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Alonso Villela SM, Kraïem-Ghezal H, Bouhaouala-Zahar B, Bideaux C, Aceves Lara CA, Fillaudeau L. Production of recombinant scorpion antivenoms in E. coli: current state and perspectives. Appl Microbiol Biotechnol 2023:10.1007/s00253-023-12578-1. [PMID: 37199752 DOI: 10.1007/s00253-023-12578-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/29/2022] [Revised: 05/05/2023] [Accepted: 05/09/2023] [Indexed: 05/19/2023]
Abstract
Scorpion envenomation is a serious health problem in tropical and subtropical zones. The access to scorpion antivenom is sometimes limited in availability and specificity. The classical production process is cumbersome, from the hyper-immunization of the horses to the IgG digestion and purification of the F(ab)'2 antibody fragments. The production of recombinant antibody fragments in Escherichia coli is a popular trend due to the ability of this microbial host to produce correctly folded proteins. Small recombinant antibody fragments, such as single-chain variable fragments (scFv) and nanobodies (VHH), have been constructed to recognize and neutralize the neurotoxins responsible for the envenomation symptoms in humans. They are the focus of interest of the most recent studies and are proposed as potentially new generation of pharmaceuticals for their use in immunotherapy against scorpion stings of the Buthidae family. This literature review comprises the current status on the scorpion antivenom market and the analyses of cross-reactivity of commercial scorpion anti-serum against non-specific scorpion venoms. Recent studies on the production of new recombinant scFv and nanobodies will be presented, with a focus on the Androctonus and Centruroides scorpion species. Protein engineering-based technology could be the key to obtaining the next generation of therapeutics capable of neutralizing and cross-reacting against several types of scorpion venoms. KEY POINTS: • Commercial antivenoms consist of predominantly purified equine F(ab)'2fragments. • Nanobody-based antivenom can neutralize Androctonus venoms and have a low immunogenicity. • Affinity maturation and directed evolution are used to obtain potent scFv families against Centruroides scorpions.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Hazar Kraïem-Ghezal
- Laboratoire Des Venins Et Molécules Thérapeutiques, Institut Pasteur de Tunis, Université de Tunis El Manar, 13 Place Pasteur BP74, 1002, Tunis, Tunisia
| | - Balkiss Bouhaouala-Zahar
- Laboratoire Des Venins Et Molécules Thérapeutiques, Institut Pasteur de Tunis, Université de Tunis El Manar, 13 Place Pasteur BP74, 1002, Tunis, Tunisia.
- Faculté de Médecine de Tunis, Université de Tunis El Manar, Tunis, Tunisia.
| | - Carine Bideaux
- TBI, Université de Toulouse, CNRS, INRAE, INSA, Toulouse, France
| | | | - Luc Fillaudeau
- TBI, Université de Toulouse, CNRS, INRAE, INSA, Toulouse, France
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2
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Nath S, Mukherjee AK. Ethnomedicines for the treatment of scorpion stings: A perspective study. JOURNAL OF ETHNOPHARMACOLOGY 2023; 305:116078. [PMID: 36567038 DOI: 10.1016/j.jep.2022.116078] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2022] [Revised: 12/14/2022] [Accepted: 12/19/2022] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE Scorpion sting is a public health concern with limited clinical symptomatic treatment. The clinical treatment uses anti-scorpion antivenom and prazosin (α-adrenergic inhibitor), often in combination with insulin, to reduce scorpion venom-induced hyperglycemia and other complications. However, these therapies also possess some limitations, necessitating urgent exploration of ethnomedicines, mainly traditional medicinal plants, to treat scorpion stings. Unfortunately, several conventional treatments are not scientifically validated, thus raising questions about their quality and utility. Therefore, pharmacological re-assessment of such medicinal plants to alleviate scorpion stings' complications is essential. AIM OF THE STUDY The principal objectives of this study are to provide a brief overview of medically important scorpions of the world, outline the extant traditional practices, and comprehensively review plants used in conventional ethnic medicines to treat scorpion stings over time. Modern technological advances in identifying and characterizing plant bioactive molecules are also mentioned in this review. MATERIALS AND METHODS The traditionally used medicinal plants against scorpion stings were reviewed from the available literature in the database. The Plant List (http://www.theplantlist.org/) was used to validate the scientific