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Polli NLC, Ferreira MEDF, Schluga PHC, Antunes BC, Justa HCD, Theodoro JL, Zazula MF, Naliwaiko K, Minozzo JC, Senff-Ribeiro A, Wille ACM, Veiga SS, Gremski LH. Novel insights into the application of recombinant mutated phospholipases D as antigens for developing new strategies against Loxoscelism. Acta Trop 2024; 258:107354. [PMID: 39106916 DOI: 10.1016/j.actatropica.2024.107354] [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: 06/10/2024] [Revised: 08/02/2024] [Accepted: 08/03/2024] [Indexed: 08/09/2024]
Abstract
Loxoscelism is the pathological condition triggered by a brown spider bite. The venom of these spiders is rich in phospholipases D (PLDs), which can induce virtually all local and systemic manifestations. Recombinant mutated PLDs from clinically relevant Loxosceles species in South America have been investigated as potential antigens to develop novel therapeutic strategies for loxoscelism. However, certain gaps need to be addressed before a clinical approach can be implemented. In this study, we examined the potential of these recombinant mutated PLDs as antigens by testing some variations in the immunization scheme. Furthermore, we evaluated the efficacy of the produced antibodies in neutralizing the nephrotoxicity and sphingomyelinase activity of brown spider venoms. Our findings indicate that the number of immunizations has a greater impact on the effectiveness of neutralization compared to the amount of antigen. Specifically, two or three doses were equally effective in reducing dermonecrosis and edema. Additionally, three immunizations proved to be more effective in neutralizing mice lethality than one or two. Moreover, immunizations mitigated the signs of kidney injury, a crucial aspect given that acute renal failure is a serious systemic complication. In vitro inhibition of the sphingomyelinase activity of Loxosceles venoms, a key factor in vivo toxicity, was nearly complete after incubation with antibodies raised against these antigens. These findings underscore the importance of implementing an effective immunization scheme with multiple immunizations, without the need for high antigen doses, and enhances the spectrum of neutralization exhibited by antibodies generated with these antigens. In summary, these results highlight the strong potential of these antigens for the development of new therapeutic strategies against cutaneous and systemic manifestations of loxoscelism.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Bruno Cesar Antunes
- Production and Research Center of Immunobiological Products (CPPI), State Department of Health, Piraquara, 83302-200, PR, Brazil
| | - Hanna Câmara da Justa
- Department of Cell Biology, Federal University of Paraná (UFPR), Curitiba, 81530-900, PR, Brazil
| | - João Lucas Theodoro
- Department of Cell Biology, Federal University of Paraná (UFPR), Curitiba, 81530-900, PR, Brazil
| | - Matheus Felipe Zazula
- Department of Cell Biology, Federal University of Paraná (UFPR), Curitiba, 81530-900, PR, Brazil
| | - Katya Naliwaiko
- Department of Cell Biology, Federal University of Paraná (UFPR), Curitiba, 81530-900, PR, Brazil
| | - João Carlos Minozzo
- Production and Research Center of Immunobiological Products (CPPI), State Department of Health, Piraquara, 83302-200, PR, Brazil
| | - Andrea Senff-Ribeiro
- Department of Cell Biology, Federal University of Paraná (UFPR), Curitiba, 81530-900, PR, Brazil
| | - Ana Carolina Martins Wille
- Department of Structural, Molecular Biology and Genetics, State University of Ponta Grossa (UEPG), Ponta Grossa, 84030-900, PR, Brazil
| | - Silvio Sanches Veiga
- Department of Cell Biology, Federal University of Paraná (UFPR), Curitiba, 81530-900, PR, Brazil
| | - Luiza Helena Gremski
- Department of Cell Biology, Federal University of Paraná (UFPR), Curitiba, 81530-900, PR, Brazil.
