. Biogeographical venom variation in the Indian spectacled cobra (Naja naja) underscores the pressing need for pan-India efficacious snakebite therapy. PLoS Negl Trop Dis 2021; 15:e0009150. [PMID: 33600405 PMCID: PMC7924803 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0009150] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/16/2020] [Revised: 03/02/2021] [Accepted: 01/18/2021] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Snake venom composition is dictated by various ecological and environmental factors, and can exhibit dramatic variation across geographically disparate populations of the same species. This molecular diversity can undermine the efficacy of snakebite treatments, as antivenoms produced against venom from one population may fail to neutralise others. India is the world’s snakebite hotspot, with 58,000 fatalities and 140,000 morbidities occurring annually. Spectacled cobra (Naja naja) and Russell’s viper (Daboia russelii) are known to cause the majority of these envenomations, in part due to their near country-wide distributions. However, the impact of differing ecologies and environment on their venom compositions has not been comprehensively studied. Methods Here, we used a multi-disciplinary approach consisting of venom proteomics, biochemical and pharmacological analyses, and in vivo research to comparatively analyse N. naja venoms across a broad region (>6000 km; seven populations) covering India’s six distinct biogeographical zones. Findings By generating the most comprehensive pan-Indian proteomic and toxicity profiles to date, we unveil considerable differences in the composition, pharmacological effects and potencies of geographically-distinct venoms from this species and, through the use of immunological assays and preclinical experiments, demonstrate alarming repercussions on antivenom therapy. We find that commercially-available antivenom fails to effectively neutralise envenomations by the pan-Indian populations of N. naja, including a complete lack of neutralisation against the desert Naja population. Conclusion Our findings highlight the significant influence of ecology and environment on snake venom composition and potency, and stress the pressing need to innovate pan-India effective antivenoms to safeguard the lives, limbs and livelihoods of the country’s 200,000 annual snakebite victims. Annually, India is burdened by the highest number of snake envenomations across the globe, with over 58,000 fatalities and three times the number of morbidities, predominantly affecting the rural agrarian communities. The spectacled cobra (Naja naja) and Russell’s viper (Daboia russelii) are responsible for the vast majority of envenomations in the country, in part, due to their near country-wide distributions. In this study, we unveil the astounding differences in venom composition of N. naja from six different biogeographical zones across the country (>6000 km). We provide a comprehensive account of their disparate venom proteomic profiles, biochemical and pharmacological effects, and the associated potencies. Our study uncovers alarming differences in the efficacy of the marketed polyvalent antivenoms in neutralising these venoms, thereby, emphasising the pressing need to develop dose-efficacious and pan-India effective antivenoms for the treatment of snakebites in the country. This study also highlights the significant influence of ecology and diverse environments on the venom variability, insinuating the necessity for innovating cost-effective and pan-India efficacious solutions to safeguard the lives, limbs and livelihoods of India’s two hundred thousand annual snakebite victims.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- R. R. Senji Laxme
- Evolutionary Venomics Lab. Centre for Ecological Sciences, Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore, Karnataka, India
| | - Saurabh Attarde
- Evolutionary Venomics Lab. Centre for Ecological Sciences, Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore, Karnataka, India
| | - Suyog Khochare
- Evolutionary Venomics Lab. Centre for Ecological Sciences, Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore, Karnataka, India
| | - Vivek Suranse
- Evolutionary Venomics Lab. Centre for Ecological Sciences, Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore, Karnataka, India
| | - Gerard Martin
- The Liana Trust, Survey #1418/1419 Rathnapuri, Hunsur, Karnataka, India
| | - Nicholas R. Casewell
- Centre for Snakebite Research & Interventions, Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, Pembroke Place, Liverpool, United Kingdom
| | - Romulus Whitaker
- Madras Crocodile Bank Trust/Centre for Herpetology, Mamallapuram, Tamil Nadu, India
| | - Kartik Sunagar
- Evolutionary Venomics Lab. Centre for Ecological Sciences, Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore, Karnataka, India
- * E-mail:
| |
Collapse
|
17
|
Gutiérrez JM, Vargas M, Segura Á, Herrera M, Villalta M, Solano G, Sánchez A, Herrera C, León G. In Vitro Tests for Assessing the Neutralizing Ability of Snake Antivenoms: Toward the 3Rs Principles. Front Immunol 2021; 11:617429. [PMID: 33505403 PMCID: PMC7829219 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2020.617429] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/14/2020] [Accepted: 11/23/2020] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
There is an urgent need to strengthen the implementation of the 3Rs principle (Replacement, Reduction and Refinement) in the use of experimental animals in toxinological research and in the assessment of the neutralizing efficacy of snake antivenoms. This is a challenging task owing to the inherent complexity of snake venoms. The state of the art on this topic is hereby reviewed, with emphasis on the studies in which a correlation has been observed between in vivo toxicity tests and in vitro surrogate assays, particularly in the study of lethal activity of venoms and its neutralization. Correlations have been described with some venoms-antivenoms when using: (a) enzyme immunoassays, (b) hemagglutination, (c) enzyme assays (proteinase, phospholipase A2), (d) in vitro coagulant effect on plasma, (e) cell culture assays for cytotoxicity, (f) functional assays for assessing neurotoxicity in vitro, (g) use of hens’ eggs, and (h) antivenomics. Additionally, the routine introduction of analgesia in these assays and the design of more ‘humane’ protocols for the lethality test are being pursued. It is expected that the next years will witness a growing awareness of the relevance of the 3Rs principles in antivenom testing, and that new in vitro alternatives and more ‘humane’ experimental designs will emerge in this field.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Mariángela Vargas
- Instituto Clodomiro Picado, Facultad de Microbiología, San José, Costa Rica
| | - Álvaro Segura
- Instituto Clodomiro Picado, Facultad de Microbiología, San José, Costa Rica
| | - María Herrera
- Instituto Clodomiro Picado, Facultad de Microbiología, San José, Costa Rica
| | - Mauren Villalta
- Instituto Clodomiro Picado, Facultad de Microbiología, San José, Costa Rica
| | - Gabriela Solano
- Instituto Clodomiro Picado, Facultad de Microbiología, San José, Costa Rica
| | - Andrés Sánchez
- Instituto Clodomiro Picado, Facultad de Microbiología, San José, Costa Rica
| | - Cristina Herrera
- Facultad de Farmacia, Universidad de Costa Rica, San José, Costa Rica
| | - Guillermo León
- Instituto Clodomiro Picado, Facultad de Microbiología, San José, Costa Rica
| |
Collapse
|
18
|
Abd El-Aziz TM, Soares AG, Stockand JD. Advances in venomics: Modern separation techniques and mass spectrometry. J Chromatogr B Analyt Technol Biomed Life Sci 2020; 1160:122352. [PMID: 32971366 PMCID: PMC8174749 DOI: 10.1016/j.jchromb.2020.122352] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/15/2020] [Revised: 08/25/2020] [Accepted: 08/26/2020] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
Snake venoms are complex chemical mixtures of biologically active proteins and non-protein components. Toxins have a wide range of targets and effects to include ion channels and membrane receptors, and platelet aggregation and platelet plug formation. Toxins target these effectors and effects at high affinity and selectivity. From a pharmacological perspective, snake venom compounds are a valuable resource for drug discovery and development. However, a major challenge to drug discovery using snake venoms is isolating and analyzing the bioactive proteins and peptides in these complex mixtures. Getting molecular information from complex mixtures such as snake venoms requires proteomic analyses, generally combined with transcriptomic analyses of venom glands. The present review summarizes current knowledge and highlights important recent advances in venomics with special emphasis on contemporary separation techniques and bioinformatics that have begun to elaborate the complexity of snake venoms. Several analytical techniques such as two-dimensional gel electrophoresis, RP-HPLC, size exclusion chromatography, ion exchange chromatography, MALDI-TOF-MS, and LC-ESI-QTOF-MS have been employed in this regard. The improvement of separation approaches such as multidimensional-HPLC, 2D-electrophoresis coupled to soft-ionization (MALDI and ESI) mass spectrometry has been critical to obtain an accurate picture of the startling complexity of venoms. In the case of bioinformatics, a variety of software tools such as PEAKS also has been used successfully. Such information gleaned from venomics is important to both predicting and resolving the biological activity of the active components of venoms, which in turn is key for the development of new drugs based on these venom components.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Tarek Mohamed Abd El-Aziz
- Department of Cellular and Integrative Physiology, University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio, San Antonio, Texas 78229-3900, USA; Zoology Department, Faculty of Science, Minia University, El-Minia 61519, Egypt.
