1
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Sørensen CV, Fernández J, Adams AC, Wildenauer HHK, Schoffelen S, Ledsgaard L, Pucca MB, Fiebig M, Cerni FA, Tulika T, Voldborg BG, Karatt-Vellatt A, Morth JP, Ljungars A, Grav LM, Lomonte B, Laustsen AH. Antibody-dependent enhancement of toxicity of myotoxin II from Bothrops asper. Nat Commun 2024; 15:173. [PMID: 38228619 PMCID: PMC10791742 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-023-42624-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/13/2023] [Accepted: 10/17/2023] [Indexed: 01/18/2024] Open
Abstract
Improved therapies are needed against snakebite envenoming, which kills and permanently disables thousands of people each year. Recently developed neutralizing monoclonal antibodies against several snake toxins have shown promise in preclinical rodent models. Here, we use phage display technology to discover a human monoclonal antibody and show that this antibody causes antibody-dependent enhancement of toxicity (ADET) of myotoxin II from the venomous pit viper, Bothrops asper, in a mouse model of envenoming that mimics a snakebite. While clinical ADET related to snake venom has not yet been reported in humans, this report of ADET of a toxin from the animal kingdom highlights the necessity of assessing even well-known antibody formats in representative preclinical models to evaluate their therapeutic utility against toxins or venoms. This is essential to avoid potential deleterious effects as exemplified in the present study.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christoffer V Sørensen
- Department of Biotechnology and Biomedicine, Technical University of Denmark, DK-2800, Kongens Lyngby, Denmark
| | - Julián Fernández
- Instituto Clodomiro Picado, Facultad de Microbiologia, Universidad de Costa Rica, San Jose, Costa Rica
| | - Anna Christina Adams
- The Novo Nordisk Foundation Center for Biosustainability, Technical University of Denmark, DK-2800, Kongens Lyngby, Denmark
| | - Helen H K Wildenauer
- Department of Biotechnology and Biomedicine, Technical University of Denmark, DK-2800, Kongens Lyngby, Denmark
| | - Sanne Schoffelen
- Department of Biotechnology and Biomedicine, Technical University of Denmark, DK-2800, Kongens Lyngby, Denmark
| | - Line Ledsgaard
- Department of Biotechnology and Biomedicine, Technical University of Denmark, DK-2800, Kongens Lyngby, Denmark
| | - Manuela B Pucca
- Medical School, Federal University of Roraima, Boa Vista, BR-69310-000, Brazil
| | - Michael Fiebig
- Absolute Antibody Ltd, Wilton Centre, Redcar, Cleveland, TS10 4RF, UK
| | - Felipe A Cerni
- Postgraduate Program in Tropical Medicine, University of the State of Amazonas, Manaus, BR-69040-000, Brazil
| | - Tulika Tulika
- Department of Biotechnology and Biomedicine, Technical University of Denmark, DK-2800, Kongens Lyngby, Denmark
| | - Bjørn G Voldborg
- Department of Biotechnology and Biomedicine, Technical University of Denmark, DK-2800, Kongens Lyngby, Denmark
| | | | - J Preben Morth
- Department of Biotechnology and Biomedicine, Technical University of Denmark, DK-2800, Kongens Lyngby, Denmark
| | - Anne Ljungars
- Department of Biotechnology and Biomedicine, Technical University of Denmark, DK-2800, Kongens Lyngby, Denmark
| | - Lise M Grav
- Department of Biotechnology and Biomedicine, Technical University of Denmark, DK-2800, Kongens Lyngby, Denmark
| | - Bruno Lomonte
- Instituto Clodomiro Picado, Facultad de Microbiologia, Universidad de Costa Rica, San Jose, Costa Rica.
| | - Andreas H Laustsen
- Department of Biotechnology and Biomedicine, Technical University of Denmark, DK-2800, Kongens Lyngby, Denmark.