names of the plants mentioned in this study. The search targeted literature on conventional treatments and crude plant extracts or their bioactive components with proven neutralization capacity against scorpion stings. Search words used were 'scorpion sting,' 'treatment for a scorpion sting,' 'antivenom and scorpion sting,' 'traditional treatment for scorpion stings, and 'natural compounds against scorpion stings'. RESULTS A list of more than 200 medicinal plants traditionally used in several countries for treating scorpion stings is presented in this review. Though some myth-based remedies are practiced to treat scorpion stings, no empirical evidence exists to validate this aspect of traditional knowledge. Only 38 traditional medicinal plant extracts have been tested under in-vivo and in-vitro conditions to determine their neutralization potency of scorpion envenomation. Although a few bioactive plant constituents showing scorpion venom neutralization potency have been characterized, they are not yet commercially available for clinical application. CONCLUSIONS There is tremendous potential locked in medicinal plants' traditional knowledge for scorpion envenomation treatment. Translating this knowledge into the clinical application will require pharmacological reassessment, in tandem with isolation and characterization of active compounds to prove their prophylactic prowess. Almost equally important would be the formulation of stringent strategies to conserve such medicinal plants from overexploitation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Susmita Nath
- Division of Life Sciences, Institute of Advanced Study in Science and Technology, Vigyan Path, Paschim Boragaon, Garchuk, Guwahati, 781035, Assam, India; Academy of Scientific and Innovative Research (AcSIR), Gaziabad, India.
| | - Ashis K Mukherjee
- Division of Life Sciences, Institute of Advanced Study in Science and Technology, Vigyan Path, Paschim Boragaon, Garchuk, Guwahati, 781035, Assam, India; On Deputation from Tezpur University, Tezpur, Assam, India.
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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.
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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.)
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Meléndez-Zempoalteca A, Juárez-González VR, Rudiño-Piñera E, Pastor N, Vargas-Jaimes L, Valcarcel-Gamiño JA, Vázquez-Vuelvas OF, Quintero-Hernández V, Valdez-Velázquez LL. Antivenom Derived from the Ct1a and Ct17 Recombinant Toxins of the Scorpion Centruroides tecomanus. Int J Pept Res Ther 2022. [DOI: 10.1007/s10989-022-10439-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
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Mendoza-Tobar LL, Meza-Cabrera IA, Sepúlveda-Arias JC, Guerrero-Vargas JA. Comparison of the Scorpionism Caused by Centruroidesmargaritatus, Tityuspachyurus and Tityus n. sp. aff. metuendus Scorpion Venoms in Colombia. Toxins (Basel) 2021; 13:toxins13110757. [PMID: 34822541 PMCID: PMC8625436 DOI: 10.3390/toxins13110757] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/28/2021] [Revised: 10/02/2021] [Accepted: 10/11/2021] [Indexed: 01/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Among other scorpion species, Colombia has two genera of the Buthidae family Centruroides and Tityus, considered to be dangerous to humans. This research shares scientific knowledge aiming to a better understanding about the pathophysiological effects of such venoms. The venom of the three species: Centruroides margaritarus, Tityus pachyurus, and T. n. sp. aff. metuendus with biomedical interest were studied. An initial pre-glycemic sample was taken from ICR mice. They were later intraperitoneally inoculated with doses of 35% and 70% of LD50 of total venom. Poisoning signs were observed during a 6-h period to determine the level of scorpionism. After observation, a second glycemic sample was taken, and a histopathological evaluation of different organs was performed. This work revealed that all three venoms showed considerably notorious histopathological alterations in main organs such as heart and lungs; and inducing multiple organ failure, in relation to the glycemia values, only C. margaritatus and T. n. sp. aff. metuendus showed significant changes through manifestation of hyperglycemia. According to the Colombian scorpionism level; signs were mild to severe affecting the autonomous nervous system.
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Affiliation(s)
- Leydy Lorena Mendoza-Tobar
- Programa de Doctorado en Ciencias Biomédicas, Facultad de Ciencias de la Salud, Universidad Tecnológica de Pereira, Pereira 660003, Colombia; (L.L.M.-T.); (J.C.S.-A.)