| | - Antonio G Soares
- Department of Cellular and Integrative Physiology, University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio, San Antonio, Texas 78229-3900, USA
| | - James D Stockand
- Department of Cellular and Integrative Physiology, University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio, San Antonio, Texas 78229-3900, USA
| |
Collapse
|
19
|
Gibbs HL, Sanz L, Pérez A, Ochoa A, Hassinger ATB, Holding ML, Calvete JJ. The molecular basis of venom resistance in a rattlesnake-squirrel predator-prey system. Mol Ecol 2020; 29:2871-2888. [PMID: 32593182 DOI: 10.1111/mec.15529] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/19/2019] [Revised: 06/11/2020] [Accepted: 06/22/2020] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Understanding how interspecific interactions mould the molecular basis of adaptations in coevolving species is a long-sought goal of evolutionary biology. Venom in predators and venom resistance proteins in prey are coevolving molecular phenotypes, and while venoms are highly complex mixtures it is unclear if prey respond with equally complex resistance traits. Here, we use a novel molecular methodology based on protein affinity columns to capture and identify candidate blood serum resistance proteins ("venom interactive proteins" [VIPs]) in California Ground Squirrels (Otospermophilus beecheyi) that interact with venom proteins from their main predator, Northern Pacific Rattlesnakes (Crotalus o. oreganus). This assay showed that serum-based resistance is both population- and species-specific, with serum proteins from ground squirrels showing higher binding affinities for venom proteins of local snakes compared to allopatric individuals. Venom protein specificity assays identified numerous and diverse candidate prey resistance VIPs but also potential targets of venom in prey tissues. Many specific VIPs bind to multiple snake venom proteins and, conversely, single venom proteins bind multiple VIPs, demonstrating that a portion of the squirrel blood serum "resistome" involves broad-based inhibition of nonself proteins and suggests that resistance involves a toxin scavenging mechanism. Analyses of rates of evolution of VIP protein homologues in related mammals show that most of these proteins evolve under purifying selection possibly due to molecular constraints that limit the evolutionary responses of prey to rapidly evolving snake venom proteins. Our method represents a general approach to identify specific proteins involved in co-evolutionary interactions between species at the molecular level.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- H Lisle Gibbs
- Department of Evolution, Ecology, and Organismal Biology, Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, USA
| | - Libia Sanz
- Evolutionary and Translational Venomics Laboratory, CSIC, Valencia, Spain
| | - Alicia Pérez
- Evolutionary and Translational Venomics Laboratory, CSIC, Valencia, Spain
| | - Alexander Ochoa
- Department of Evolution, Ecology, and Organismal Biology, Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, USA
| | - Alyssa T B Hassinger
- Department of Evolution, Ecology, and Organismal Biology, Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, USA
| | - Matthew L Holding
- Department of Evolution, Ecology, and Organismal Biology, Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, USA.,Department of Biological Sciences, Florida State University, Tallahassee, FL, USA
| | - Juan J Calvete
- Evolutionary and Translational Venomics Laboratory, CSIC, Valencia, Spain
| |
Collapse
|
20
|
Saviola AJ, Negrão F, Yates JR. Proteomics of Select Neglected Tropical Diseases. ANNUAL REVIEW OF ANALYTICAL CHEMISTRY (PALO ALTO, CALIF.) 2020; 13:315-336. [PMID: 32109150 DOI: 10.1146/annurev-anchem-091619-093003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
Technological advances in mass spectrometry have enabled the extensive identification, characterization, and quantification of proteins in any biological system. In disease processes proteins are often altered in response to external stimuli; therefore, proteomics, the large-scale study of proteins and their functions, represents an invaluable tool for understanding the molecular basis of disease. This review highlights the use of mass spectrometry-based proteomics to study the pathogenesis, etiology, and pathology of several neglected tropical diseases (NTDs), a diverse group of disabling diseases primarily associated with poverty in tropical and subtropical regions of the world. While numerous NTDs have been the subject of proteomic studies, this review focuses on Buruli ulcer, dengue, leishmaniasis, and snakebite envenoming. The proteomic studies highlighted provide substantial information on the pathogenic mechanisms driving these diseases; they also identify molecular targets for drug discovery and development and uncover promising biomarkers that can assist in early diagnosis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Anthony J Saviola
- Department of Molecular Medicine and Neurobiology, The Scripps Research Institute, La Jolla, California 92037, USA;
| | - Fernanda Negrão
- Department of Biosciences and Technology of Bioactive Products, Institute of Biology, University of Campinas, São Paulo 13083-862, Brazil
| | - John R Yates
- Department of Molecular Medicine and Neurobiology, The Scripps Research Institute, La Jolla, California 92037, USA;
| |
Collapse
|
21
|
Monteiro WM, Contreras-Bernal JC, Bisneto PF, Sachett J, Mendonça da Silva I, Lacerda M, Guimarães da Costa A, Val F, Brasileiro L, Sartim MA, Silva-de-Oliveira S, Bernarde PS, Kaefer IL, Grazziotin FG, Wen FH, Moura-da-Silva AM. Bothrops atrox, the most important snake involved in human envenomings in the amazon: How venomics contributes to the knowledge of snake biology and clinical toxinology. Toxicon X 2020; 6:100037. [PMID: 32550592 PMCID: PMC7285970 DOI: 10.1016/j.toxcx.2020.100037] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/03/2020] [Revised: 04/06/2020] [Accepted: 04/15/2020] [Indexed: 01/22/2023] Open
Abstract
Bothrops atrox snakes are mostly endemic of the Amazon rainforest and is certainly the South American pit viper responsible for most of the snakebites in the region. The composition of B. atrox venom is significantly known and has been used to trace the relevance of the venom phenotype for snake biology and for the impacts in the clinics of human patients involved in accidents by B. atrox. However, in spite of the wide distribution and the great medical relevance of B. atrox snakes, B. atrox taxonomy is not fully resolved and the impacts of the lack of taxonomic resolution on the studies focused on venom or envenoming are currently unknown. B. atrox venom presents different degrees of compositional variability and is generally coagulotoxic, inducing systemic hematological disturbances and local tissue damage in snakebite patients. Antivenoms are the effective therapy for attenuating the clinical signs. This review brings a comprehensive discussion of the literature concerning B. atrox snakes encompassing from snake taxonomy, diet and venom composition, towards clinical aspects of snakebite patients and efficacy of the antivenoms. This discussion is highly supported by the contributions that venomics and antivenomics added for the advancement of knowledge of B. atrox snakes, their venoms and the treatment of accidents they evoke.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Wuelton Marcelo Monteiro
- Escola Superior de Ciências da Saúde, Universidade do Estado do Amazonas, Manaus, Brazil
- Instituto de Pesquisa Clínica Carlos Borborema, Fundação de Medicina Tropical Dr. Heitor Vieira Dourado, Manaus, Brazil
| | - Jorge Carlos Contreras-Bernal
- Escola Superior de Ciências da Saúde, Universidade do Estado do Amazonas, Manaus, Brazil
- Instituto de Pesquisa Clínica Carlos Borborema, Fundação de Medicina Tropical Dr. Heitor Vieira Dourado, Manaus, Brazil
| | - Pedro Ferreira Bisneto
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Zoologia, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal do Amazonas, Manaus, Brazil
| | - Jacqueline Sachett
- Escola Superior de Ciências da Saúde, Universidade do Estado do Amazonas, Manaus, Brazil
- Diretoria de Ensino e Pesquisa, Fundação Alfredo da Matta, Manaus, Brazil
| | - Iran Mendonça da Silva
- Escola Superior de Ciências da Saúde, Universidade do Estado do Amazonas, Manaus, Brazil
- Instituto de Pesquisa Clínica Carlos Borborema, Fundação de Medicina Tropical Dr. Heitor Vieira Dourado, Manaus, Brazil
| | - Marcus Lacerda
- Escola Superior de Ciências da Saúde, Universidade do Estado do Amazonas, Manaus, Brazil
- Instituto de Pesquisa Clínica Carlos Borborema, Fundação de Medicina Tropical Dr. Heitor Vieira Dourado, Manaus, Brazil
- Instituto Leônidas & Maria Deane, Manaus, Brazil
| | - Allyson Guimarães da Costa
- Escola Superior de Ciências da Saúde, Universidade do Estado do Amazonas, Manaus, Brazil
- Instituto de Pesquisa Clínica Carlos Borborema, Fundação de Medicina Tropical Dr. Heitor Vieira Dourado, Manaus, Brazil
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Zoologia, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal do Amazonas, Manaus, Brazil
- Diretoria de Ensino e Pesquisa, Fundação de Hematologia e Hemoterapia do Amazonas, Manaus, Brazil
| | - Fernando Val
- Escola Superior de Ciências da Saúde, Universidade do Estado do Amazonas, Manaus, Brazil
- Instituto de Pesquisa Clínica Carlos Borborema, Fundação de Medicina Tropical Dr. Heitor Vieira Dourado, Manaus, Brazil
| | - Lisele Brasileiro
- Escola Superior de Ciências da Saúde, Universidade do Estado do Amazonas, Manaus, Brazil
- Instituto de Pesquisa Clínica Carlos Borborema, Fundação de Medicina Tropical Dr. Heitor Vieira Dourado, Manaus, Brazil
| | - Marco Aurélio Sartim
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Zoologia, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal do Amazonas, Manaus, Brazil
| | - Sâmella Silva-de-Oliveira
- Escola Superior de Ciências da Saúde, Universidade do Estado do Amazonas, Manaus, Brazil
- Instituto de Pesquisa Clínica Carlos Borborema, Fundação de Medicina Tropical Dr. Heitor Vieira Dourado, Manaus, Brazil
| | - Paulo Sérgio Bernarde
- Laboratório de Herpetologia, Centro Multidisciplinar, Campus Floresta, Universidade Federal do Acre, Cruzeiro do Sul, AC, Brazil
| | - Igor L. Kaefer
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Zoologia, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal do Amazonas, Manaus, Brazil
| | | | | | - Ana Maria Moura-da-Silva
- Instituto de Pesquisa Clínica Carlos Borborema, Fundação de Medicina Tropical Dr. Heitor Vieira Dourado, Manaus, Brazil
- Instituto Butantan, São Paulo, Brazil
| |
Collapse
|
22
|
Sarmiento K, Rodríguez A, Quevedo-Buitrago W, Torres I, Ríos C, Ruíz L, Salazar J, Hidalgo-Martínez P, Diez H. Comparación de la eficacia, la seguridad y la farmacocinética de los antivenenos antiofídicos: revisión de literatura. UNIVERSITAS MÉDICA 2019. [DOI: 10.11144/javeriana.umed61-1.anti] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Abstract
En Colombia se presentan anualmente alrededor de 5000 casos de mordedura de serpiente y su tratamiento se basa en la neutralización con inmunoglobulinas completas purificadas, sin embargo, globalmente se utilizan antivenenos faboterápicos. Objetivo: Dar a conocer diferencias entre las generaciones de antivenenos, la importancia del veneno en la producción de anticuerpos, comparar aspectos farmacocinéticos y los efectos adversos en pacientes. Materiales Métodos: Se realizó una búsqueda de literatura en bases de datos utilizando combinaciones de los descriptores y términos Mesh, en inglés y español. Se cotejaron parámetros farmacocinéticos en estudios preclínicos y los efectos adversos en estudios clínicos. Resultados: Se encontraron diferencias debidas al tamaño de la fracción de la inmunoglobulina que la compone, así entre más pequeña es ésta, se observa mayor distribución a los tejidos y una vida media más corta, comparada con las moléculas más pesadas. Se encontraron estudios con disminución de efectos adversos con antivenenos faboterápicos
Collapse
|
23
|
Immunogenic Properties of Recombinant Enzymes from Bothrops Ammodytoides Towards the Generation of Neutralizing Antibodies against Its Own Venom. Toxins (Basel) 2019; 11:toxins11120702. [PMID: 31810356 PMCID: PMC6949999 DOI: 10.3390/toxins11120702] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/16/2019] [Revised: 11/05/2019] [Accepted: 11/14/2019] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Bothropic venoms contain enzymes such as metalloproteases, serine-proteases, and phospholipases, which acting by themselves, or in synergism, are the cause of the envenomation symptoms and death. Here, two mRNA transcripts, one that codes for a metalloprotease and another for a serine-protease, were isolated from a Bothrops ammodytoides venom gland. The metalloprotease and serine-protease transcripts were cloned on a pCR®2.1-TOPO vector and consequently expressed in a recombinant way in E. coli (strains Origami and M15, respectively), using pQE30 vectors. The recombinant proteins were named rBamSP_1 and rBamMP_1, and they were formed by an N-terminal fusion protein of 16 amino acid residues, followed by the sequence of the mature proteins. After bacterial expression, each recombinant enzyme was recovered from inclusion bodies and treated with chaotropic agents. The experimental molecular masses for rBamSP_1 and rBamMP_1 agreed with their expected theoretical ones, and their secondary structure spectra obtained by circular dichroism were comparable to that of similar proteins. Additionally, equivalent mixtures of rBamSP_1, rBamMP_1 together with a previous reported recombinant phospholipase, rBamPLA2_1, were used to immunize rabbits to produce serum antibodies, which in turn recognized serine-proteases, metalloproteases and PLA2s from B. ammodytoides and other regional viper venoms. Finally, rabbit antibodies neutralized the 3LD50 of B. ammodytoides venom.