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2
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Oliveira DD, Guerra-Duarte C, Stransky S, Scussel R, Pereira de Castro KL, Costal-Oliveira F, Aragão M, Oliveira-Souza GD, Saavedra-Langer R, Trevisan G, Bonilla-Ferreyra C, Chávez-Olórtegui C, Machado-de-Ávila RA. Toxic and antigenic characterization of Peruvian Micrurus surinamensis coral snake venom. Toxicon 2023; 225:107056. [PMID: 36804442 DOI: 10.1016/j.toxicon.2023.107056] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/21/2022] [Revised: 02/01/2023] [Accepted: 02/10/2023] [Indexed: 02/18/2023]
Abstract
Micrurus surinamensis is a semi-aquatic coral snake found in primary forest region and can cause relevant human accidents. In this work we investigated the toxic and antigenic activities of the Peruvian Micrurus surinamensis venom (MsV). We found that MsV show hyaluronidase activity but lack LAAO and PLA2 enzymatic activities. Interestingly, MsV induce edematogenic responses but cannot cause nociceptive effects. Furthermore, MsV can reduce in vitro cell viability in MGSO-3 cell line derived from human breast cancer tissue. To evaluate its antigenic potential, rabbits were immunized with MsV, which proved to be immunogenic. ELISA, immunobloting and in vivo neutralization assays demonstrated that the specific rabbit anti-MsV antivenom is more efficient than the therapeutic Brazilian antivenom in recognizing and neutralizing the lethal activity of MsV. MsV differs in protein profile and biological activities from M. frontalis venom (MfV), used as control, which impairs its recognition and neutralization by Brazilian therapeutic anti-elapidic antivenom. We performed a SPOT immunoassay for the identification of B-cell linear epitopes in the main toxins described for MsV targeted by the elicited neutralizing antibodies previously produced. A membrane containing 15-mer peptides representing the sequences of five 3TFxs and five PLA2s was produced and probed with anti- MsV antibodies. Results revealed important regions in 3FTx toxins for venom neutralization. Identifying the main MsV components and its biological activities can be helpful in guiding the production of antivenoms and in the optimization of treatment for coral snake envenomation in Brazil.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daysiane de Oliveira
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ciências da Saúde, Universidade do Extremo Sul Catarinense, Criciúma, Brazil
| | - Clara Guerra-Duarte
- Centro de Pesquisa e Desenvolvimento, Fundação Ezequiel Dias, Belo Horizonte, Brazil
| | - Stephanie Stransky
- Department of Biochemistry, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, New York, United States
| | - Rahisa Scussel
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ciências da Saúde, Universidade do Extremo Sul Catarinense, Criciúma, Brazil
| | | | - Fernanda Costal-Oliveira
- Departamento de Bioquímica e Imunologia, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Brazil
| | - Matheus Aragão
- Departamento de Bioquímica e Imunologia, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Brazil
| | - Gladstony de Oliveira-Souza
- Departamento de Bioquímica e Imunologia, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Brazil
| | - Rafael Saavedra-Langer
- Departamento de Bioquímica e Imunologia, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Brazil
| | - Gabriela Trevisan
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Farmacologia, Universidade Federal de Santa Maria, Santa Maria, Brazil
| | | | - Carlos Chávez-Olórtegui
- Departamento de Bioquímica e Imunologia, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Brazil.