- Grupo de Investigaciones Herpetológicas y Toxinológicas, Centro de Investigaciones Biomédicas-Bioterio, Departamento de Biología, Facultad de Ciencias Naturales, Exactas y de la Educación, Universidad del Cauca, Popayán 190002, Colombia
| | | | - Juan C. Sepúlveda-Arias
- Programa de Doctorado en Ciencias Biomédicas, Facultad de Ciencias de la Salud, Universidad Tecnológica de Pereira, Pereira 660003, Colombia; (L.L.M.-T.); (J.C.S.-A.)
| | - Jimmy Alexander Guerrero-Vargas
- Grupo de Investigaciones Herpetológicas y Toxinológicas, Centro de Investigaciones Biomédicas-Bioterio, Departamento de Biología, Facultad de Ciencias Naturales, Exactas y de la Educación, Universidad del Cauca, Popayán 190002, Colombia
- Correspondence:
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Miranda ALSD, Guerra-Duarte C, Lima SDA, Chávez-Olórtegui C, Soto-Blanco B. History, challenges and perspectives on Loxosceles (brown spiders) antivenom production in Brazil. Toxicon 2021; 192:40-45. [PMID: 33465358 DOI: 10.1016/j.toxicon.2021.01.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/02/2020] [Revised: 12/28/2020] [Accepted: 01/10/2021] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
Abstract
Antivenom is the only effective therapy for treating any envenomation. Despite its obvious public health importance, the laborious process of procuring, distributing and controlling the quality of such immunobiologicals is being neglected. Brazil is fully self-sufficient in the production of antivenoms. Since the 1950s, Loxoscelism, a syndrome with an onset after a spider bite from specimens of the Loxosceles genus occurs, is considered a public health issue. The Brazilian history in developing antivenom therapy, its production hindrances, and other challenges are discussed in this paper, as well as some promising novelties that can improve production and processing of Loxosceles antivenom.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ana Luísa Soares de Miranda
- Departamento de Clínica e Cirurgia Veterinárias, Escola de Veterinária, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais (UFMG), Belo Horizonte, MG, Brazil
| | | | - Sabrina de Almeida Lima
- Departamento de Bioquímica e Imunologia, Instituto Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais (UFMG), Belo Horizonte, MG, Brazil
| | - Carlos Chávez-Olórtegui
- Departamento de Bioquímica e Imunologia, Instituto Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais (UFMG), Belo Horizonte, MG, Brazil
| | - Benito Soto-Blanco
- Departamento de Clínica e Cirurgia Veterinárias, Escola de Veterinária, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais (UFMG), Belo Horizonte, MG, Brazil.
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7
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Effect of temperature on the production of a recombinant antivenom in fed-batch mode. Appl Microbiol Biotechnol 2021; 105:1017-1030. [PMID: 33443635 DOI: 10.1007/s00253-021-11093-5] [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: 10/06/2020] [Revised: 12/19/2020] [Accepted: 01/03/2021] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
Abstract
In the pharmaceutical industry, nanobodies show promising properties for its application in serotherapy targeting the highly diffusible scorpion toxins. The production of recombinant nanobodies in Escherichia coli has been widely studied in shake flask cultures in rich medium. However, there are no upstream bioprocess studies of nanobody production in defined minimal medium and the effect of the induction temperature on the production kinetics. In this work, the effect of the temperature during the expression of the chimeric bispecific nanobody CH10-12 form, showing high scorpion antivenom potential, was studied in bioreactor cultures of E. coli. High biomass concentrations (25 g cdw/L) were achieved in fed-batch mode, and the expression of the CH10-12 nanobody was induced at temperatures 28, 29, 30, 33, and 37°C with a constant glucose feed. For the bispecific form NbF12-10, the induction was performed at 29°C. Biomass and carbon dioxide yields were reported for each culture phase, and the maintenance coefficient was obtained for each strain. Nanobody production in the CH10-12 strain was higher at low temperatures (lower than 30°C) and declined with the increase of the temperature. At 29°C, the CH10-12, NbF12-10, and WK6 strains were compared. Strains CH10-12 and NbF12-10 had a productivity of 0.052 and 0.021 mg/L/h of nanobody, respectively, after 13 h of induction. The specific productivity of the nanobodies was modeled as a function of the induction temperature and the specific growth rates. Experimental results confirm that low temperatures increase the productivity of the nanobody.Key points• Nanobodies with scorpion antivenom activity produced using two recombinant strains.• Nanobodies production was achieved in fed-batch cultures at different induction temperatures.• Low induction temperatures result in high volumetric productivities of the nanobody CH10-12.