Collapse
|
24
|
Deka A, Gogoi A, Das D, Purkayastha J, Doley R. Proteomics of Naja kaouthia venom from North East India and assessment of Indian polyvalent antivenom by third generation antivenomics. J Proteomics 2019; 207:103463. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jprot.2019.103463] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/24/2019] [Revised: 07/15/2019] [Accepted: 07/21/2019] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
|
25
|
Comparative analysis of Naja kaouthia venom from North-East India and Bangladesh and its cross reactivity with Indian polyvalent antivenoms. Toxicon 2019; 164:31-43. [DOI: 10.1016/j.toxicon.2019.03.025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2018] [Revised: 03/26/2019] [Accepted: 03/31/2019] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
|
26
|
Ghezellou P, Garikapati V, Kazemi SM, Strupat K, Ghassempour A, Spengler B. A perspective view of top-down proteomics in snake venom research. RAPID COMMUNICATIONS IN MASS SPECTROMETRY : RCM 2019; 33 Suppl 1:20-27. [PMID: 30076652 DOI: 10.1002/rcm.8255] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/04/2018] [Revised: 07/25/2018] [Accepted: 07/29/2018] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
The venom produced by snakes contains complex mixtures of pharmacologically active proteins and peptides which play a crucial role in the pathophysiology of snakebite diseases. The deep understanding of venom proteomes can help to improve the treatment of this "neglected tropical disease" (as expressed by the World Health Organization [WHO]) and to develop new drugs. The most widely used technique for venom analysis is liquid chromatography/tandem mass spectrometry (LC/MS/MS)-based bottom-up (BU) proteomics. Considering the fact that multiple multi-locus gene families encode snake venom proteins, the major challenge for the BU proteomics is the limited sequence coverage and also the "protein inference problem" which result in a loss of information for the identification and characterization of toxin proteoforms (genetic variation, alternative mRNA splicing, single nucleotide polymorphism [SNP] and post-translational modifications [PTMs]). In contrast, intact protein measurements with top-down (TD) MS strategies cover almost complete protein sequences, and prove the ability to identify venom proteoforms and to localize their modifications and sequence variations.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Parviz Ghezellou
- Institute of Inorganic and Analytical Chemistry, Justus Liebig University Giessen, Germany
- Medicinal Plants and Drugs Research Institute, Shahid Beheshti University, Tehran, Iran
| | | | - Seyed Mahdi Kazemi
- Medicinal Plants and Drugs Research Institute, Shahid Beheshti University, Tehran, Iran
| | | | - Alireza Ghassempour
- Medicinal Plants and Drugs Research Institute, Shahid Beheshti University, Tehran, Iran
| | - Bernhard Spengler
- Institute of Inorganic and Analytical Chemistry, Justus Liebig University Giessen, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
27
|
Patra A, Chanda A, Mukherjee AK. Quantitative proteomic analysis of venom from Southern India common krait (Bungarus caeruleus) and identification of poorly immunogenic toxins by immune-profiling against commercial antivenom. Expert Rev Proteomics 2019; 16:457-469. [DOI: 10.1080/14789450.2019.1609945] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/27/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Aparup Patra
- Microbial Biotechnology and Protein Research Laboratory, Department of Molecular Biology and Biotechnology, Tezpur University, Tezpur, India
| | - Abhishek Chanda
- Microbial Biotechnology and Protein Research Laboratory, Department of Molecular Biology and Biotechnology, Tezpur University, Tezpur, India
| | - Ashis K. Mukherjee
- Microbial Biotechnology and Protein Research Laboratory, Department of Molecular Biology and Biotechnology, Tezpur University, Tezpur, India
| |
Collapse
|
28
|
Pla D, Rodríguez Y, Resiere D, Mehdaoui H, Gutiérrez JM, Calvete JJ. Third-generation antivenomics analysis of the preclinical efficacy of Bothrofav® antivenom towards Bothrops lanceolatus venom. Toxicon X 2019; 1:100004. [PMID: 32831345 PMCID: PMC7286001 DOI: 10.1016/j.toxcx.2018.100004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/06/2018] [Revised: 12/13/2018] [Accepted: 12/21/2018] [Indexed: 11/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Bothrops lanceolatus inflicts severe envenomings in the Lesser Caribbean island of Martinique. Bothrofav®, a monospecific antivenom against B. lanceolatus venom, has proven highly effective at the preclinical and clinical levels. Here, we report a detailed third-generation antivenomics quantitative analysis of Bothrofav®. With the exception of poorly-immunogenic peptides, Bothrofav® immunocaptured all the major protein components. These results, along with previous preclinical and clinical observations, underscore the high neutralizing efficacy of the antivenom against B. lanceolatus venom. The immunoreactivity of the monospecific antivenom Bothrofav® was evaluated against Bothrops lanceolatus venom. Third Generation Antivenomics approach was used in this study. Antivenom immunocaptured all major venom components. Results agree with previous preclinical studies and demonstrate the efficacy of this antivenom.
Collapse
|
29
|
Chanda A, Kalita B, Patra A, Senevirathne WDST, Mukherjee AK. Proteomic analysis and antivenomics study of Western India Naja naja venom: correlation between venom composition and clinical manifestations of cobra bite in this region. Expert Rev Proteomics 2018; 16:171-184. [DOI: 10.1080/14789450.2019.1559735] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/27/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Abhishek Chanda
- Microbial Biotechnology and Protein Research Laboratory, Department of Molecular Biology and Biotechnology, Tezpur University, Tezpur, India
| | - Bhargab Kalita
- Microbial Biotechnology and Protein Research Laboratory, Department of Molecular Biology and Biotechnology, Tezpur University, Tezpur, India
| | - Aparup Patra
- Microbial Biotechnology and Protein Research Laboratory, Department of Molecular Biology and Biotechnology, Tezpur University, Tezpur, India
| | - Wanigasingha. D. Sandani T. Senevirathne
- Microbial Biotechnology and Protein Research Laboratory, Department of Molecular Biology and Biotechnology, Tezpur University, Tezpur, India
- Deptartment of Rabies and Vaccine Quality Control, Medical Research Institute, Colombo, Sri Lanka
| | - Ashis K. Mukherjee
- Microbial Biotechnology and Protein Research Laboratory, Department of Molecular Biology and Biotechnology, Tezpur University, Tezpur, India
| |
Collapse
|
30
|
Oliveira ISD, Pucca MB, Sampaio SV, Arantes EC. Antivenomic approach of different Crotalus durissus collilineatus venoms. J Venom Anim Toxins Incl Trop Dis 2018; 24:34. [PMID: 30534148 PMCID: PMC6260869 DOI: 10.1186/s40409-018-0169-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/06/2018] [Accepted: 11/01/2018] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Our group has previously performed a proteomic study verifying that individual variations can occur among Crotalus durissus collilineatus venoms. These variations may lead to differences in venom toxicity and may result in lack of neutralization of some components by antivenom. In this way, this study aimed to evaluate the Brazilian anticrotalic serum capacity in recognizing twenty-two Crotalus durissus collilineatus venoms, as well as their fractions. METHODS The indirect enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was chosen to evaluate the efficacy of heterologous anticrotalic serum produced by Instituto Butantan (Brazil) in recognizing the twenty-two Crotalus durissus collilineatus venoms and the pool of them. Moreover, the venom pool was fractionated using reversed-phase fast protein liquid chromatography (RP-FPLC) and the obtained fractions were analyzed concerning antivenom recognition. RESULTS Evaluation of venom variability by ELISA showed that all venom samples were recognized by the Brazilian anticrotalic antivenom. However, some particular venom fractions were poorly recognized. CONCLUSION This study demonstrated that the Brazilian anticrotalic serum recognizes all the different twenty-two venoms of C. d. collilineatus and their fractions, although in a quantitatively different way, which may impact the effectiveness of the antivenom therapy. These results confirm the need to use a pool of venoms with the greatest possible variability in the preparation of antivenoms, in order to improve their effectiveness.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Isadora Sousa de Oliveira
- Department of Physics and Chemistry, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences of Ribeirão Preto, University of São Paulo, Av. do Café s/n, Monte Alegre, Ribeirão Preto, SP 14040-903 Brazil
| | | | - Suely Vilela Sampaio
- Department of Clinical Analysis, Toxicology and Food Science, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences of Ribeirão Preto, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, SP Brazil
| | - Eliane Candiani Arantes
- Department of Physics and Chemistry, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences of Ribeirão Preto, University of São Paulo, Av. do Café s/n, Monte Alegre, Ribeirão Preto, SP 14040-903 Brazil
| |
Collapse
|
31
|
Bermúdez-Méndez E, Fuglsang-Madsen A, Føns S, Lomonte B, Gutiérrez JM, Laustsen AH. Innovative Immunization Strategies for Antivenom Development. Toxins (Basel) 2018; 10:toxins10110452. [PMID: 30400220 PMCID: PMC6265855 DOI: 10.3390/toxins10110452] [Citation(s) in RCA: 53] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/29/2018] [Revised: 10/29/2018] [Accepted: 10/30/2018] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Snakes, scorpions, and spiders are venomous animals that pose a threat to human health, and severe envenomings from the bites or stings of these animals must be treated with antivenom. Current antivenoms are based on plasma-derived immunoglobulins or immunoglobulin fragments from hyper-immunized animals. Although these medicines have been life-saving for more than 120 years, opportunities to improve envenoming therapy exist. In the later decades, new biotechnological tools have been applied with the aim of improving the efficacy, safety, and affordability of antivenoms. Within the avenues explored, novel immunization strategies using synthetic peptide epitopes, recombinant toxins (or toxoids), or DNA strings as immunogens have demonstrated potential for generating antivenoms with high therapeutic antibody titers and broad neutralizing capacity. Furthermore, these approaches circumvent the need for venom in the production process of antivenoms, thereby limiting some of the complications associated with animal captivity and venom collection. Finally, an important benefit of innovative immunization approaches is that they are often compatible with existing antivenom manufacturing setups. In this review, we compile all reported studies examining venom-independent innovative immunization strategies for antivenom development. In addition, a brief description of toxin families of medical relevance found in snake, scorpion, and spider venoms is presented, as well as how biochemical, bioinformatic, and omics tools could aid the development of next-generation antivenoms.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Albert Fuglsang-Madsen
- Department of Biotechnology and Biomedicine, Technical University of Denmark, DK-2800 Kongens Lyngby, Denmark.