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2
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Quispe RL, Jaramillo ML, Torres-Huaco F, Bonilla C, Isasi J, Guerra-Duarte C, Chávez-Olórtegui C. Partial in vivo protection against Peruvian spider Loxosceles laeta venom by immunization with a multiepitopic protein (rMEPLox). Toxicon 2022; 215:1-5. [PMID: 35660625 DOI: 10.1016/j.toxicon.2022.05.044] [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: 03/14/2022] [Revised: 05/26/2022] [Accepted: 05/27/2022] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Abstract
Loxoscelism is a serious public health problem in Peru, with approximately 2500 accidents reported per year. To envision alternatives to cope with this health problem, the neutralizing humoral immune response against the lethal effects of Peruvian spider Loxosceles laeta venom was evaluated in a mouse model by immunization with a non-toxic multiepitopic protein (rMEPLox). This immunogen contains epitopes from an astacin-like metalloprotease, a hyaluronidase and a sphingomyelinase-D from Loxosceles intermedia and from SMase-I from L. laeta venoms. In vivo protection assays showed that five out of six mice immunized with rMEPLox (after six injections) resisted to 1.4 LD50 of L. laeta venom, whereas only two animals from a control group survived. The present results indicates that this multiepitopic protein can be a promising candidate for anti-loxoscelic antivenom production and experimental vaccination approaches.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ruth L Quispe
- Laboratorio de Toxinología, Centro Nacional de Productos Biológicos (CNPB), Instituto Nacional de Salud, Lima, Peru
| | - Michael L Jaramillo
- Laboratorio de Toxinología, Centro Nacional de Productos Biológicos (CNPB), Instituto Nacional de Salud, Lima, Peru
| | - Frank Torres-Huaco
- Laboratorio de Toxinología, Centro Nacional de Productos Biológicos (CNPB), Instituto Nacional de Salud, Lima, Peru; Coordinación de Investigación, Universidad Continental, Avenida Los Incas S/n, Arequipa, Peru
| | - Cesar Bonilla
- Laboratorio de Toxinología, Centro Nacional de Productos Biológicos (CNPB), Instituto Nacional de Salud, Lima, Peru; Facultad de Odontologia, Universidad Nacional Mayor de San Marcos, Peru
| | - Jacqueline Isasi
- Laboratorio de Toxinología, Centro Nacional de Productos Biológicos (CNPB), Instituto Nacional de Salud, Lima, Peru
| | - Clara Guerra-Duarte
- Diretoria de Pesquisa e Desenvolvimento, Fundação Ezequiel Dias, 30510-010, Belo Horizonte, MG, Brazil
| | - Carlos Chávez-Olórtegui
- Laboratorio de Toxinología, Centro Nacional de Productos Biológicos (CNPB), Instituto Nacional de Salud, Lima, Peru; Departamento de Bioquímica e Imunologia, ICB, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Av. Antônio Carlos 6627, CEP, 31270-901, Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil.
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3
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A protective vaccine against the toxic activities following Brown spider accidents based on recombinant mutated phospholipases D as antigens. Int J Biol Macromol 2021; 192:757-770. [PMID: 34634338 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2021.10.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/09/2021] [Revised: 09/30/2021] [Accepted: 10/01/2021] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
Accidents involving Brown spiders are reported throughout the world. In the venom, the major toxins involved in the deleterious effects are phospholipases D (PLDs). In this work, recombinant mutated phospholipases D from three endemic species medically relevant in South America (Loxosceles intermedia, L. laeta and L. gaucho) were tested as antigens in a vaccination protocol. In such isoforms, key amino acid residues involved in catalysis, magnesium-ion coordination, and binding to substrates were replaced by Alanine (H12A-H47A, E32A-D34A and W230A). These mutations eliminated the phospholipase activity and reduced the generation of skin necrosis and edema to residual levels. Molecular modeling of mutated isoforms indicated that the three-dimensional structures, topologies, and surface charges did not undergo significant changes. Mutated isoforms were recognized by sera against the crude venoms. Vaccination protocols in rabbits using mutated isoforms generated a serum that recognized the native PLDs of crude venoms and neutralized dermonecrosis and edema induced by L. intermedia venom. Vaccination of mice prevented the lethal effects of L. intermedia crude venom. Furthermore, vaccination of rabbits prevented the cutaneous lesion triggered by the three venoms. These results indicate a great potential for mutated recombinant PLDs to be employed as antigens in developing protective vaccines for Loxoscelism.