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Kalapothakis Y, Miranda K, Pereira AH, Witt ASA, Marani C, Martins AP, Leal HG, Campos-Júnior E, Pimenta AMC, Borges A, Chávez-Olórtegui C, Kalapothakis E. Novel components of Tityus serrulatus venom: A transcriptomic approach. Toxicon 2020; 189:91-104. [PMID: 33181162 DOI: 10.1016/j.toxicon.2020.11.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/27/2020] [Revised: 10/01/2020] [Accepted: 11/08/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Several research groups have studied the components produced by the venom gland of the scorpion Tityus serrulatus, which has one of the most lethal venoms in the world. Various methodologies have been employed to clarify the complex mechanisms of action of these components, especially neurotoxins and enzymes. Transcriptomes and proteomes have provided important information for pharmacological, biochemical, and immunological research. Next-generation sequencing (NGS) has allowed the description of new transcripts and completion of partial sequence descriptions for peptides, especially those with low expression levels. In the present work, after NGS sequencing, we searched for new putative venom components. We present a total of nine new transcripts with neurotoxic potential (Ts33-41) and describe the sequences of one hyaluronidase (TsHyal_4); three enzymes involved in amidation (peptidyl-glycine alpha-amidating monooxygenase A, peptidyl-alpha-hydroxyglycine alpha-amidating lyase, and peptidylglycine alpha-hydroxylating monooxygenase), which increases the lethal potential of neurotoxins; and also the enzyme Ts_Chitinase1, which may be involved in the venom's digestive action. In addition, we determined the level of transcription of five groups: toxins, metalloproteases, hyaluronidases, chitinases and amidation enzymes, including new components found in this study. Toxins are the predominant group with an expression level of 91.945%, followed by metalloproteases with only 7.790% and other groups representing 0.265%.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yan Kalapothakis
- Departamento de Genética, Ecologia e Evolução, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, 31270-901, Brazil
| | - Kelton Miranda
- Departamento de Genética, Ecologia e Evolução, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, 31270-901, Brazil
| | - Adriana Heloísa Pereira
- Departamento de Genética, Ecologia e Evolução, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, 31270-901, Brazil
| | - Amanda S A Witt
- Departamento de Genética, Ecologia e Evolução, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, 31270-901, Brazil
| | - Camila Marani
- Departamento de Genética, Ecologia e Evolução, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, 31270-901, Brazil
| | - Ana Paula Martins
- Departamento de Genética, Ecologia e Evolução, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, 31270-901, Brazil
| | - Hortênsia Gomes Leal
- Departamento de Genética, Ecologia e Evolução, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, 31270-901, Brazil
| | - Edimar Campos-Júnior
- Departamento de Genética, Ecologia e Evolução, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, 31270-901, Brazil
| | - Adriano M C Pimenta
- Departamento de Bioquímica-Imunologia, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, 31270-901, Brazil
| | - Adolfo Borges
- Centro para el Desarrollo de la Investigación Científica (CEDIC), Manduvirá 635 c/15 de Agosto, Asunción, Paraguay
| | - Carlos Chávez-Olórtegui
- Departamento de Bioquímica-Imunologia, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, 31270-901, Brazil
| | - Evanguedes Kalapothakis
- Departamento de Genética, Ecologia e Evolução, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, 31270-901, Brazil.