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3
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Lomonte B. Lys49 myotoxins, secreted phospholipase A 2-like proteins of viperid venoms: A comprehensive review. Toxicon 2023; 224:107024. [PMID: 36632869 DOI: 10.1016/j.toxicon.2023.107024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 21.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/12/2022] [Revised: 01/06/2023] [Accepted: 01/06/2023] [Indexed: 01/11/2023]
Abstract
Muscle necrosis is a potential clinical complication of snakebite envenomings, which in severe cases can lead to functional or physical sequelae such as disability or amputation. Snake venom proteins with the ability to directly damage skeletal muscle fibers are collectively referred to as myotoxins, and include three main types: cytolysins of the "three-finger toxin" protein family expressed in many elapid venoms, the so-called "small" myotoxins found in a number of rattlesnake venoms, and the widespread secreted phospholipase A2 (sPLA2) molecules. Among the latter, protein variants that conserve the sPLA2 structure, but lack such enzymatic activity, have been increasingly found in the venoms of many viperid species. Intriguingly, these sPLA2-like proteins are able to induce muscle necrosis by a mechanism independent of phospholipid hydrolysis. They are commonly referred to as "Lys49 myotoxins" since they most often present, among other substitutions, the replacement of the otherwise invariant residue Asp49 of sPLA2s by Lys. This work comprehensively reviews the historical developments and current knowledge towards deciphering the mechanism of action of Lys49 sPLA2-like myotoxins, and points out main gaps to be filled for a better understanding of these multifaceted snake venom proteins, to hopefully lead to improved treatments for snakebites.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bruno Lomonte
- Instituto Clodomiro Picado, Facultad de Microbiología, Universidad de Costa Rica, San José, 11501, Costa Rica.
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4
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Laustsen A, Gless BH, Jenkins TP, Meyhoff-Madsen M, Bjärtun J, Munk AS, Oscoz S, Fernández J, Gutiérrez JM, Lomonte B, Lohse B. In Vivo Neutralization of Myotoxin II, a Phospholipase A 2 Homologue from Bothrops asper Venom, Using Peptides Discovered via Phage Display Technology. ACS OMEGA 2022; 7:15561-15569. [PMID: 35571794 PMCID: PMC9096979 DOI: 10.1021/acsomega.2c00280] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/17/2022] [Accepted: 03/15/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Many snake venom toxins cause local tissue damage in prey and victims, which constitutes an important pathology that is challenging to treat with existing antivenoms. One of the notorious toxins that causes such effects is myotoxin II present in the venom of the Central and Northern South American viper, Bothrops asper. This Lys49 PLA2 homologue is devoid of enzymatic activity and causes myotoxicity by disrupting the cell membranes of muscle tissue. To improve envenoming therapy, novel approaches are needed, warranting the discovery and development of inhibitors that target key toxins that are currently difficult to neutralize. Here, we report the identification of a new peptide (JB006), discovered using phage display technology, that is capable of binding to and neutralizing the toxic effects of myotoxin II in vitro and in vivo. Through computational modeling, we further identify hypothetical binding interactions between the toxin and the peptide to enable further development of inhibitors that can neutralize myotoxin II.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andreas
H. Laustsen
- Department
of Biotechnology and Biomedicine, Technical
University of Denmark, Lyngby DK-2800, Denmark
| | - Bengt H. Gless
- Department
of Drug Design and Pharmacology, University
of Copenhagen, Copenhagen DK-2100, Denmark
| | - Timothy P. Jenkins
- Department
of Biotechnology and Biomedicine, Technical
University of Denmark, Lyngby DK-2800, Denmark
| | - Maria Meyhoff-Madsen
- Department
of Drug Design and Pharmacology, University
of Copenhagen, Copenhagen DK-2100, Denmark
| | - Johanna Bjärtun
- Department
of Drug Design and Pharmacology, University
of Copenhagen, Copenhagen DK-2100, Denmark
| | - Andreas S. Munk
- Department
of Biotechnology and Biomedicine, Technical
University of Denmark, Lyngby DK-2800, Denmark
| | - Saioa Oscoz
- Department
of Biotechnology and Biomedicine, Technical
University of Denmark, Lyngby DK-2800, Denmark
| | - Julián Fernández
- Instituto
Clodomiro Picado, Faculty of Microbiology, University of Costa Rica, San
José 11501-2060, Costa Rica
| | - José María Gutiérrez
- Instituto
Clodomiro Picado, Faculty of Microbiology, University of Costa Rica, San
José 11501-2060, Costa Rica
| | - Bruno Lomonte
- Instituto
Clodomiro Picado, Faculty of Microbiology, University of Costa Rica, San
José 11501-2060, Costa Rica
| | - Brian Lohse
- Department
of Drug Design and Pharmacology, University
of Copenhagen, Copenhagen DK-2100, Denmark
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5
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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]
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6
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Antibody Cross-Reactivity in Antivenom Research. Toxins (Basel) 2018; 10:toxins10100393. [PMID: 30261694 PMCID: PMC6215175 DOI: 10.3390/toxins10100393] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [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.