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4
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Gremski LH, Matsubara FH, Polli NLC, Antunes BC, Schluga PHDC, da Justa HC, Minozzo JC, Wille ACM, Senff-Ribeiro A, Veiga SS. Prospective Use of Brown Spider Venom Toxins as Therapeutic and Biotechnological Inputs. Front Mol Biosci 2021; 8:706704. [PMID: 34222343 PMCID: PMC8247472 DOI: 10.3389/fmolb.2021.706704] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/07/2021] [Accepted: 06/04/2021] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Brown spider (genus Loxosceles) venoms are mainly composed of protein toxins used for predation and defense. Bites of these spiders most commonly produce a local dermonecrotic lesion with gravitational spread, edema and hemorrhage, which together are defined as cutaneous loxoscelism. Systemic loxoscelism, such as hematological abnormalities and renal injury, are less frequent but more lethal. Some Loxosceles venom toxins have already been isolated and extensively studied, such as phospholipases D (PLDs), which have been recombinantly expressed and were proven to reproduce toxic activities associated to the whole venom. PLDs have a notable potential to be engineered and converted in non-toxic antigens to produce a new generation of antivenoms or vaccines. PLDs also can serve as tools to discover inhibitors to be used as therapeutic agents. Other Loxosceles toxins have been identified and functionally characterized, such as hyaluronidases, allergen factor, serpin, TCTP and knottins (ICK peptides). All these toxins were produced as recombinant molecules and are biologically active molecules that can be used as tools for the potential development of chemical candidates to tackle many medical and biological threats, acting, for instance, as antitumoral, insecticides, analgesic, antigens for allergy tests and biochemical reagents for cell studies. In addition, these recombinant toxins may be useful to develop a rational therapy for loxoscelism. This review summarizes the main candidates for the development of drugs and biotechnological inputs that have been described in Brown spider venoms.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Bruno Cesar Antunes
- Department of Cell Biology, Federal University of Paraná, Curitiba, Brazil.,Production and Research Center of Immunobiological Products, State Department of Health, Piraquara, Brazil
| | | | | | - João Carlos Minozzo
- Production and Research Center of Immunobiological Products, State Department of Health, Piraquara, Brazil
| | - Ana Carolina Martins Wille
- Department of Structural, Molecular Biology and Genetics, State University of Ponta Grossa, Ponta Grossa, Brazil
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5
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Costa TGF, Costal-Oliveira F, de Assis TCS, Lima SA, Martins CA, Finco AB, Veiga SS, Soccol VT, Machado-de-Ávila RA, Figueiredo LFM, Minozzo JC, Kalapothakis E, Guerra-Duarte C, Alvarenga LM, Chávez-Olórtegui C. Engineered antigen containing epitopes from Loxosceles spp. spider toxins induces a monoclonal antibody (Lox-mAb3) against astacin-like metalloproteases. Int J Biol Macromol 2020; 162:490-500. [PMID: 32574737 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2020.06.176] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/17/2020] [Revised: 06/17/2020] [Accepted: 06/18/2020] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
Loxoscelism pose a health issue in the South America. The treatment for these accidents is based on the administration of antivenom produced in animals immunized with Loxosceles venom. In this work, a previously produced non-toxic multiepitopic chimeric protein (rMEPlox), composed of epitopes derived from the main toxins families (sphyngomielinase-D, metalloproteases, and hyaluronidases) of Loxosceles spider venoms, was used as antigen to produce monoclonal antibodies (mAbs). A selected anti-rMEPlox mAb (Lox-mAb3) reacted with metalloprotease from L. intermedia venom and showed cross-reactivity with metalloproteses from Brazilian and Peruvian Loxosceles laeta and Loxosceles gaucho venoms in immunoassays. The sequence recognized by Lox-mAb3 (184ENNTRTIGPFDYDSIMLYGAY205) corresponds to the C-terminal region of Astacin-like metalloprotease 1 and the amino acid sequence IGPFDYDSI, conserved among the homologs metalloproteases sequences, is important for antibody recognition. Lox-mAb3 neutralizes the fibrinogenolytic activity caused by metalloprotease from L. intermedia spider venom in vitro, which may lead to a decrease in hemorrhagic disturbances caused by Loxosceles envenomation. Our results show, for the first time, the use of a non-toxic multiepitopic protein for the production of a neutralizing monoclonal antibody against a metalloprotease of medically important Loxosceles venoms. These results contribute for the production improvement of therapeutic antivenom against loxoscelism.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tamara G F Costa
- Departamento de Bioquímica e Imunologia and Genética, Ecologia e Evolução, Instituto Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Fernanda Costal-Oliveira
- Departamento de Bioquímica e Imunologia and Genética, Ecologia e Evolução, Instituto Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Thamyres C S de Assis
- Departamento de Bioquímica e Imunologia and Genética, Ecologia e Evolução, Instituto Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Sabrina A Lima
- Departamento de Bioquímica e Imunologia and Genética, Ecologia e Evolução, Instituto Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Christina A Martins
- Departamento de Bioquímica e Imunologia and Genética, Ecologia e Evolução, Instituto Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | | | - Sílvio S Veiga
- Universidade Federal do Paraná (UFPR), Curitiba, PR, Brazil
| | | | | | | | - João C Minozzo
- Centro de Pesquisa e Produção de Imunobiológicos (CPPI), Curitiba, PR, Brazil
| | - Evanguedes Kalapothakis
- Departamento de Bioquímica e Imunologia and Genética, Ecologia e Evolução, Instituto Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Clara Guerra-Duarte
- Centro de Pesquisa e Desenvolvimento, Fundação Ezequiel Dias, 30510-010 Belo Horizonte, MG, Brazil
| | | | - Carlos Chávez-Olórtegui
- Departamento de Bioquímica e Imunologia and Genética, Ecologia e Evolução, Instituto Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil.