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Furtado AA, Daniele-Silva A, Silva-Júnior AAD, Fernandes-Pedrosa MDF. Biology, venom composition, and scorpionism induced by brazilian scorpion Tityus stigmurus (Thorell, 1876) (Scorpiones: Buthidae): A mini-review. Toxicon 2020; 185:36-45. [PMID: 32585220 DOI: 10.1016/j.toxicon.2020.06.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/02/2020] [Revised: 06/13/2020] [Accepted: 06/17/2020] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Scorpionism is a serious public health problem in various regions of the world. In Brazil, a high number of accidents by scorpions have been reported. From 2014 to 2018, about 547,000 cases were recorded, resulting in 466 deaths. The scorpion Tityus stigmurus is the predominant species in the northeast of Brazil, being responsible for most scorpionism cases in this region. With the aid of the transcriptomic approach of the venom gland of this species, components as neurotoxins, antimicrobials, metal chelating peptides and hypotensins, have been identified and characterized in silico, showing different biologic activity in vitro. In addition, the neuronal, pancreatic, renal, and enzymatic effects have been demonstrated for the crude T. stigmurus venom. Therefore, the T. stigmurus scorpion venom constitutes a rich arsenal of bioactive molecules with high potential for therapeutic and biotechnological application.
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Affiliation(s)
- Allanny Alves Furtado
- Laboratory of Technology and Pharmaceutical Biotechnology (Tecbiofar), Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, Federal University of Rio Grande do Norte, Rua General Gustavo Cordeiro de Farias, S/N, Petrópolis, Natal, 59012-570, Brazil.
| | - Alessandra Daniele-Silva
- Laboratory of Technology and Pharmaceutical Biotechnology (Tecbiofar), Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, Federal University of Rio Grande do Norte, Rua General Gustavo Cordeiro de Farias, S/N, Petrópolis, Natal, 59012-570, Brazil.
| | - Arnóbio Antônio da Silva-Júnior
- Laboratory of Technology and Pharmaceutical Biotechnology (Tecbiofar), Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, Federal University of Rio Grande do Norte, Rua General Gustavo Cordeiro de Farias, S/N, Petrópolis, Natal, 59012-570, Brazil.
| | - Matheus de Freitas Fernandes-Pedrosa
- Laboratory of Technology and Pharmaceutical Biotechnology (Tecbiofar), Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, Federal University of Rio Grande do Norte, Rua General Gustavo Cordeiro de Farias, S/N, Petrópolis, Natal, 59012-570, Brazil.
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de Roodt AR, Lanari LC, Laskowicz RD, Costa de Oliveira V, Litwin S, Calderon L, Damin CF, Dokmetjian JC, Dolab JA, Lago NR, Lértora E. Study on the obtaining of Tityus trivittatus venom in Argentina. Toxicon 2019; 159:5-13. [DOI: 10.1016/j.toxicon.2018.12.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/25/2018] [Revised: 12/16/2018] [Accepted: 12/21/2018] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
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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: 52] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.7] [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.
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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.
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CPP-Ts: a new intracellular calcium channel modulator and a promising tool for drug delivery in cancer cells. Sci Rep 2018; 8:14739. [PMID: 30282983 PMCID: PMC6170434 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-018-33133-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/16/2018] [Accepted: 09/21/2018] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Scorpion sting envenoming impacts millions of people worldwide, with cardiac effects being one of the main causes of death on victims. Here we describe the first Ca2+ channel toxin present in Tityus serrulatus (Ts) venom, a cell penetrating peptide (CPP) named CPP-Ts. We show that CPP-Ts increases intracellular Ca2+ release through the activation of nuclear InsP3R of cardiomyocytes, thereby causing an increase in the contraction frequency of these cells. Besides proposing a novel subfamily of Ca2+ active toxins, we investigated its potential use as a drug delivery system targeting cancer cell nucleus using CPP-Ts’s nuclear-targeting property. To this end, we prepared a synthetic CPP-Ts sub peptide14–39 lacking pharmacological activity which was directed to the nucleus of specific cancer cell lines. This research identifies a novel subfamily of Ca2+ active toxins and provides new insights into biotechnological applications of animal venoms.