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7
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Identification of Immunoreactive Peptides of Toxins to Simultaneously Assess the Neutralization Potency of Antivenoms against Neurotoxicity and Cytotoxicity of Naja atra Venom. Toxins (Basel) 2017; 10:toxins10010010. [PMID: 29295601 PMCID: PMC5793097 DOI: 10.3390/toxins10010010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/08/2017] [Revised: 12/21/2017] [Accepted: 12/22/2017] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Assessing the neutralization capability of nonlethal but medically relevant toxins in venom has been a challenging task. Nowadays, neutralization efficacy is evaluated based simply on the survival rates of animals injected with antivenom together with a predefined dose of venom, which can determine potency against neurotoxicity but not validate the capability to neutralize cytotoxin-induced complications. In this study, a high correlation with in-vivo and in-vitro neutralization assays was established using the immunoreactive peptides identified from short-chain neurotoxin and cytotoxin A3. These peptides contain conserved residues associated with toxin activities and a competition assay indicated that these peptides could specifically block the antibody binding to toxin and affect the neutralization potency of antivenom. Moreover, the titers of peptide-specific antibody in antivenoms or mouse antisera were determined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) simultaneously, and the results indicated that Taiwanese bivalent antivenom (BAV) and Vietnamese snake antivenom-Naja (SAV-Naja) exhibited superior neutralization potency against the lethal effect of short-chain neurotoxin (sNTX) and cytotoxicity of cardiotoxin/cytotoxin (CTX), respectively. Thus, the reported peptide ELISA shows not only its potential for antivenom prequalification use, but also its capability of justifying the cross-neutralization potency of antivenoms against Naja atra venom toxicity.
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8
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Madrigal M, Alape-Girón A, Barboza-Arguedas E, Aguilar-Ulloa W, Flores-Díaz M. Identification of B cell recognized linear epitopes in a snake venom serine proteinase from the central American bushmaster Lachesis stenophrys. Toxicon 2017; 140:72-82. [PMID: 29111117 DOI: 10.1016/j.toxicon.2017.10.022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/25/2017] [Revised: 10/19/2017] [Accepted: 10/22/2017] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Abstract
Snake venom serine proteinases are toxins that perturb hemostasis acting on proteins from the blood coagulation cascade, the fibrinolytic or the kallikrein-kinin system. Despite the relevance of these enzymes in envenomations by viper bites, the characterization of the antibody response to these toxins at the molecular level has not been previously addressed. In this work surface-located B cell recognized linear epitopes from a Lachesis stenophrys venom serine proteinase (UniProt accession number Q072L7) were predicted using an artificial neuronal network at the ABCpred server, the corresponding peptides were synthesized and their immunoreactivity was analyzed against a panel of experimental and therapeutic antivenoms. A molecular model of the L. stenophrys enzyme was built using as a template the structure of the D. acutus Dav-PA serine proteinase (Q9I8X1), which displays the highest degree of sequence similarity to the L. stenophrys enzyme among proteins of known 3D structure, and the surface-located epitopes were identified in the protein model using iCn3D. A total of 13 peptides corresponding to the surface exposed predicted epitopes from L. stenophrys serine proteinase were synthesized and, their reactivity with a rabbit antiserum against the recombinant enzyme and a panel of antivenoms was evaluated by a capture ELISA. Some of the epitopes recognized by monospecific and polyspecific antivenoms comprise sequences overlapping motifs conserved in viper venom serine proteinases. The identification and characterization of relevant epitopes recognized by B cells in snake venom toxins may provide valuable information for the preparation of immunogens that help in the production of improved therapeutic antivenoms.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Madrigal
- Instituto Clodomiro Picado, Facultad de Microbiología, Universidad de Costa Rica, San José, Costa Rica; Departamento de Bioquímica, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Costa Rica, San José, Costa Rica
| | - A Alape-Girón
- Instituto Clodomiro Picado, Facultad de Microbiología, Universidad de Costa Rica, San José, Costa Rica; Departamento de Bioquímica, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Costa Rica, San José, Costa Rica.