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6
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Synthetic peptides to produce antivenoms against the Cys-rich toxins of arachnids. Toxicon X 2020; 6:100038. [PMID: 32550593 PMCID: PMC7285918 DOI: 10.1016/j.toxcx.2020.100038] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2020] [Revised: 04/15/2020] [Accepted: 04/24/2020] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Scorpion and spider envenomation is treated with the appropriate antivenoms, prepared as described by Césaire Auguste Phisalix and Albert Calmette in 1894. Such treatment requires the acquisition and manipulation of arachnid venoms, both very complicated procedures. Most of the toxins in the venoms of spiders and scorpions are extremely stable cysteine-rich peptide neurotoxins. Many strategies have been developed to obtain synthetic immunogens to facilitate the production of antivenoms against these toxins. For example, whole peptide toxins can be synthesized by solid-phase peptide synthesis (SPPS). Also, epitopes of the toxins can be identified and after the chemical synthesis of these peptide epitopes by SPPS, they can be coupled to protein carriers to develop efficient immunogens. Moreover, multiple antigenic peptides with a polylysine core can be designed and synthesized. This review focuses on the strategies developed to obtain synthetic immunogens for the production of antivenoms against the toxic Cys-rich peptides of scorpions and spiders.
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7
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Fingermann M, de Roodt AR, Cascone O, Miranda MV. Biotechnological potential of Phospholipase D for Loxosceles antivenom development. Toxicon X 2020; 6:100036. [PMID: 32550591 PMCID: PMC7286061 DOI: 10.1016/j.toxcx.2020.100036] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/25/2020] [Revised: 04/05/2020] [Accepted: 04/07/2020] [Indexed: 01/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Loxoscelism is one of the most important forms of araneism in South America. The Health Authorities from countries with the highest incidence and longer history in registering loxoscelism cases indicate that specific antivenom should be administered during the first hours after the accident, especially in the presence or at risk of the most severe clinical outcome. Current antivenoms are based on immunoglobulins or their fragments, obtained from plasma of hyperimmunized horses. Antivenom has been produced using the same traditional techniques for more than 120 years. Although the whole composition of the spider venom remains unknown, the discovery and biotechnological production of the phospholipase D enzymes represented a milestone for the knowledge of the physiopathology of envenomation and for the introduction of new innovative tools in antivenom production. The fact that this protein is a principal toxin of the venom opens the possibility of replacing the use of whole venom as an immunogen, an attractive alternative considering the laborious techniques and low yields associated with venom extraction. This challenge warrants technological innovation to facilitate production and obtain more effective antidotes. In this review, we compile the reported studies, examining the advances in the expression and application of phospholipase D as a new immunogen and how the new biotechnological tools have introduced some degree of innovation in this field.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matías Fingermann
- Instituto Nacional de Producción de Biológicos (INPB), ANLIS "Dr. Carlos G. Malbrán", Vélez Sársfield 563, (1282) Buenos Aires, Argentina.,Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET), Godoy Cruz, 2290, (1425) Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Adolfo Rafael de Roodt
- Instituto Nacional de Producción de Biológicos (INPB), ANLIS "Dr. Carlos G. Malbrán", Vélez Sársfield 563, (1282) Buenos Aires, Argentina.,Área de Zootoxicología, Cátedra de Toxicología, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Buenos Aires, Paraguay, 2155, (1113) Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Osvaldo Cascone
- Instituto Nacional de Producción de Biológicos (INPB), ANLIS "Dr. Carlos G. Malbrán", Vélez Sársfield 563, (1282) Buenos Aires, Argentina.,Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET), Godoy Cruz, 2290, (1425) Buenos Aires, Argentina.,Instituto de Nanobiotecnología (NANOBIOTEC), CONICET-Universidad de Buenos Aires, Junín 956, (1113) Buenos Aires, Argentina.,Cátedra de Biotecnología, Departamento de Microbiología, Inmunología, Biotecnología y Genética, Facultad de Farmacia y Bioquímica, Universidad de Buenos Aires, Junín 956, (1113) Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - María Victoria Miranda
- Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET), Godoy Cruz, 2290, (1425) Buenos Aires, Argentina.,Instituto de Nanobiotecnología (NANOBIOTEC), CONICET-Universidad de Buenos Aires, Junín 956, (1113) Buenos Aires, Argentina.,Cátedra de Biotecnología, Departamento de Microbiología, Inmunología, Biotecnología y Genética, Facultad de Farmacia y Bioquímica, Universidad de Buenos Aires, Junín 956, (1113) Buenos Aires, Argentina
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8
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Loxoscelism: Advances and Challenges in the Design of Antibody Fragments with Therapeutic Potential. Toxins (Basel) 2020; 12:toxins12040256. [PMID: 32316084 PMCID: PMC7232456 DOI: 10.3390/toxins12040256] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/20/2020] [Revised: 04/12/2020] [Accepted: 04/13/2020] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Envenoming due to Loxosceles spider bites still remains a neglected disease of particular medical concern in the Americas. To date, there is no consensus for the treatment of envenomed patients, yet horse polyclonal antivenoms are usually infused to patients with identified severe medical conditions. It is widely known that venom proteins in the 30–35 kDa range with sphingomyelinase D (SMasesD) activity, reproduce most of the toxic effects observed in loxoscelism. Hence, we believe that monoclonal antibody fragments targeting such toxins might pose an alternative safe and effective treatment. In the present study, starting from the monoclonal antibody LimAb7, previously shown to target SMasesD from the venom of L. intermedia and neutralize its dermonecrotic activity, we designed humanized antibody V-domains, then produced and purified as recombinant single-chain antibody fragments (scFvs). These molecules were characterized in terms of humanness, structural stability, antigen-binding activity, and venom-neutralizing potential. Throughout this process, we identified some blocking points that can impact the Abs antigen-binding activity and neutralizing capacity. In silico analysis of the antigen/antibody amino acid interactions also contributed to a better understanding of the antibody’s neutralization mechanism and led to reformatting the humanized antibody fragment which, ultimately, recovered the functional characteristics for efficient in vitro venom neutralization.
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9
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Gremski LH, da Justa HC, da Silva TP, Polli NLC, Antunes BC, Minozzo JC, Wille ACM, Senff-Ribeiro A, Arni RK, Veiga SS. Forty Years of the Description of Brown Spider Venom Phospholipases-D. Toxins (Basel) 2020; 12:toxins12030164. [PMID: 32155765 PMCID: PMC7150852 DOI: 10.3390/toxins12030164] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/12/2020] [Revised: 02/28/2020] [Accepted: 03/02/2020] [Indexed: 01/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Spiders of the genus Loxosceles, popularly known as Brown spiders, are considered a serious public health issue, especially in regions of hot or temperate climates, such as parts of North and South America. Although the venoms of these arachnids are complex in molecular composition, often containing proteins with distinct biochemical characteristics, the literature has primarily described a family of toxins, the Phospholipases-D (PLDs), which are highly conserved in all Loxosceles species. PLDs trigger most of the major clinical symptoms of loxoscelism i.e., dermonecrosis, thrombocytopenia, hemolysis, and acute renal failure. The key role played by PLDs in the symptomatology of loxoscelism was first described 40 years ago, when researches purified a hemolytic toxin that cleaved sphingomyelin and generated choline, and was referred to as a Sphingomyelinase-D, which was subsequently changed to Phospholipase-D when it was demonstrated that the enzyme also cleaved other cellular phospholipids. In this review, we present the information gleaned over the last 40 years about PLDs from Loxosceles venoms especially with regard to the production and characterization of recombinant isoforms. The history of obtaining these toxins is discussed, as well as their molecular organization and mechanisms of interaction with their substrates. We will address cellular biology aspects of these toxins and how they can be used in the development of drugs to address inflammatory processes and loxoscelism. Present and future aspects of loxoscelism diagnosis will be discussed, as well as their biotechnological applications and actions expected for the future in this field.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luiza Helena Gremski
- Departamento de Biologia Celular, Universidade Federal do Paraná (UFPR), Curitiba 81531-980, PR, Brazil; (L.H.G.); (H.C.d.J.); (T.P.d.S.); (N.L.C.P.); (B.C.A.); (A.S.-R.)