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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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Saganuwan SA. Determination of median effective dose (ED 50) of scorpion antivenom against scorpion envenomation using a newly developed formula. Animal Model Exp Med 2018; 1:228-234. [PMID: 30891569 PMCID: PMC6388075 DOI: 10.1002/ame2.12031] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/14/2018] [Revised: 07/25/2018] [Accepted: 07/26/2018] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND About 50 species of scorpions cause fatal scorpionism worldwide. Most of these are members of the Buthidae family, and include, among others, Mesobuthus eupeus, Androctonus crassicauda, Leiurus abdullahbayrami, Leiurus quinquestriatus, Tityus pachyurus and Androctonus australis. Because high doses of scorpion venom and antivenom can cause death and hypersensitive reactions, there is a need to develop a formula that can be used to calculate both lethal and effective doses for scorpion venom and antivenom, respectively, thereby obviating the need for laboratory experiments. METHODS In view of this, a literature search was carried out with the aim of modifying the formula (LD 50 = ED 50 3 × W a × 10 - 4 ) for calculation of the median lethal dose (LD50) of scorpion venom and the ED50 of antivenom. The human equivalent dose (HED) formula was assessed for extrapolation of LD50 and ED50 from animals to human for comparison and relevance with the new formula. RESULTS The findings showed that the newly developed formula (LD50 = ED50 1/3 × W a × 10-4) yielded results that are very close to the reported values. Therefore, the newly developed and HED formulas can be used for calculation of LD50 and ED50 values for scorpion venom and antivenom, respectively. CONCLUSION The new formula yielded better results than the HED formula, confirming its predictive validity, precision, and reliability, thereby obviating the need for rigorous experiments and justifying the principles of reduction, refinement, and replacement (3Rs).
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Affiliation(s)
- Saganuwan Alhaji Saganuwan
- Department of Veterinary Physiology, Pharmacology and BiochemistryCollege of Veterinary MedicineUniversity of AgricultureMakurdiBenue StateNigeria
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Xiong S, Huang C. Synergistic strategies of predominant toxins in snake venoms. Toxicol Lett 2018; 287:142-154. [PMID: 29428543 DOI: 10.1016/j.toxlet.2018.02.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/03/2017] [Revised: 01/17/2018] [Accepted: 02/03/2018] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
Synergism is a significant phenomenon present in snake venoms that may be an evolving strategy to potentiate toxicities. Synergism exists between different toxins or toxin complexes in various snake venoms, with phospholipaseA2s (PLA2s) (toxins or subunits) the main enablers. The predominant toxins, snake venom PLA2s, metalloproteases (SVMPs), serine proteases (SVSPs) and three-finger toxins (3FTxs), play essential roles in synergistic processes. The hypothetical mechanisms of synergistic effect can be generalized under the effects of amplification and chaperoning. The Toxicity Score is among the few quantitative methods to assess synergism. Selection of toxins involved in synergistically enhanced toxicity as the targets are important for development of novel antivenoms or inhibitors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shengwei Xiong
- College of Basic Medical Sciences, Nanchang University, Nanchang, Jiangxi Province, China
| | - Chunhong Huang
- College of Basic Medical Sciences, Nanchang University, Nanchang, Jiangxi Province, China.