| | - E Barboza-Arguedas
- Instituto Clodomiro Picado, Facultad de Microbiología, Universidad de Costa Rica, San José, Costa Rica
| | - W Aguilar-Ulloa
- Instituto Clodomiro Picado, Facultad de Microbiología, Universidad de Costa Rica, San José, Costa Rica
| | - M Flores-Díaz
- Instituto Clodomiro Picado, Facultad de Microbiología, Universidad de Costa Rica, San José, Costa Rica
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9
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Engmark M, Jespersen MC, Lomonte B, Lund O, Laustsen AH. High-density peptide microarray exploration of the antibody response in a rabbit immunized with a neurotoxic venom fraction. Toxicon 2017; 138:151-158. [PMID: 28867663 DOI: 10.1016/j.toxicon.2017.08.028] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/13/2017] [Revised: 08/29/2017] [Accepted: 08/30/2017] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Polyvalent snakebite antivenoms derive their therapeutic success from the ability of their antibodies to neutralize venom toxins across multiple snake species. This ability results from a production process involving immunization of large mammals with a broad suite of toxins present in venoms. As a result of immunization with this wide range of toxins, many polyvalent antivenoms have a high degree of cross-reactivity to similar toxins in other snake venoms - a cross-reactivity which cannot easily be deconvoluted. As a proof of concept, we aimed at exploring the opposite scenario by performing a high-throughput evaluation of the extent of cross-reactivity of a polyclonal mixture of antibodies that was raised against only a single snake venom fraction. For this purpose, a venom fraction containing short neurotoxin 1 (SN-1; Uniprot accession number P01416, three-finger toxin (3FTx) family), which is the medically most important toxin from the notorious black mamba (Dendroaspis polylepis), was employed. Following immunization of a rabbit, a specific polyclonal antibody response was confirmed by ELISA and immunodiffusion. Subsequently, these antibodies were investigated by high-density peptide microarray to reveal linear elements of recognized epitopes across 742 3FTxs and 10 dendrotoxins. This exploratory study demonstrates in a single immunized animal that cross-reactivity between toxins of high similarity may be difficult to obtain when immunizing with a single 3FTx containing venom fraction. Additionally, this study explored the influence of employing different lengths of peptides in high-density peptide microarray experiments for identification of toxin epitopes. Using 8-mer, 12-mer, and 15-mer peptides, a single linear epitope element was identified in SN-1 with high precision.
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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.
| | - Martin C Jespersen
- Department of Bio and Health Informatics, Technical University of Denmark, Kgs. Lyngby, Denmark
| | - Bruno Lomonte
- Instituto Clodomiro Picado, Facultad de Microbiología, Universidad de Costa Rica, San José, Costa Rica
| | - Ole Lund
- Department of Bio and Health Informatics, Technical University of Denmark, Kgs. Lyngby, Denmark
| | - Andreas H Laustsen
- Department of Biotechnology and Biomedicine, Technical University of Denmark, Kgs. Lyngby, Denmark
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10
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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.