- Department of Biology, University of Copenhagen, DK-2200 København N, Denmark.
| | - Sofie Føns
- Department of Biotechnology and Biomedicine, Technical University of Denmark, DK-2800 Kongens Lyngby, Denmark.
| | - Bruno Lomonte
- Instituto Clodomiro Picado, Facultad de Microbiología, Universidad de Costa Rica, San José 11501-2060, Costa Rica.
| | - José María Gutiérrez
- Instituto Clodomiro Picado, Facultad de Microbiología, Universidad de Costa Rica, San José 11501-2060, Costa Rica.
| | - Andreas Hougaard Laustsen
- Department of Biotechnology and Biomedicine, Technical University of Denmark, DK-2800 Kongens Lyngby, Denmark.
| |
Collapse
|
32
|
Chanda A, Patra A, Kalita B, Mukherjee AK. Proteomics analysis to compare the venom composition between Naja naja and Naja kaouthia from the same geographical location of eastern India: Correlation with pathophysiology of envenomation and immunological cross-reactivity towards commercial polyantivenom. Expert Rev Proteomics 2018; 15:949-961. [DOI: 10.1080/14789450.2018.1538799] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Abhishek Chanda
- Microbial Biotechnology and Protein Research Laboratory, Department of Molecular Biology and Biotechnology, Tezpur University , Tezpur, India
| | - Aparup Patra
- Microbial Biotechnology and Protein Research Laboratory, Department of Molecular Biology and Biotechnology, Tezpur University , Tezpur, India
| | - Bhargab Kalita
- Microbial Biotechnology and Protein Research Laboratory, Department of Molecular Biology and Biotechnology, Tezpur University , Tezpur, India
| | - Ashis K. Mukherjee
- Microbial Biotechnology and Protein Research Laboratory, Department of Molecular Biology and Biotechnology, Tezpur University , Tezpur, India
| |
Collapse
|
33
|
Kalita B, Singh S, Patra A, Mukherjee AK. Quantitative proteomic analysis and antivenom study revealing that neurotoxic phospholipase A 2 enzymes, the major toxin class of Russell's viper venom from southern India, shows the least immuno-recognition and neutralization by commercial polyvalent antivenom. Int J Biol Macromol 2018; 118:375-385. [PMID: 29924981 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2018.06.083] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/08/2018] [Revised: 06/14/2018] [Accepted: 06/15/2018] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
The proteome composition of Russell's viper venom (RVV) from southern India (SI) was investigated by 1D-SDS-PAGE of venom followed by tandem mass spectrometry analysis of protein bands. A total of 66 proteins belonging to 14 snake venom protein families were identified by LC-MS/MS analysis against Viperidae (taxid 8689) protein entries from the non-redundant NCBI database. Phospholipase A2 (43.25%) and snaclec (14.57%) represented the most abundant enzymatic and non-enzymatic proteins, respectively. SI RVV was characterized as containing a higher quantity of PLA2 and a lower amount of Kunitz-type serine protease inhibitors, in comparison to RVV from other regions of the Indian subcontinent. The enzymatic activities, pharmacological properties, and clinical manifestations of RV envenomation in SI were well correlated with its proteome composition; however, ATPase, ADPase, and hyaluronidase enzymes were not identified by LC-MS/MS analysis, owing to paucity of the existing database. Neurological symptoms exhibited by RV-bite patients in SI were correlated to the presence of abundant neurotoxic phospholipase A2 enzymes (15.66%) in SI RVV. Neutralization studies, immunological cross-reactivity, and antivenomics studies unequivocally demonstrated the poor recognition and lowest neutralization of PLA2 enzymes by commercial polyvalent antivenom, which is a major concern for the treatment of RV-envenomed patients in SI.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Bhargab Kalita
- Microbial Biotechnology and Protein Research Laboratory, Department of Molecular Biology and Biotechnology, Tezpur University, Tezpur 784028, Assam, India
| | - Sudeepa Singh
- Microbial Biotechnology and Protein Research Laboratory, Department of Molecular Biology and Biotechnology, Tezpur University, Tezpur 784028, Assam, India
| | - Aparup Patra
- Microbial Biotechnology and Protein Research Laboratory, Department of Molecular Biology and Biotechnology, Tezpur University, Tezpur 784028, Assam, India
| | - Ashis K Mukherjee
- Microbial Biotechnology and Protein Research Laboratory, Department of Molecular Biology and Biotechnology, Tezpur University, Tezpur 784028, Assam, India.
| |
Collapse
|
34
|
Kalita B, Mackessy SP, Mukherjee AK. Proteomic analysis reveals geographic variation in venom composition of Russell's Viper in the Indian subcontinent: implications for clinical manifestations post-envenomation and antivenom treatment. Expert Rev Proteomics 2018; 15:837-849. [PMID: 30247947 DOI: 10.1080/14789450.2018.1528150] [Citation(s) in RCA: 49] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/28/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION The Russell's Viper (RV) (Daboia russelii), a category I medically important snake, is responsible for a significant level of morbidity and mortality in the Indian sub-continent. Areas covered: The current review highlights the variation in RV venom (RVV) composition from different geographical locales on the Indian sub-continent, as revealed by biochemical and proteomic analyses. A comparison of these RVV proteomes revealed significant differences in the number of toxin isoforms and relative toxin abundances, highlighting the impact of geographic location on RVV composition. Antivenom efficacy studies have shown differential neutralization of toxicity and enzymatic activity of different RVV samples from the Indian sub-continent by commercial polyvalent antivenom (PAV). The proteome analysis has provided deeper insights into the variation of RVV composition leading to differences in antivenom efficacy and severity of clinical manifestations post RV-envenomation across the Indian sub-continent. Expert commentary: Variation in RVV antigenicity due to geographical differences and poor recognition of low molecular mass (<20 kDa) RVV toxins by PAV are serious concerns for effective antivenom treatment against RV envenomation. Improvements in immunization protocols that take into account the poorly immunogenic components and geographic variation in RVV composition, can lead to better hospital management of RV bite patients.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Bhargab Kalita
- a Microbial Biotechnology and Protein Research Laboratory, Department of Molecular Biology and Biotechnology , Tezpur University , Tezpur , India
| | - Stephen P Mackessy
- b School of Biological Sciences , University of Northern Colorado , Greeley , CO , USA
| | - Ashis K Mukherjee
- a Microbial Biotechnology and Protein Research Laboratory, Department of Molecular Biology and Biotechnology , Tezpur University , Tezpur , India
- b School of Biological Sciences , University of Northern Colorado , Greeley , CO , USA
| |
Collapse
|
35
|
Guiding recombinant antivenom development by omics technologies. N Biotechnol 2018; 45:19-27. [DOI: 10.1016/j.nbt.2017.05.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/12/2017] [Accepted: 05/16/2017] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
|
36
|
Antibody Cross-Reactivity in Antivenom Research. Toxins (Basel) 2018; 10:toxins10100393. [PMID: 30261694 PMCID: PMC6215175 DOI: 10.3390/toxins10100393] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/13/2018] [Revised: 09/21/2018] [Accepted: 09/25/2018] [Indexed: 12/04/2022] Open
Abstract
Antivenom cross-reactivity has been investigated for decades to determine which antivenoms can be used to treat snakebite envenomings from different snake species. Traditionally, the methods used for analyzing cross-reactivity have been immunodiffusion, immunoblotting, enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), enzymatic assays, and in vivo neutralization studies. In recent years, new methods for determination of cross-reactivity have emerged, including surface plasmon resonance, antivenomics, and high-density peptide microarray technology. Antivenomics involves a top-down assessment of the toxin-binding capacities of antivenoms, whereas high-density peptide microarray technology may be harnessed to provide in-depth knowledge on which toxin epitopes are recognized by antivenoms. This review provides an overview of both the classical and new methods used to investigate antivenom cross-reactivity, the advantages and disadvantages of each method, and examples of studies using the methods. A special focus is given to antivenomics and high-density peptide microarray technology as these high-throughput methods have recently been introduced in this field and may enable more detailed assessments of antivenom cross-reactivity.
Collapse
|
37
|
Kalita B, Patra A, Das A, Mukherjee AK. Proteomic Analysis and Immuno-Profiling of Eastern India Russell's Viper ( Daboia russelii) Venom: Correlation between RVV Composition and Clinical Manifestations Post RV Bite. J Proteome Res 2018; 17:2819-2833. [PMID: 29938511 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jproteome.8b00291] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
The proteomes of Russell's viper venom (RVV) from Burdwan (RVV B) and Nadia (RVV N), the two districts of West Bengal, eastern India (EI), were investigated by gel-filtration chromatography (GFC) followed by tandem mass spectrometry of tryptic fragments of the fractions. A total of 73 and 69 proteins belonging to 15 snake venom protein families were identified in RVV B and RVV N, respectively, by MS/MS search against Viperidae (taxid 8689) protein entries of the nonredundant NCBI database. The minor differences in venom composition of both the EI RV were established unequivocally by their biochemical and pharmacological properties and by SDS-PAGE, gel filtration chromatography, and LC-MS/MS analyses. The composition of EI RVVs was well correlated with published reports on the pathophysiology of RV-envenomed patients from this part of the country. Venom-antivenom cross-reactivity determined by ELISA, Western blotting, and antivenomics approaches demonstrated poor recognition of low molecular mass (<20 kDa) RVV proteins by commercial polyvalent antivenoms, which was substantiated by neutralization of RVV enzymes by antivenom.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Bhargab Kalita
- Microbial Biotechnology and Protein Research Laboratory, Department of Molecular Biology and Biotechnology , Tezpur University , Tezpur 784028 , Assam , India
| | - Aparup Patra
- Microbial Biotechnology and Protein Research Laboratory, Department of Molecular Biology and Biotechnology , Tezpur University , Tezpur 784028 , Assam , India
| | - Anjali Das
- Microbial Biotechnology and Protein Research Laboratory, Department of Molecular Biology and Biotechnology , Tezpur University , Tezpur 784028 , Assam , India
| | - Ashis K Mukherjee
- Microbial Biotechnology and Protein Research Laboratory, Department of Molecular Biology and Biotechnology , Tezpur University , Tezpur 784028 , Assam , India
| |
Collapse
|
38
|
Preclinical assessment of the neutralizing efficacy of snake antivenoms in Latin America and the Caribbean: A review. Toxicon 2018; 146:138-150. [DOI: 10.1016/j.toxicon.2018.02.053] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/05/2018] [Accepted: 02/28/2018] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
|
39
|
Calvete JJ, Rodríguez Y, Quesada-Bernat S, Pla D. Toxin-resolved antivenomics-guided assessment of the immunorecognition landscape of antivenoms. Toxicon 2018; 148:107-122. [PMID: 29704534 DOI: 10.1016/j.toxicon.2018.04.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/30/2018] [Revised: 03/26/2018] [Accepted: 04/22/2018] [Indexed: 01/23/2023]
Abstract
Snakebite envenoming represents a major issue in rural areas of tropical and subtropical regions across sub-Saharan Africa, South to Southeast Asia, Latin America and Oceania. Antivenoms constitute the only scientifically validated therapy for snakebite envenomings, provided they are safe, effective, affordable, accessible and administered appropriately. However, the lack of financial incentives in a technology that has remained relatively unchanged for more than a century, has contributed to some manufacturers leaving the market and others downscaling production or increasing the prices, leading to a decline in the availability and accessibility for these life-saving antidotes to millions of rural poor most at risk from snakebites in low income countries. The shortage of antivenoms can be significantly alleviated by optimizing the use of current antivenoms (through the assessment of their specific and paraspecific efficacy against the different medically relevant homologous and heterologous snake venoms) and by generating novel polyspecific antivenoms exhibiting broad clinical spectrum and wide geographic distribution range. Research on venoms has been continuously enhanced by advances in technology. Particularly, the last decade has witnessed the development of omics strategies for unravelling the toxin composition of venoms ("venomics") and to assess the immunorecognition profile of antivenoms ("antivenomics"). Here, we review recent developments and reflect on near future innovations that promise to revolutionize the mutually enlightening relationship between evolutionary and translational venomics.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Juan J Calvete
- Evolutionary and Translational Venomics Laboratory, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas (CSIC), Valencia, Spain.