| | - Hanna Câmara da Justa
- Departamento de Biologia Celular, Universidade Federal do Paraná (UFPR), Curitiba 81531-980, PR, Brazil; (L.H.G.); (H.C.d.J.); (T.P.d.S.); (N.L.C.P.); (B.C.A.); (A.S.-R.)
| | - Thaís Pereira da Silva
- Departamento de Biologia Celular, Universidade Federal do Paraná (UFPR), Curitiba 81531-980, PR, Brazil; (L.H.G.); (H.C.d.J.); (T.P.d.S.); (N.L.C.P.); (B.C.A.); (A.S.-R.)
| | - Nayanne Louise Costacurta Polli
- Departamento de Biologia Celular, Universidade Federal do Paraná (UFPR), Curitiba 81531-980, PR, Brazil; (L.H.G.); (H.C.d.J.); (T.P.d.S.); (N.L.C.P.); (B.C.A.); (A.S.-R.)
| | - Bruno César Antunes
- Departamento de Biologia Celular, Universidade Federal do Paraná (UFPR), Curitiba 81531-980, PR, Brazil; (L.H.G.); (H.C.d.J.); (T.P.d.S.); (N.L.C.P.); (B.C.A.); (A.S.-R.)
- Centro de Produção e Pesquisa de Imunobiológicos (CPPI), Piraquara 83302-200, PR, Brazil;
| | - João Carlos Minozzo
- Centro de Produção e Pesquisa de Imunobiológicos (CPPI), Piraquara 83302-200, PR, Brazil;
| | - Ana Carolina Martins Wille
- Departamento de Biologia Estrutural, Molecular e Genética, Universidade Estadual de Ponta Grossa, Ponta Grossa 84030-900, PR, Brazil;
| | - Andrea Senff-Ribeiro
- Departamento de Biologia Celular, Universidade Federal do Paraná (UFPR), Curitiba 81531-980, PR, Brazil; (L.H.G.); (H.C.d.J.); (T.P.d.S.); (N.L.C.P.); (B.C.A.); (A.S.-R.)