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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
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11
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Lomonte B, Calvete JJ. Strategies in 'snake venomics' aiming at an integrative view of compositional, functional, and immunological characteristics of venoms. J Venom Anim Toxins Incl Trop Dis 2017; 23:26. [PMID: 28465677 PMCID: PMC5408369 DOI: 10.1186/s40409-017-0117-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 109] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/24/2017] [Accepted: 04/19/2017] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
This work offers a general overview on the evolving strategies for the proteomic analysis of snake venoms, and discusses how these may be combined through diverse experimental approaches with the goal of achieving a more comprehensive knowledge on the compositional, toxic, and immunological characteristics of venoms. Some recent developments in this field are summarized, highlighting how strategies have evolved from the mere cataloguing of venom components (proteomics/venomics), to a broader exploration of their immunological (antivenomics) and functional (toxicovenomics) characteristics. Altogether, the combination of these complementary strategies is helping to build a wider, more integrative view of the life-threatening protein cocktails produced by venomous snakes, responsible for thousands of deaths every year.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bruno Lomonte
- Instituto Clodomiro Picado, Facultad de Microbiología, Universidad de Costa Rica, San José, 11501 Costa Rica
| | - Juan J Calvete
- Structural and Functional Venomics Laboratory, Instituto de Biomedicina de Valencia, CSIC, Valencia, Spain
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12
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Engmark M, Andersen MR, Laustsen AH, Patel J, Sullivan E, de Masi F, Hansen CS, Kringelum JV, Lomonte B, Gutiérrez JM, Lund O. High-throughput immuno-profiling of mamba (Dendroaspis) venom toxin epitopes using high-density peptide microarrays. Sci Rep 2016; 6:36629. [PMID: 27824133 PMCID: PMC5100549 DOI: 10.1038/srep36629] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/01/2016] [Accepted: 10/14/2016] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Snakebite envenoming is a serious condition requiring medical attention and administration of antivenom. Current antivenoms are antibody preparations obtained from the plasma of animals immunised with whole venom(s) and contain antibodies against snake venom toxins, but also against other antigens. In order to better understand the molecular interactions between antivenom antibodies and epitopes on snake venom toxins, a high-throughput immuno-profiling study on all manually curated toxins from Dendroaspis species and selected African Naja species was performed based on custom-made high-density peptide microarrays displaying linear toxin fragments. By detection of binding for three different antivenoms and performing an alanine scan, linear elements of epitopes and the positions important for binding were identified. A strong tendency of antivenom antibodies recognizing and binding to epitopes at the functional sites of toxins was observed. With these results, high-density peptide microarray technology is for the first time introduced in the field of toxinology and molecular details of the evolution of antibody-toxin interactions based on molecular recognition of distinctive toxic motifs are elucidated.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mikael Engmark
- Technical University of Denmark, Department of Bio and Health Informatics, Kgs. Lyngby, 2800, Denmark.,Technical University of Denmark, Department of Biotechnology and Biomedicine, Kgs. Lyngby, 2800, Denmark
| | - Mikael R Andersen
- Technical University of Denmark, Department of Biotechnology and Biomedicine, Kgs. Lyngby, 2800, Denmark
| | - Andreas H Laustsen
- Technical University of Denmark, Department of Biotechnology and Biomedicine, Kgs. Lyngby, 2800, Denmark.,University of Copenhagen, Department of Drug Design and Pharmacology, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, Copenhagen East, 2100, Denmark
| | - Jigar Patel
- Roche NimbleGen, Madison, Wisconsin 53719, USA
| | | | - Federico de Masi