| | - Yania Rodríguez
- Evolutionary and Translational Venomics Laboratory, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas (CSIC), Valencia, Spain
| | - Sarai Quesada-Bernat
- Evolutionary and Translational Venomics Laboratory, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas (CSIC), Valencia, Spain
| | - Davinia Pla
- Evolutionary and Translational Venomics Laboratory, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas (CSIC), Valencia, Spain.
| |
Collapse
|
40
|
Fry BG. Snakebite: When the Human Touch Becomes a Bad Touch. Toxins (Basel) 2018; 10:E170. [PMID: 29690533 PMCID: PMC5923336 DOI: 10.3390/toxins10040170] [Citation(s) in RCA: 63] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/07/2018] [Revised: 04/19/2018] [Accepted: 04/20/2018] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Many issues and complications in treating snakebite are a result of poor human social, economic and clinical intervention and management. As such, there is scope for significant improvements for reducing incidence and increasing patient outcomes. Snakes do not target humans as prey, but as our dwellings and farms expand ever farther and climate change increases snake activity periods, accidental encounters with snakes seeking water and prey increase drastically. Despite its long history, the snakebite crisis is neglected, ignored, underestimated and fundamentally misunderstood. Tens of thousands of lives are lost to snakebites each year and hundreds of thousands of people will survive with some form of permanent damage and reduced work capacity. These numbers are well recognized as being gross underestimations due to poor to non-existent record keeping in some of the most affected areas. These underestimations complicate achieving the proper recognition of snakebite’s socioeconomic impact and thus securing foreign aid to help alleviate this global crisis. Antivenoms are expensive and hospitals are few and far between, leaving people to seek help from traditional healers or use other forms of ineffective treatment. In some cases, cheaper, inappropriately manufactured antivenom from other regions is used despite no evidence for their efficacy, with often robust data demonstrating they are woefully ineffective in neutralizing many venoms for which they are marketed for. Inappropriate first-aid and treatments include cutting the wound, tourniquets, electrical shock, immersion in ice water, and use of ineffective herbal remedies by traditional healers. Even in the developed world, there are fundamental controversies including fasciotomy, pressure bandages, antivenom dosage, premedication such as adrenalin, and lack of antivenom for exotic snakebites in the pet trade. This review explores the myriad of human-origin factors that influence the trajectory of global snakebite causes and treatment failures and illustrate that snakebite is as much a sociological and economic problem as it is a medical one. Reducing the incidence and frequency of such controllable factors are therefore realistic targets to help alleviate the global snakebite burden as incremental improvements across several areas will have a strong cumulative effect.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Bryan G Fry
- Venom Evolution Lab, School of Biological Sciences, University of Queensland, St. Lucia, QLD 4072, Australia.
| |
Collapse
|
41
|
Ainsworth S, Slagboom J, Alomran N, Pla D, Alhamdi Y, King SI, Bolton FMS, Gutiérrez JM, Vonk FJ, Toh CH, Calvete JJ, Kool J, Harrison RA, Casewell NR. The paraspecific neutralisation of snake venom induced coagulopathy by antivenoms. Commun Biol 2018; 1:34. [PMID: 30271920 PMCID: PMC6123674 DOI: 10.1038/s42003-018-0039-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 72] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/17/2017] [Accepted: 03/26/2018] [Indexed: 01/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Snake envenoming causes several potentially lethal pathologies. The specific pathology is dictated by the toxin composition of venom, which varies by species, geography and ontogeny. This variation severely restricts the paraspecific efficacy of antivenoms used to treat snakebite victims. With a view to devising pathology-specific snakebite treatments, we assessed the procoagulant activity of 57 snake venoms and investigated the efficacy of various antivenoms. We find that procoagulant venoms act differentially on key steps of the coagulation cascade, and that certain monospecific antivenoms work in a previously unrecognised paraspecific manner to neutralise this activity, despite conventional assumptions of congener-restricted efficacy. Moreover, we demonstrate that the metal chelator EDTA is also capable of neutralising venom-induced lethality in vivo. This study illustrates the exciting potential of developing new, broad-spectrum, toxin-targeting antivenoms capable of treating key snakebite pathologies, and advocates a thorough re-examination of enzyme inhibiting compounds as alternative therapies for treating snakebite victims.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Stuart Ainsworth
- Alistair Reid Venom Research Unit, Parasitology Department, Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, Pembroke Place, Liverpool, L3 5QA, UK
| | - Julien Slagboom
- Alistair Reid Venom Research Unit, Parasitology Department, Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, Pembroke Place, Liverpool, L3 5QA, UK
- Division of BioAnalytical Chemistry, Department of Chemistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Faculty of Sciences, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam, 1081 LA, The Netherlands
| | - Nessrin Alomran
- Alistair Reid Venom Research Unit, Parasitology Department, Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, Pembroke Place, Liverpool, L3 5QA, UK
| | - Davinia Pla
- Laboratorio de Venómica Estructural y Funcional, Instituto de Biomedicina de Valencia, CSIC, Valencia, 46010, Spain
| | - Yasir Alhamdi
- Institute of Infection and Global Health, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, L69 7BE, UK
| | - Sarah I King
- Alistair Reid Venom Research Unit, Parasitology Department, Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, Pembroke Place, Liverpool, L3 5QA, UK
| | - Fiona M S Bolton
- Alistair Reid Venom Research Unit, Parasitology Department, Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, Pembroke Place, Liverpool, L3 5QA, UK
| | - José María Gutiérrez
- Instituto Clodomiro Picado, Facultad de Microbiología, Universidad de Costa Rica, San José, 11501-2060, Costa Rica
| | - Freek J Vonk
- Naturalis Biodiversity Center, 2333 CR, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Cheng-Hock Toh
- Institute of Infection and Global Health, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, L69 7BE, UK
- Roald Dahl Haemostasis and Thrombosis Centre, Royal Liverpool University Hospital, Liverpool, L7 8XP, UK
| | - Juan J Calvete
- Laboratorio de Venómica Estructural y Funcional, Instituto de Biomedicina de Valencia, CSIC, Valencia, 46010, Spain
| | - Jeroen Kool
- Division of BioAnalytical Chemistry, Department of Chemistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Faculty of Sciences, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam, 1081 LA, The Netherlands
| | - Robert A Harrison
- Alistair Reid Venom Research Unit, Parasitology Department, Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, Pembroke Place, Liverpool, L3 5QA, UK
- Research Centre for Drugs and Diagnostics, Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, Pembroke Place, Liverpool, L3 5QA, UK
| | - Nicholas R Casewell
- Alistair Reid Venom Research Unit, Parasitology Department, Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, Pembroke Place, Liverpool, L3 5QA, UK.
- Research Centre for Drugs and Diagnostics, Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, Pembroke Place, Liverpool, L3 5QA, UK.
| |
Collapse
|
42
|
Julve Parreño JM, Huet E, Fernández‐del‐Carmen A, Segura A, Venturi M, Gandía A, Pan W, Albaladejo I, Forment J, Pla D, Wigdorovitz A, Calvete JJ, Gutiérrez C, Gutiérrez JM, Granell A, Orzáez D. A synthetic biology approach for consistent production of plant-made recombinant polyclonal antibodies against snake venom toxins. PLANT BIOTECHNOLOGY JOURNAL 2018; 16:727-736. [PMID: 28850773 PMCID: PMC5814581 DOI: 10.1111/pbi.12823] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/30/2017] [Revised: 08/03/2017] [Accepted: 08/23/2017] [Indexed: 05/26/2023]
Abstract
Antivenoms developed from the plasma of hyperimmunized animals are the only effective treatment available against snakebite envenomation but shortage of supply contributes to the high morbidity and mortality toll of this tropical disease. We describe a synthetic biology approach to affordable and cost-effective antivenom production based on plant-made recombinant polyclonal antibodies (termed pluribodies). The strategy takes advantage of virus superinfection exclusion to induce the formation of somatic expression mosaics in agroinfiltrated plants, which enables the expression of complex antibody repertoires in a highly reproducible manner. Pluribodies developed using toxin-binding genetic information captured from peripheral blood lymphocytes of hyperimmunized camels recapitulated the overall binding activity of the immune response. Furthermore, an improved plant-made antivenom (plantivenom) was formulated using an in vitro selected pluribody against Bothrops asper snake venom toxins and has been shown to neutralize a wide range of toxin activities and provide protection against lethal venom doses in mice.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jose Manuel Julve Parreño
- Instituto de Biología Molecular y Celular de Plantas (IBMCP)Agencia Estatal Consejo Superior de Investigaciones CientíficasUniversidad Politécnica de ValenciaValenciaSpain
| | - Estefanía Huet
- Instituto de Biología Molecular y Celular de Plantas (IBMCP)Agencia Estatal Consejo Superior de Investigaciones CientíficasUniversidad Politécnica de ValenciaValenciaSpain
| | - Asun Fernández‐del‐Carmen
- Instituto de Biología Molecular y Celular de Plantas (IBMCP)Agencia Estatal Consejo Superior de Investigaciones CientíficasUniversidad Politécnica de ValenciaValenciaSpain
| | - Alvaro Segura
- Instituto Clodomiro PicadoFacultad de MicrobiologíaUniversidad de Costa RicaSan JoséCosta Rica
| | - Micol Venturi
- Instituto de Biología Molecular y Celular de Plantas (IBMCP)Agencia Estatal Consejo Superior de Investigaciones CientíficasUniversidad Politécnica de ValenciaValenciaSpain
| | - Antoni Gandía
- Instituto de Biología Molecular y Celular de Plantas (IBMCP)Agencia Estatal Consejo Superior de Investigaciones CientíficasUniversidad Politécnica de ValenciaValenciaSpain
| | - Wei‐song Pan
- Instituto de Biología Molecular y Celular de Plantas (IBMCP)Agencia Estatal Consejo Superior de Investigaciones CientíficasUniversidad Politécnica de ValenciaValenciaSpain
| | - Irene Albaladejo
- Instituto de Biología Molecular y Celular de Plantas (IBMCP)Agencia Estatal Consejo Superior de Investigaciones CientíficasUniversidad Politécnica de ValenciaValenciaSpain
| | - Javier Forment
- Instituto de Biología Molecular y Celular de Plantas (IBMCP)Agencia Estatal Consejo Superior de Investigaciones CientíficasUniversidad Politécnica de ValenciaValenciaSpain
| | - Davinia Pla
- Instituto de Biomedicina de ValenciaAgencia Estatal Consejo Superior de Investigaciones CientíficasValenciaSpain
| | | | - Juan J. Calvete
- Instituto de Biomedicina de ValenciaAgencia Estatal Consejo Superior de Investigaciones CientíficasValenciaSpain
| | - Carlos Gutiérrez
- Research Institute of Biomedical and Health SciencesUniversity of Las Palmas de Gran CanariaArucasLas PalmasCanary IslandsSpain
| | - José María Gutiérrez
- Instituto Clodomiro PicadoFacultad de MicrobiologíaUniversidad de Costa RicaSan JoséCosta Rica
| | - Antonio Granell
- Instituto de Biología Molecular y Celular de Plantas (IBMCP)Agencia Estatal Consejo Superior de Investigaciones CientíficasUniversidad Politécnica de ValenciaValenciaSpain
| | - Diego Orzáez
- Instituto de Biología Molecular y Celular de Plantas (IBMCP)Agencia Estatal Consejo Superior de Investigaciones CientíficasUniversidad Politécnica de ValenciaValenciaSpain
| |
Collapse
|
43
|
Pla D, Petras D, Saviola AJ, Modahl CM, Sanz L, Pérez A, Juárez E, Frietze S, Dorrestein PC, Mackessy SP, Calvete JJ. Transcriptomics-guided bottom-up and top-down venomics of neonate and adult specimens of the arboreal rear-fanged Brown Treesnake, Boiga irregularis, from Guam. J Proteomics 2017; 174:71-84. [PMID: 29292096 DOI: 10.1016/j.jprot.2017.12.020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/28/2017] [Revised: 12/18/2017] [Accepted: 12/26/2017] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