| | - Raghuvir Krishnaswamy Arni
- Centro Multiusuário de Inovação Biomolecular, Departamento de Física, Universidade Estadual Paulista (UNESP), São José do Rio Preto 15054-000, SP, Brazil;
| | - Silvio Sanches Veiga
- Departamento de Biologia Celular, Universidade Federal do Paraná (UFPR), Curitiba 81531-980, PR, Brazil; (L.H.G.); (H.C.d.J.); (T.P.d.S.); (N.L.C.P.); (B.C.A.); (A.S.-R.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +55-(41)-3361-1776
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Grashof D, Zdenek CN, Dobson JS, Youngman NJ, Coimbra F, Benard-Valle M, Alagon A, Fry BG. A Web of Coagulotoxicity: Failure of Antivenom to Neutralize the Destructive (Non-Clotting) Fibrinogenolytic Activity of Loxosceles and Sicarius Spider Venoms. Toxins (Basel) 2020; 12:toxins12020091. [PMID: 32019058 PMCID: PMC7076800 DOI: 10.3390/toxins12020091] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/16/2019] [Revised: 01/14/2020] [Accepted: 01/22/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Envenomations are complex medical emergencies that can have a range of symptoms and sequelae. The only specific, scientifically-validated treatment for envenomation is antivenom administration, which is designed to alleviate venom effects. A paucity of efficacy testing exists for numerous antivenoms worldwide, and understanding venom effects and venom potency can help identify antivenom improvement options. Some spider venoms can produce debilitating injuries or even death, yet have been largely neglected in venom and antivenom studies because of the low venom yields. Coagulation disturbances have been particularly under studied due to difficulties in working with blood and the coagulation cascade. These circumstances have resulted in suboptimal spider bite treatment for medically significant spider genera such as Loxosceles and Sicarius. This study identifies and quantifies the anticoagulant effects produced by venoms of three Loxoscles species (L. reclusa, L. boneti, and L. laeta) and that of Sicarius terrosus. We showed that the venoms of all studied species are able to cleave the fibrinogen Aα-chain with varying degrees of potency, with L. reclusa and S. terrosus venom cleaving the Aα-chain most rapidly. Thromboelastography analysis revealed that only L. reclusa venom is able to reduce clot strength, thereby presumably causing anticoagulant effects in the patient. Using the same thromboelastography assays, antivenom efficacy tests revealed that the commonly used Loxoscles-specific SMase D recombinant based antivenom failed to neutralize the anticoagulant effects produced by Loxosceles venom. This study demonstrates the fibrinogenolytic activity of Loxosceles and Sicarius venom and the neutralization failure of Loxosceles antivenom, thus providing impetus for antivenom improvement.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dwin Grashof
- Venom Evolution Lab, School of Biological Sciences, The University of Queensland, St. Lucia, QLD 4072, Australia; (D.G.); (C.N.Z.); (J.S.D.); (N.J.Y.); (F.C.)
| | - Christina N. Zdenek
- Venom Evolution Lab, School of Biological Sciences, The University of Queensland, St. Lucia, QLD 4072, Australia; (D.G.); (C.N.Z.); (J.S.D.); (N.J.Y.); (F.C.)
| | - James S. Dobson
- Venom Evolution Lab, School of Biological Sciences, The University of Queensland, St. Lucia, QLD 4072, Australia; (D.G.); (C.N.Z.); (J.S.D.); (N.J.Y.); (F.C.)
| | - Nicholas J. Youngman
- Venom Evolution Lab, School of Biological Sciences, The University of Queensland, St. Lucia, QLD 4072, Australia; (D.G.); (C.N.Z.); (J.S.D.); (N.J.Y.); (F.C.)
| | - Francisco Coimbra
- Venom Evolution Lab, School of Biological Sciences, The University of Queensland, St. Lucia, QLD 4072, Australia; (D.G.); (C.N.Z.); (J.S.D.); (N.J.Y.); (F.C.)
| | - Melisa Benard-Valle
- Departamento de Medicina Molecular y Bioprocesos, Instituto de Biotecnología, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Av. Universidad 2001, Cuernavaca, Morelos 62210, Mexico; (M.B.-V.); (A.A.)
| | - Alejandro Alagon
- Departamento de Medicina Molecular y Bioprocesos, Instituto de Biotecnología, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Av. Universidad 2001, Cuernavaca, Morelos 62210, Mexico; (M.B.-V.); (A.A.)
| | - Bryan G. Fry
- Venom Evolution Lab, School of Biological Sciences, The University of Queensland, St. Lucia, QLD 4072, Australia; (D.G.); (C.N.Z.); (J.S.D.); (N.J.Y.); (F.C.)