- Technical University of Denmark, Department of Bio and Health Informatics, Kgs. Lyngby, 2800, Denmark
| | - Christian S Hansen
- Technical University of Denmark, Department of Bio and Health Informatics, Kgs. Lyngby, 2800, Denmark
| | - Jens V Kringelum
- Technical University of Denmark, Department of Bio and Health Informatics, Kgs. Lyngby, 2800, Denmark
| | - Bruno Lomonte
- Instituto Clodomiro Picado, Facultad de Microbiología, Universidad de Costa Rica, San José 11501, Costa Rica
| | - José María Gutiérrez
- Instituto Clodomiro Picado, Facultad de Microbiología, Universidad de Costa Rica, San José 11501, Costa Rica
| | - Ole Lund
- Technical University of Denmark, Department of Bio and Health Informatics, Kgs. Lyngby, 2800, Denmark
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13
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Identification and characterization of B-cell epitopes of 3FTx and PLA2 toxins from Micrurus corallinus snake venom. Toxicon 2015; 93:51-60. [DOI: 10.1016/j.toxicon.2014.10.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/05/2014] [Revised: 10/10/2014] [Accepted: 10/15/2014] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
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14
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Ghazaryan NA, Ghulikyan L, Kishmiryan A, Andreeva TV, Utkin YN, Tsetlin VI, Lomonte B, Ayvazyan NM. Phospholipases a2 from Viperidae snakes: Differences in membranotropic activity between enzymatically active toxin and its inactive isoforms. BIOCHIMICA ET BIOPHYSICA ACTA-BIOMEMBRANES 2014; 1848:463-8. [PMID: 25450350 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbamem.2014.10.037] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/21/2014] [Revised: 10/23/2014] [Accepted: 10/27/2014] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
We describe the interaction of various phospholipases A2 (PLA2) from snake venoms of the family Viperidae (Macrovipera lebetina obtusa, Vipera ursinii renardi, Bothrops asper) with giant unilamellar vesicles (GUVs) composed of natural brain phospholipids mixture, visualized through fluorescence microscopy. The membrane fluorescent probes 8-anilino-1-naphthalenesulfonicacid (ANS), LAUDRAN and PRODAN were used to assess the state of the membrane and specifically mark the lipid packing and membrane fluidity. Our results have shown that the three PLA2s which contain either of aspartic acid, serine, or lysine residues at position 49 in the catalytic center, have different effects on the vesicles. The PLA2 with aspartic acid at this position causes the oval deformation of the vesicles, while serine and lysine-containing enzymes lead to an appreciable increase of fluorescence intensity in the vesicles membrane, wherein the shape and dimensions of GUVs have not changed, but in this case GUV aggregation occurs. LAURDAN and PRODAN detect the extent of water penetration into the bilayer surface. We calculated generalized polarization function (GP), showing that for all cases (D49 PLA2, S49 PLA2 and K49 PLA2) both LAUDRAN and PRODAN GP values decrease. A higher LAURDAN GP is indicative of low water penetration in the lipid bilayer in case of K49 PLA2 compared with D49 PLA2, whereas the PRODAN mainly gives information when lipid is in liquid crystalline phase.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Lusine Ghulikyan
- Orbeli Institute of Physiology, Orbely str. 22, 0019 Yerevan, Armenia
| | - Arsen Kishmiryan
- Orbeli Institute of Physiology, Orbely str. 22, 0019 Yerevan, Armenia
| | - Tatyana V Andreeva
- Shemyakin-Ovchinnikov Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry of the Russian Academy of Sciences, GSP-7, Ul. Miklukho-Maklaya, 16/10, 117997 Moscow, Russian Federation
| | - Yuri N Utkin
- Shemyakin-Ovchinnikov Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry of the Russian Academy of Sciences, GSP-7, Ul. Miklukho-Maklaya, 16/10, 117997 Moscow, Russian Federation
| | - Victor I Tsetlin
- Shemyakin-Ovchinnikov Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry of the Russian Academy of Sciences, GSP-7, Ul. Miklukho-Maklaya, 16/10, 117997 Moscow, Russian Federation
| | - Bruno Lomonte
- Instituto Clodomiro Picado, Universidad de Costa Rica, 11501 San José, Costa Rica
| | - Naira M Ayvazyan
- Orbeli Institute of Physiology, Orbely str. 22, 0019 Yerevan, Armenia.