The Brown Treesnake (Boiga irregularis) is an arboreal, nocturnal, rear-fanged venomous snake native to northern and eastern regions of Australia, Papua New Guinea and the Solomon Islands. It was inadvertently introduced onto the island of Guam during the late 1940's to early 1950's, and it has caused massive declines and extirpations of the native bird, lizard, and mammal populations. In the current study, we report the characterization of the venom proteome of an adult and a neonate B. irregularis specimens from Guam by a combination of venom gland transcriptomic and venomic analyses. Venom gland transcriptomic analysis of an adult individual identified toxins belonging to 18 protein families, with three-finger toxin isoforms being the most abundantly expressed transcripts, comprising 94% of all venom protein transcript reads. Transcripts for PIII-metalloproteinases, C-type lectins, cysteine-rich secretory proteins, acetylcholinesterases, natriuretic peptides, ficolins, phospholipase A2 (PLA2) inhibitors, PLA2s, vascular endothelial growth factors, Kunitz-type protease inhibitors, cystatins, phospholipase Bs, cobra venom factors, waprins, SVMP inhibitors, matrix metalloproteinases, and hyaluronidases were also identified, albeit, at very low abundances ranging from 0.05% to 1.7% of the transcriptome. The venom proteomes of neonate and adult B. irregularis were also both overwhelmingly (78 and 84%, respectively) dominated by monomeric and dimeric 3FTxs, followed by moderately abundant (21% (N) and 13% (A)) CRISPs, low abundance (1% (N), 3% (A)) PIII-SVMPs, and very low abundance (<0.01%) PLA2 and SVMP inhibitors. The differences in relative toxin abundances identified between neonate and adult snakes likely correlates to shifts in prey preference between the two age classes, from nearly-exclusively lizards to lizards, birds and small mammals. Immunoaffinity antivenomics with experimentally designed rabbit anti-Brown Treesnake (anti-BTS) venom IgGs against homologous venom from adult snakes demonstrated that CRISPs, PIII-SVMPs, and 60-70% of 3FTxs were effectively immunocaptured. Western blot analysis showed that all venom proteins were recognized by anti-BTS IgGs, and cross-reactivity with other rear-fanged snake venoms was also observed. Incubation of anti-BTS venom IgGs with crude B. irregularis venom resulted in a significant decrease in proteolytic (SVMP) activity against azocasein. These results provide the first comparative venomic and anti-venomic analysis of neonate and adult B. irregularis from Guam, further highlighting evolutionary trends in venom composition among rear-fanged venomous snakes. SIGNIFICANCE PARAGRAPH The Brown Treesnake (Boiga irregularis) has caused extensive ecological and economic damage to the island of Guam where it has become a classic example of the negative impacts of invasive species. In the current study, we report the first combined transcriptomic and proteomic analysis of B. irregularis venom of Guam origin. The transcriptome of an adult snake contained toxin sequences belonging to 18 protein families, with three-finger toxin (3FTx) isoforms being the most abundant and representing 94% of all venom protein transcript reads. Our bottom-up and top-down venomic analyses confirmed that 3FTxs are the major components of B. irregularis venom, and a comparative analysis of neonate and adult venoms demonstrate a clear ontogenetic shift in toxin abundance, likely driven by dietary variation between the two age classes. Second-generation antivenomics and Western blot analysis using purified anti-Brown Treesnake rabbit serum IgGs (anti-BTS IgGs) showed strong immunoreactivity toward B. irregularis venom. Interestingly, our anti-BTS IgGs did not cross-react with 3FTxs found in several other rear-fanged snake venoms, or against 3FTxs in the venom of the elapid Ophiophagus hannah, indicating that epitopes in these 3FTx molecules are quite distinct.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Davinia Pla
- Laboratorio de Venómica Estructural y Funcional, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas, Valencia, Spain
| | - Daniel Petras
- University of California San Diego, Skaggs School of Pharmacy & Pharmaceutical Sciences, 9500 Gilman Dr, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA
| | - Anthony J Saviola
- Laboratorio de Venómica Estructural y Funcional, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas, Valencia, Spain; School of Biological Sciences, University of Northern Colorado, 501 20th Street, CB 92, Greeley, CO 80639, USA
| | - Cassandra M Modahl
- School of Biological Sciences, University of Northern Colorado, 501 20th Street, CB 92, Greeley, CO 80639, USA
| | - Libia Sanz
- Laboratorio de Venómica Estructural y Funcional, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas, Valencia, Spain
| | - Alicia Pérez
- Laboratorio de Venómica Estructural y Funcional, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas, Valencia, Spain
| | - Elena Juárez
- Laboratorio de Venómica Estructural y Funcional, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas, Valencia, Spain
| | - Seth Frietze
- School of Biological Sciences, University of Northern Colorado, 501 20th Street, CB 92, Greeley, CO 80639, USA
| | - Pieter C Dorrestein
- University of California San Diego, Skaggs School of Pharmacy & Pharmaceutical Sciences, 9500 Gilman Dr, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA
| | - Stephen P Mackessy
- School of Biological Sciences, University of Northern Colorado, 501 20th Street, CB 92, Greeley, CO 80639, USA.
| | - Juan J Calvete
- Laboratorio de Venómica Estructural y Funcional, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas, Valencia, Spain.
| |
Collapse
|
44
|
Liu CC, You CH, Wang PJ, Yu JS, Huang GJ, Liu CH, Hsieh WC, Lin CC. Analysis of the efficacy of Taiwanese freeze-dried neurotoxic antivenom against Naja kaouthia, Naja siamensis and Ophiophagus hannah through proteomics and animal model approaches. PLoS Negl Trop Dis 2017; 11:e0006138. [PMID: 29244815 PMCID: PMC5747474 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0006138] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/27/2017] [Revised: 12/29/2017] [Accepted: 11/28/2017] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
In Southeast Asia, envenoming resulting from cobra snakebites is an important public health issue in many regions, and antivenom therapy is the standard treatment for the snakebite. Because these cobras share a close evolutionary history, the amino acid sequences of major venom components in different snakes are very similar. Therefore, either monovalent or polyvalent antivenoms may offer paraspecific protection against envenomation of humans by several different snakes. In Taiwan, a bivalent antivenom—freeze-dried neurotoxic antivenom (FNAV)—against Bungarus multicinctus and Naja atra is available. However, whether this antivenom is also capable of neutralizing the venom of other species of snakes is not known. Here, to expand the clinical application of Taiwanese FNAV, we used an animal model to evaluate the neutralizing ability of FNAV against the venoms of three common snakes in Southeast Asia, including two ‘true’ cobras Naja kaouthia (Thailand) and Naja siamensis (Thailand), and the king cobra Ophiophagus hannah (Indonesia). We further applied mass spectrometry (MS)-based proteomic techniques to characterize venom proteomes and identify FNAV-recognizable antigens in the venoms of these Asian snakes. Neutralization assays in a mouse model showed that FNAV effectively neutralized the lethality of N. kaouthia and N. siamensis venoms, but not O. hannah venom. MS-based venom protein identification results further revealed that FNAV strongly recognized three-finger toxin and phospholipase A2, the major protein components of N. kaouthia and N. siamensis venoms. The characterization of venom proteomes and identification of FNAV-recognizable venom antigens may help researchers to further develop more effective antivenom designed to block the toxicity of dominant toxic proteins, with the ultimate goal of achieving broadly therapeutic effects against these cobra snakebites. Cobra envenomation is a public health issue in Southeast Asia. Currently, antivenom therapy is the standard treatment for snakebite. However, antivenoms are not available in many rural countries and communities or have only limited effectiveness. Taiwan has wealth of experience in producing antivenoms, including the bivalent freeze-dried neurotoxic antivenom (FNAV), which is raised against venom proteins from Bungarus multicinctus and Naja atra. Our results showed that FNAV effectively neutralized the lethality of Naja kaouthia(Thailand) and Naja siamensis (Thailand) venoms, but not Ophiophagus hannah (Indonesia) venom, in an animal model. We further characterized the venom proteome profiles of the four cobras and identified three abundant proteins—neurotoxin, cytotoxin and phospholipase A2—in the venom of N. atra, N. kaouthia and N. siamensisas the major antigens recognized by FNAV. In contrast, we found that β-cardiotoxin and phospholipase A2, common toxin proteins in all king cobra venom samples, are weakly or not recognized by FNAV. Our data provide evidence suggesting the potential use of Taiwan’s FNAV to treat envenomation by other cobra species (N. kaouthia and N. siamensis) in Southeast Asia. Moreover, our findings support the previous recommendation and current experimental approach that major cobra toxins are used as antigens to generate more efficient antivenoms than those currently available.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Chien-Chun Liu
- Graduate Institute of Biomedical Sciences, College of Medicine, Chang Gung University, Tao-Yuan, Taiwan
| | - Chen-Hsien You
- Department of Medicine, College of Medicine, Chang Gung University, Tao-Yuan, Taiwan
| | - Po-Jung Wang
- Graduate Institute of Biomedical Sciences, College of Medicine, Chang Gung University, Tao-Yuan, Taiwan
| | - Jau-Song Yu
- Graduate Institute of Biomedical Sciences, College of Medicine, Chang Gung University, Tao-Yuan, Taiwan
- Department of Cell and Molecular Biology, College of Medicine, Chang Gung University, Tao-Yuan, Taiwan
- Molecular Medicine Research Center, Chang Gung University, Tao-Yuan, Taiwan
- Liver Research Center, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Linkou, Tao-Yuan, Taiwan
- * E-mail: (JSY); (CCL)
| | - Guo-Jen Huang
- Graduate Institute of Biomedical Sciences, College of Medicine, Chang Gung University, Tao-Yuan, Taiwan
| | - Chien-Hsin Liu
- Center for Research, Diagnostics and Vaccine Development, Centers for Disease Control, Ministry of Health and Welfare, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Wen-Chin Hsieh
- Center for Research, Diagnostics and Vaccine Development, Centers for Disease Control, Ministry of Health and Welfare, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Chih-Chuan Lin
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Linkou, Tao-Yuan, Taiwan
- * E-mail: (JSY); (CCL)
| |
Collapse
|
45
|
Patra A, Kalita B, Chanda A, Mukherjee AK. Proteomics and antivenomics of Echis carinatus carinatus venom: Correlation with pharmacological properties and pathophysiology of envenomation. Sci Rep 2017; 7:17119. [PMID: 29215036 PMCID: PMC5719401 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-017-17227-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 63] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/13/2017] [Accepted: 10/30/2017] [Indexed: 01/12/2023] Open
Abstract
The proteome composition of Echis carinatus carinatus venom (ECV) from India was studied for the first time by tandem mass spectrometry analysis. A total of 90, 47, and 22 distinct enzymatic and non-enzymatic proteins belonging to 15, 10, and 6 snake venom protein families were identified in ECV by searching the ESI-LC-MS/MS data against non-redundant protein databases of Viperidae (taxid 8689), Echis (taxid 8699) and Echis carinatus (taxid 40353), respectively. However, analysis of MS/MS data against the Transcriptome Shotgun Assembly sequences (87 entries) of conger E. coloratus identified only 14 proteins in ECV. Snake venom metalloproteases and snaclecs, the most abundant enzymatic and non-enzymatic proteins, respectively in ECV account for defibrinogenation and the strong in vitro pro-coagulant activity. Further, glutaminyl cyclase, aspartic protease, aminopeptidase, phospholipase B, vascular endothelial growth factor, and nerve growth factor were reported for the first time in ECV. The proteome composition of ECV was well correlated with its biochemical and pharmacological properties and clinical manifestations observed in Echis envenomed patients. Neutralization of enzymes and pharmacological properties of ECV, and immuno-cross-reactivity studies unequivocally point to the poor recognition of <20 kDa ECV proteins, such as PLA2, subunits of snaclec, and disintegrin by commercial polyvalent antivenom.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Aparup Patra
- Microbial Biotechnology and Protein Research Laboratory, Department of Molecular Biology and Biotechnology, Tezpur University, Tezpur, 784028, Assam, India
| | - Bhargab Kalita
- Microbial Biotechnology and Protein Research Laboratory, Department of Molecular Biology and Biotechnology, Tezpur University, Tezpur, 784028, Assam, India
| | - Abhishek Chanda
- Microbial Biotechnology and Protein Research Laboratory, Department of Molecular Biology and Biotechnology, Tezpur University, Tezpur, 784028, Assam, India
| | - Ashis K Mukherjee
- Microbial Biotechnology and Protein Research Laboratory, Department of Molecular Biology and Biotechnology, Tezpur University, Tezpur, 784028, Assam, India.