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Emerich BL, De Lima ME, Martin-Eauclaire MF, Bougis PE. Comparative analyses and implications for antivenom serotherapy of four Moroccan scorpion Buthus occitanus venoms: Subspecies tunetanus, paris, malhommei, and mardochei. Toxicon 2017; 149:26-36. [PMID: 28712915 DOI: 10.1016/j.toxicon.2017.07.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/16/2017] [Revised: 07/04/2017] [Accepted: 07/10/2017] [Indexed: 01/14/2023]
Abstract
Temporary passive immunity such as serotherapy against venoms requires the full knowledge of all venom's components. Here, four venoms from Moroccan common yellow scorpions belonging to Buthus occitanus, subspecies tunetanus, paris, malhommei, and mardochei, all collected in four different restricted areas, were analysed in deep. They were fractionated by reversed-phase high-performance liquid chromatography (RP-HPLC) and their molecular masse profile determined by off-line MALDI-TOF mass spectrometry. Characterisation of their main components was achieved by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) using specific antisera against the major lethal scorpion toxins identified so far, i.e. voltage-gated sodium channels (Nav) modulators α- and β-toxins, as well as diverse potassium channel pore blocker toxins. For fractions with identical RP-HPLC retention times, we observe that their relative quantities show large differences. Moreover, identical masses present simultaneously in the four venoms are infrequent. ELISAs show that the majority of the RP-HPLC compounds cross-react with the antiserum against the "α-like" toxin Bot I, which has been previously identified in the Algerian Buthus occitanus tunetanus venom. Moreover, minor fractions were recognised by the antiserum against the highly lethal "classical" α-toxin of reference AaH II from the Androctonus australis venom. As such, our results bring new sights for further improving scorpion venom serotherapy in Morocco.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bruna Luiza Emerich
- Aix Marseille Université, CNRS, CRN2M UMR7286, 13344, Marseille, France; Laboratório de Venenos e Toxinas Animais, Dept de Bioquímica e Imunologia, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, 31270-901, Belo-Horizonte, MG, Brazil
| | - Maria Elena De Lima
- Laboratório de Venenos e Toxinas Animais, Dept de Bioquímica e Imunologia, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, 31270-901, Belo-Horizonte, MG, Brazil
| | | | - Pierre E Bougis
- Aix Marseille Université, CNRS, CRN2M UMR7286, 13344, Marseille, France.
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Karim-Silva S, Moura JD, Noiray M, Minozzo JC, Aubrey N, Alvarenga LM, Billiald P. Generation of recombinant antibody fragments with toxin-neutralizing potential in loxoscelism. Immunol Lett 2016; 176:90-6. [DOI: 10.1016/j.imlet.2016.05.019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/08/2016] [Revised: 05/03/2016] [Accepted: 05/17/2016] [Indexed: 01/22/2023]
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19
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Laustsen AH, Solà M, Jappe EC, Oscoz S, Lauridsen LP, Engmark M. Biotechnological Trends in Spider and Scorpion Antivenom Development. Toxins (Basel) 2016; 8:E226. [PMID: 27455327 PMCID: PMC4999844 DOI: 10.3390/toxins8080226] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/14/2016] [Revised: 06/19/2016] [Accepted: 07/13/2016] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Spiders and scorpions are notorious for their fearful dispositions and their ability to inject venom into prey and predators, causing symptoms such as necrosis, paralysis, and excruciating pain. Information on venom composition and the toxins present in these species is growing due to an interest in using bioactive toxins from spiders and scorpions for drug discovery purposes and for solving crystal structures of membrane-embedded receptors. Additionally, the identification and isolation of a myriad of spider and scorpion toxins has allowed research within next generation antivenoms to progress at an increasingly faster pace. In this review, the current knowledge of spider and scorpion venoms is presented, followed by a discussion of all published biotechnological efforts within development of spider and scorpion antitoxins based on small molecules, antibodies and fragments thereof, and next generation immunization strategies. The increasing number of discovery and development efforts within this field may point towards an upcoming transition from serum-based antivenoms towards therapeutic solutions based on modern biotechnology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andreas Hougaard Laustsen
- Department of Biotechnology and Biomedicine, Technical University of Denmark, DK-2800 Kgs. Lyngby, Denmark.
- Department of Drug Design and Pharmacology, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, DK-2100 Copenhagen East, Denmark.
| | - Mireia Solà
- Department of Biotechnology and Biomedicine, Technical University of Denmark, DK-2800 Kgs. Lyngby, Denmark.
| | - Emma Christine Jappe
- Department of Biotechnology and Biomedicine, Technical University of Denmark, DK-2800 Kgs. Lyngby, Denmark.
| | - Saioa Oscoz
- Department of Biotechnology and Biomedicine, Technical University of Denmark, DK-2800 Kgs. Lyngby, Denmark.
| | - Line Præst Lauridsen
- Department of Biotechnology and Biomedicine, Technical University of Denmark, DK-2800 Kgs. Lyngby, Denmark.
| | - Mikael Engmark
- Department of Biotechnology and Biomedicine, Technical University of Denmark, DK-2800 Kgs. Lyngby, Denmark.
- Department of Bio and Health Informatics, Technical University of Denmark, DK-2800 Kgs. Lyngby, Denmark.
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