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15
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Schneider FS, Nguyen DL, Castro KL, Cobo S, Machado de Avila RA, Ferreira NDA, Sanchez EF, Nguyen C, Granier C, Galéa P, Chávez-Olortegui C, Molina F. Use of a synthetic biosensor for neutralizing activity-biased selection of monoclonal antibodies against atroxlysin-I, an hemorrhagic metalloproteinase from Bothrops atrox snake venom. PLoS Negl Trop Dis 2014; 8:e2826. [PMID: 24762927 PMCID: PMC3998924 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0002826] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/02/2013] [Accepted: 03/13/2014] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Background The snake Bothrops atrox is responsible for the majority of envenomings in the northern region of South America. Severe local effects, including hemorrhage, which are mainly caused by snake venom metalloproteinases (SVMPs), are not fully neutralized by conventional serum therapy. Little is known about the immunochemistry of the P-I SVMPs since few monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) against these molecules have been obtained. In addition, producing toxin-neutralizing mAbs remains very challenging. Methodology/Principal Findings Here, we report on the set-up of a functional screening based on a synthetic peptide used as a biosensor to select neutralizing mAbs against SVMPs and the successful production of neutralizing mAbs against Atroxlysin-I (Atr-I), a P-I SVMP from B. atrox. Hybridomas producing supernatants with inhibitory effect against the proteolytic activity of Atr-I towards the FRET peptide Abz-LVEALYQ-EDDnp were selected. Six IgG1 Mabs were obtained (named mAbatr1 to mAbatr6) and also two IgM. mAbatrs1, 2, 3 and 6 were purified. All showed a high specific reactivity, recognizing only Atr-I and B. atrox venom in ELISA and a high affinity, showing equilibrium constants in the nM range for Atr-I. These mAbatrs were not able to bind to Atr-I overlapping peptides, suggesting that they recognize conformational epitopes. Conclusions/Significance For the first time a functional screening based on a synthetic biosensor was successfully used for the selection of neutralizing mAbs against SVMPs. In this work, we propose a new screening strategy to produce monoclonal antibodies against Atr-I, a P-I class SVMP from Bothrops atrox, which is the snake responsible for the majority of the accidents in South America. SVMPs are the main toxic factors in Bothrops venom causing systemic and local hemorrhage, which may evolve to inflammation and/or necrosis. Since the toxic effects of SVMPs are related to their proteolytic activity, we have produced a peptide which was used as a biosensor for Atr-I hydrolysis. Hydrolysis of this substrate was monitored and the clones possessing inhibitory activity against the proteolytic activity of Atr-I upon the peptide were selected. Using our new approach, we have obtained four monoclonal antibodies highly specific and with neutralizing capacity against the hemorrhagic activity of either Atr-I alone or Bothrops atrox whole venom. To the best of the authors' knowledge, this is the first time where a functional screening is used for the selection of neutralizing mAbs against SVMPs. It is also the first description of mAbs anti-Atr-I, with inhibitory potential against its toxic activities which may be useful for diagnosis and treatment in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francisco Santos Schneider
- Departamento de Bioquímica e Imunologia, Instituto Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Brasil
| | | | - Karen Larissa Castro
- Departamento de Bioquímica e Imunologia, Instituto Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Brasil
| | - Sandra Cobo
- SysDiag, UMR3145,CNRS/BioRad, Montpellier, France
| | - Ricardo Andrez Machado de Avila
- Departamento de Bioquímica e Imunologia, Instituto Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Brasil
| | - Nivia de Assis Ferreira
- Departamento de Bioquímica e Imunologia, Instituto Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Brasil
| | - Eladio Flores Sanchez
- Departamento de Pesquisa e Desenvolvimento, Fundação Ezequiel Dias, Belo Horizonte, Brasil
| | | | | | | | - Carlos Chávez-Olortegui
- Departamento de Bioquímica e Imunologia, Instituto Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Brasil
- * E-mail:
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16
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Linear B-cell epitopes in BthTX-1, BthTX-II and BthA-1, phospholipase A2's from Bothrops jararacussu snake venom, recognized by therapeutically neutralizing commercial horse antivenom. Toxicon 2013; 72:90-101. [DOI: 10.1016/j.toxicon.2013.06.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/14/2013] [Revised: 05/22/2013] [Accepted: 06/11/2013] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
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