| |
Collapse
|
46
|
Ainsworth S, Petras D, Engmark M, Süssmuth RD, Whiteley G, Albulescu LO, Kazandjian TD, Wagstaff SC, Rowley P, Wüster W, Dorrestein PC, Arias AS, Gutiérrez JM, Harrison RA, Casewell NR, Calvete JJ. The medical threat of mamba envenoming in sub-Saharan Africa revealed by genus-wide analysis of venom composition, toxicity and antivenomics profiling of available antivenoms. J Proteomics 2017; 172:173-189. [PMID: 28843532 DOI: 10.1016/j.jprot.2017.08.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 66] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/05/2017] [Revised: 08/05/2017] [Accepted: 08/22/2017] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
Mambas (genus Dendroaspis) are among the most feared of the medically important elapid snakes found in sub-Saharan Africa, but many facets of their biology, including the diversity of venom composition, remain relatively understudied. Here, we present a reconstruction of mamba phylogeny, alongside genus-wide venom gland transcriptomic and high-resolution top-down venomic analyses. Whereas the green mambas, D. viridis, D. angusticeps, D. j. jamesoni and D. j. kaimosae, express 3FTx-predominant venoms, black mamba (D. polylepis) venom is dominated by dendrotoxins I and K. The divergent terrestrial ecology of D. polylepis compared to the arboreal niche occupied by all other mambas makes it plausible that this major difference in venom composition is due to dietary variation. The pattern of intrageneric venom variability across Dendroaspis represented a valuable opportunity to investigate, in a genus-wide context, the variant toxicity of the venom, and the degree of paraspecific cross-reactivity between antivenoms and mamba venoms. To this end, the immunological profiles of the five mamba venoms were assessed against a panel of commercial antivenoms generated for the sub-Saharan Africa market. This study provides a genus-wide overview of which available antivenoms may be more efficacious in neutralising human envenomings caused by mambas, irrespective of the species responsible. The information gathered in this study lays the foundations for rationalising the notably different potency and pharmacological profiles of Dendroaspis venoms at locus resolution. This understanding will allow selection and design of toxin immunogens with a view to generating a safer and more efficacious pan-specific antivenom against any mamba envenomation. BIOLOGICAL SIGNIFICANCE The mambas (genus Dendroaspis) comprise five especially notorious medically important venomous snakes endemic to sub-Saharan Africa. Their highly potent venoms comprise a high diversity of pharmacologically active peptides, including extremely rapid-acting neurotoxins. Previous studies on mamba venoms have focused on the biochemical and pharmacological characterisation of their most relevant toxins to rationalize the common neurological and neuromuscular symptoms of envenomings caused by these species, but there has been little work on overall venom composition or comparisons between them. Only very recently an overview of the composition of the venom of two Dendroaspis species, D. angusticeps and D. polylepis, has been unveiled through venomics approaches. Here we present the first genus-wide transcriptomic-proteomic analysis of mamba venom composition. The transcriptomic analyses described in this paper have contributed 29 (D. polylepis), 23 (D. angusticeps), 40 (D. viridis), 25 (D. j. jamesoni) and 21 (D. j. kaimosae), novel full-length toxin sequences to the non-redundant Dendroaspis sequence database. The mamba genus-wide venomic analysis demonstrated that major D. polylepis venom components are Kunitz-fold family toxins. This feature is unique in relation to the relatively conserved three-finger toxin (3FTx)-dominated venom compositions of the green mambas. Venom variation was interpreted in the context of dietary variation due to the divergent terrestrial ecology of D. polylepis compared to the arboreal niche occupied by all other mambas. Additionally, the degree of cross-reactivity conservation of mamba venoms was assessed by antivenomics against a panel of commercial antivenoms generated for the sub-Saharan Africa market. This study provides a genus-wide overview to infer which available antivenoms may be capable of neutralising human envenomings caused by mambas, irrespective of the species responsible. The information gathered in this study lays the foundations for rationalising the pharmacological profiles of mamba venoms at locus resolution. This understanding will contribute to the generation of a safer and more efficacious pan-Dendroaspis therapeutic antivenom against any mamba envenomation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Stuart Ainsworth
- Alistair Reid Venom Research Unit, Parasitology Department, Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, Pembroke Place, Liverpool L3 5QA, United Kingdom
| | - Daniel Petras
- University of California San Diego, Skaggs School of Pharmacy & Pharmaceutical Sciences, 9500 Gilman Dr, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA; Technische Universität Berlin, Institut für Chemie, Straße des 17.Juni 124, 10623 Berlin, Germany
| | - Mikael Engmark
- Technical University of Denmark, Department of Bio and Health Informatics, 2800 Kgs. Lyngby, Denmark
| | - Roderich D Süssmuth
- Technische Universität Berlin, Institut für Chemie, Straße des 17.Juni 124, 10623 Berlin, Germany
| | - Gareth Whiteley
- Alistair Reid Venom Research Unit, Parasitology Department, Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, Pembroke Place, Liverpool L3 5QA, United Kingdom
| | - Laura-Oana Albulescu
- Alistair Reid Venom Research Unit, Parasitology Department, Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, Pembroke Place, Liverpool L3 5QA, United Kingdom
| | - Taline D Kazandjian
- Alistair Reid Venom Research Unit, Parasitology Department, Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, Pembroke Place, Liverpool L3 5QA, United Kingdom
| | - Simon C Wagstaff
- Bioinformatics Unit, Parasitology Department, Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, Pembroke Place, Liverpool L3 5QA, United Kingdom
| | - Paul Rowley
- Alistair Reid Venom Research Unit, Parasitology Department, Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, Pembroke Place, Liverpool L3 5QA, United Kingdom
| | - Wolfgang Wüster
- Molecular Ecology and Fisheries Genetics Laboratory, School of Biological Sciences, Bangor University, Bangor LL57 2UW, United Kingdom
| | - Pieter C Dorrestein
- University of California San Diego, Skaggs School of Pharmacy & Pharmaceutical Sciences, 9500 Gilman Dr, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA
| | - Ana Silvia Arias
- Instituto Clodomiro Picado, Facultad de Microbiología, Universidad de Costa Rica, San José, Costa Rica
| | - José M Gutiérrez
- Instituto Clodomiro Picado, Facultad de Microbiología, Universidad de Costa Rica, San José, Costa Rica
| | - Robert A Harrison
- Alistair Reid Venom Research Unit, Parasitology Department, Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, Pembroke Place, Liverpool L3 5QA, United Kingdom
| | - Nicholas R Casewell
- Alistair Reid Venom Research Unit, Parasitology Department, Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, Pembroke Place, Liverpool L3 5QA, United Kingdom.
| | - Juan J Calvete
- Instituto de Biomedicina de Valencia, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas (CSIC), Jaume Roig 11, 46010, Valencia, Spain.
| |
Collapse
|
47
|
Cross-reactivity, antivenomics, and neutralization of toxic activities of Lachesis venoms by polyspecific and monospecific antivenoms. PLoS Negl Trop Dis 2017; 11:e0005793. [PMID: 28787445 PMCID: PMC5560760 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0005793] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/23/2017] [Revised: 08/17/2017] [Accepted: 07/11/2017] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Bothrops, Crotalus and Lachesis represent the most medically relevant genera of pitvipers in Central and South America. Similarity in venom phenotype and physiopathological profile of envenomings caused by the four nominal Lachesis species led us to hypothesize that an antivenom prepared against venom from any of them may exhibit paraspecificity against all the other congeneric taxa. Methods To assess this hypothesis, in this work we have applied antivenomics and immunochemical methods to investigate the immunoreactivity of three monovalent antivenoms and two polyvalent antivenoms towards the venoms from different geographic populations of three different Lachesis species. The ability of the antivenoms to neutralize the proteolytic, hemorrhagic, coagulant, and lethal activities of the seven Lachesis venoms was also investigated. Results A conspicuous pattern of immunorecognition and cross-neutralization for all effects was evident by the polyspecific antivenoms, indicating large immunoreactive epitope conservation across the genus during more than 10 million years since the Central and South American bushmasters diverged. Conclusions Despite the broad geographic distribution of Lachesis, antivenoms against venoms of different species are effective in the neutralization of congeneric venoms not used in the immunization mixture, indicating that they can be used equivalently for the clinical treatment of any lachesic envenoming. General significance This study demonstrates that antivenoms raised against venom of different Lachesis species are indistinctly effective in the neutralization of congeneric venoms not used in the immunization mixture, indicating that antivenoms against conspecific venoms may be used equivalently for the clinical treatment of envenomings caused by any bushmaster species. Snakebite envenoming is a neglected public health problem in many developing countries and antivenom administration constitutes the mainstay in the treatment of such envenomings. Therapeutic antivenoms contain animal-derived antibodies against venom toxins and are produced by immunizing animals with the venom from one or several snake species from a defined geographical area. Defining the geographic boundaries of the efficiency of an antivenom therefore has implications for its rational and efficient use. In Central and South America most accidents are caused by pitvipers of the genus Bothrops, Crotalus and Lachesis. There are four Lachesis species distributed in a variety of habitats ranging from the Caribbean coast of Central America to the Atlantic rainforest of Brazil. Lachesis species cause severe envenomings in humans due to the toxicity of their venoms and also to the large amount of venom they inject into their victims. In this work we investigate the capability of several antivenoms to neutralize the toxic activities of a panel of Lachesis venoms. The results demonstrate that antivenoms raised by immunizing horses with the venoms of different Lachesis species are effective at neutralizing congeneric venoms not used in the immunization, indicating that they could be used equivalently for the clinical treatment of any lachesic envenoming.
Collapse
|
48
|
Engmark M, Lomonte B, Gutiérrez JM, Laustsen AH, De Masi F, Andersen MR, Lund O. Cross-recognition of a pit viper (Crotalinae) polyspecific antivenom explored through high-density peptide microarray epitope mapping. PLoS Negl Trop Dis 2017; 11:e0005768. [PMID: 28708892 PMCID: PMC5529020 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0005768] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/17/2017] [Revised: 07/26/2017] [Accepted: 07/03/2017] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Snakebite antivenom is a 120 years old invention based on polyclonal mixtures of antibodies purified from the blood of hyper-immunized animals. Knowledge on antibody recognition sites (epitopes) on snake venom proteins is limited, but may be used to provide molecular level explanations for antivenom cross-reactivity. In turn, this may help guide antivenom development by elucidating immunological biases in existing antivenoms. In this study, we have identified and characterized linear elements of B-cell epitopes from 870 pit viper venom protein sequences by employing a high-throughput methodology based on custom designed high-density peptide microarrays. By combining data on antibody-peptide interactions with multiple sequence alignments of homologous toxin sequences and protein modelling, we have determined linear elements of antibody binding sites for snake venom metalloproteases (SVMPs), phospholipases A2s (PLA2s), and snake venom serine proteases (SVSPs). The studied antivenom antibodies were found to recognize linear elements in each of the three enzymatic toxin families. In contrast to a similar study of elapid (non-enzymatic) neurotoxins, these enzymatic toxins were generally not recognized at the catalytic active site responsible for toxicity, but instead at other sites, of which some are known for allosteric inhibition or for interaction with the tissue target. Antibody recognition was found to be preserved for several minor variations in the protein sequences, although the antibody-toxin interactions could often be eliminated completely by substitution of a single residue. This finding is likely to have large implications for the cross-reactivity of the antivenom and indicate that multiple different antibodies are likely to be needed for targeting an entire group of toxins in these recognized sites. Although snakebite antivenom is a 120-year-old invention, saving lives and limbs of thousands of snakebite victims every year, little is known about the mechanisms and molecular interactions of how antivenoms neutralize snake toxins. Antivenoms are produced by immunizing large animals with cocktails of snake venoms resulting in antibodies recognizing toxic as well as non-toxic venom proteins to variable degrees. As a result, high doses of antivenom are needed for treating a snakebite victim, causing more severe adverse reactions due to a high burden of heterologous antivenom proteins. For the first time, we have characterized the antibody recognition sites on hundreds of pit viper toxins using high-throughput peptide microarray technology and an antivenom specific for three pit vipers inflicting a high number of bites in Central America. Most pit viper toxins are enzymes known to have a catalytic site important for toxicity. However, our results suggest that the employed antivenom generally does not target such sites, but instead inhibits toxicity by binding to alternative sites, possibly causing conformational shifts in the toxin structures or interference with toxin-target recognition. The identification of these toxin-specific recognition sites may explain why the antivenom is effective against certain snakebites from pit vipers whose venoms are not part of the immunization mixture.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mikael Engmark
- Department of Bio and Health Informatics, Technical University of Denmark, Kgs. Lyngby, Denmark
- Department of Biotechnology and Biomedicine, Technical University of Denmark, Kgs. Lyngby, Denmark
- * E-mail:
| | - Bruno Lomonte
- Instituto Clodomiro Picado, Facultad de Microbiología, Universidad de Costa Rica, San José, Costa Rica
| | - José María Gutiérrez
- Instituto Clodomiro Picado, Facultad de Microbiología, Universidad de Costa Rica, San José, Costa Rica
| | - Andreas H. Laustsen
- Department of Biotechnology and Biomedicine, Technical University of Denmark, Kgs. Lyngby, Denmark
| | - Federico De Masi
- Department of Bio and Health Informatics, Technical University of Denmark, Kgs. Lyngby, Denmark
| | - Mikael R. Andersen
- Department of Biotechnology and Biomedicine, Technical University of Denmark, Kgs. Lyngby, Denmark
| | - Ole Lund
- Department of Bio and Health Informatics, Technical University of Denmark, Kgs. Lyngby, Denmark
| |
Collapse
|
49
|
Comparison of proteomic profiles of the venoms of two of the 'Big Four' snakes of India, the Indian cobra (Naja naja) and the common krait (Bungarus caeruleus), and analyses of their toxins. Toxicon 2017; 135:33-42. [PMID: 28602829 DOI: 10.1016/j.toxicon.2017.06.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 49] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/23/2017] [Revised: 06/06/2017] [Accepted: 06/07/2017] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
Snake venoms are mixtures of biologically-active proteins and peptides, and several studies have described the characteristics of some of these toxins. However, complete proteomic profiling of the venoms of many snake species has not yet been done. The Indian cobra (Naja naja) and common krait (Bungarus caeruleus) are elapid snake species that are among the 'Big Four' responsible for the majority of human snake envenomation cases in India. As understanding the composition and complexity of venoms is necessary for successful treatment of envenomation in humans, we utilized three different proteomic profiling approaches to characterize these venoms: i) one-dimensional SDS-PAGE coupled with in-gel tryptic digestion and electrospray tandem mass spectrometry (ESI-LC-MS/MS) of individual protein bands; ii) in-solution tryptic digestion of crude venoms coupled with ESI-LC-MS/MS; and iii) separation by gel-filtration chromatography coupled with tryptic digestion and ESI-LC-MS/MS of separated fractions. From the generated data, 81 and 46 different proteins were identified from N. naja and B. caeruleus venoms, respectively, belonging to fifteen different protein families. Venoms from both species were found to contain a variety of phospholipases A2 and three-finger toxins, whereas relatively higher numbers of snake venom metalloproteinases were found in N. naja compared to B. caeruleus venom. The analyses also identified less represented venom proteins including L-amino acid oxidases, cysteine-rich secretory proteins, 5'-nucleotidases and venom nerve growth factors. Further, Kunitz-type serine protease inhibitors, cobra venom factors, phosphodiesterases, vespryns and aminopeptidases were identified in the N. naja venom, while acetylcholinesterases and hyaluronidases were found in the B. caeruleus venom. We further analyzed protein coverage (Lys/Arg rich and poor regions as well as potential glycosylation sites) using in-house software. These studies expand our understanding of the proteomes of the venoms of these two medically-important species.
Collapse
|
50
|
Gutiérrez JM, Solano G, Pla D, Herrera M, Segura Á, Vargas M, Villalta M, Sánchez A, Sanz L, Lomonte B, León G, Calvete JJ. Preclinical Evaluation of the Efficacy of Antivenoms for Snakebite Envenoming: State-of-the-Art and Challenges Ahead. Toxins (Basel) 2017; 9:toxins9050163. [PMID: 28505100 PMCID: PMC5450711 DOI: 10.3390/toxins9050163] [Citation(s) in RCA: 105] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/22/2017] [Revised: 04/17/2017] [Accepted: 05/10/2017] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Animal-derived antivenoms constitute the mainstay in the therapy of snakebite envenoming. The efficacy of antivenoms to neutralize toxicity of medically-relevant snake venoms has to be demonstrated through meticulous preclinical testing before their introduction into the clinical setting. The gold standard in the preclinical assessment and quality control of antivenoms is the neutralization of venom-induced lethality. In addition, depending on the pathophysiological profile of snake venoms, the neutralization of other toxic activities has to be evaluated, such as hemorrhagic, myotoxic, edema-forming, dermonecrotic, in vitro coagulant, and defibrinogenating effects. There is a need to develop laboratory assays to evaluate neutralization of other relevant venom activities. The concept of the 3Rs (Replacement, Reduction, and Refinement) in Toxinology is of utmost importance, and some advances have been performed in their implementation. A significant leap forward in the study of the immunological reactivity of antivenoms against venoms has been the development of “antivenomics”, which brings the analytical power of mass spectrometry to the evaluation of antivenoms. International partnerships are required to assess the preclinical efficacy of antivenoms against snake venoms in different regions of the world in order to have a detailed knowledge on the neutralizing profile of these immunotherapeutics.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- José María Gutiérrez
- Instituto Clodomiro Picado, Facultad de Microbiología, Universidad de Costa Rica, San José 11501-2060, Costa Rica.
| | - Gabriela Solano
- Instituto Clodomiro Picado, Facultad de Microbiología, Universidad de Costa Rica, San José 11501-2060, Costa Rica.
| | - Davinia Pla
- Instituto de Biomedicina de Valencia, CSIC, Valencia 46010, Spain.
| | - María Herrera
- Instituto Clodomiro Picado, Facultad de Microbiología, Universidad de Costa Rica, San José 11501-2060, Costa Rica.
- Sección de Química Analítica, Escuela de Química, Universidad de Costa Rica, San José 11501-2060, Costa Rica.
| | - Álvaro Segura
- Instituto Clodomiro Picado, Facultad de Microbiología, Universidad de Costa Rica, San José 11501-2060, Costa Rica.
| | - Mariángela Vargas
- Instituto Clodomiro Picado, Facultad de Microbiología, Universidad de Costa Rica, San José 11501-2060, Costa Rica.
| | - Mauren Villalta
- Instituto Clodomiro Picado, Facultad de Microbiología, Universidad de Costa Rica, San José 11501-2060, Costa Rica.
| | - Andrés Sánchez
- Instituto Clodomiro Picado, Facultad de Microbiología, Universidad de Costa Rica, San José 11501-2060, Costa Rica.
| | - Libia Sanz
- Instituto de Biomedicina de Valencia, CSIC, Valencia 46010, Spain.
| | - Bruno Lomonte
- Instituto Clodomiro Picado, Facultad de Microbiología, Universidad de Costa Rica, San José 11501-2060, Costa Rica.
| | - Guillermo León
- Instituto Clodomiro Picado, Facultad de Microbiología, Universidad de Costa Rica, San José 11501-2060, Costa Rica.
| | - Juan J Calvete
- Instituto de Biomedicina de Valencia, CSIC, Valencia 46010, Spain.
| |
Collapse
|