- Correspondence:
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11
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Demolombe V, de Brevern AG, Felicori L, NGuyen C, Machado de Avila RA, Valera L, Jardin-Watelet B, Lavigne G, Lebreton A, Molina F, Moreau V. PEPOP 2.0: new approaches to mimic non-continuous epitopes. BMC Bioinformatics 2019; 20:387. [PMID: 31296178 PMCID: PMC6625012 DOI: 10.1186/s12859-019-2867-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/05/2018] [Accepted: 04/30/2019] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Bioinformatics methods are helpful to identify new molecules for diagnostic or therapeutic applications. For example, the use of peptides capable of mimicking binding sites has several benefits in replacing a protein which is difficult to produce, or toxic. Using peptides is less expensive. Peptides are easier to manipulate, and can be used as drugs. Continuous epitopes predicted by bioinformatics tools are commonly used and these sequential epitopes are used as is in further experiments. Numerous discontinuous epitope predictors have been developed but only two bioinformatics tools have been proposed so far to predict peptide sequences: Superficial and PEPOP 2.0. PEPOP 2.0 can generate series of peptide sequences that can replace continuous or discontinuous epitopes in their interaction with their cognate antibody. RESULTS We have developed an improved version of PEPOP (PEPOP 2.0) dedicated to answer to experimentalists' need for a tool able to handle proteins and to turn them into peptides. The PEPOP 2.0 web site has been reorganized by peptide prediction category and is therefore better formulated to experimental designs. Since the first version of PEPOP, 32 new methods of peptide design were developed. In total, PEPOP 2.0 proposes 35 methods in which 34 deal specifically with discontinuous epitopes, the most represented epitope type in nature. CONCLUSION Through the presentation of its user-friendly, well-structured new web site conceived in close proximity to experimentalists, we report original methods that show how PEPOP 2.0 can assist biologists in dealing with discontinuous epitopes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vincent Demolombe
- BPMP, CNRS, INRA, Montpellier SupAgro, Univ Montpellier, Montpellier, France
| | - Alexandre G de Brevern
- INSERM UMR-S 1134, DSIMB, F-75739, Paris, France.,Univ Paris Diderot, Sorbonne Paris Cité, Univ de la Réunion, Univ des Antilles, UMR 1134, F-75739, Paris, France.,INTS, F-75739, Paris, France.,Laboratoire d'Excellence GR-Ex, F75737, Paris, France
| | - Liza Felicori
- Departamento de Bioquímica e Imunologia, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, MG, Brazil
| | - Christophe NGuyen
- Sys2Diag UMR 9005 CNRS/ALCEDIAG, Complex System Modeling and Engineering for Diagnosis, Cap delta/Parc Euromédecine, 1682 rue de la Valsière CS 61003, 34184, Montpellier Cedex 4, France
| | - Ricardo Andrez Machado de Avila
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ciências da Saúde, Universidade do Extremo Sul Catarinense, Criciúma, Santa Catarina, 88806-000, Brazil
| | - Lionel Valera
- Bio-Rad Laboratories, 1682 Rue de la Valsière CS 61003, 34184, Montpellier CEDEX 04, France
| | | | | | - Aurélien Lebreton
- Service d'hématologie biologique, CHU Clermont-Ferrand, Clermont-Ferrand, France
| | - Franck Molina
- Sys2Diag UMR 9005 CNRS/ALCEDIAG, Complex System Modeling and Engineering for Diagnosis, Cap delta/Parc Euromédecine, 1682 rue de la Valsière CS 61003, 34184, Montpellier Cedex 4, France
| | - Violaine Moreau
- Centre de Biochimie Structurale (CBS), INSERM, CNRS, Univ Montpellier, 29, route de Navacelles, 34090, Montpellier, France.
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Brown Spider ( Loxosceles) Venom Toxins as Potential Biotools for the Development of Novel Therapeutics. Toxins (Basel) 2019; 11:toxins11060355. [PMID: 31248109 PMCID: PMC6628458 DOI: 10.3390/toxins11060355] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/06/2019] [Revised: 06/03/2019] [Accepted: 06/04/2019] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Brown spider envenomation results in dermonecrosis with gravitational spreading characterized by a marked inflammatory reaction and with lower prevalence of systemic manifestations such as renal failure and hematological disturbances. Several toxins make up the venom of these species, and they are mainly peptides and proteins ranging from 5–40 kDa. The venoms have three major families of toxins: phospholipases-D, astacin-like metalloproteases, and the inhibitor cystine knot (ICK) peptides. Serine proteases, serpins, hyaluronidases, venom allergens, and a translationally controlled tumor protein (TCTP) are also present. Toxins hold essential biological properties that enable interactions with a range of distinct molecular targets. Therefore, the application of toxins as research tools and clinical products motivates repurposing their uses of interest. This review aims to discuss possibilities for brown spider venom toxins as putative models for designing molecules likely for therapeutics based on the status quo of brown spider venoms. Herein, we explore new possibilities for the venom components in the context of their biochemical and biological features, likewise their cellular targets, three-dimensional structures, and mechanisms of action.
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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: 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.
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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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Immunoprotection elicited in rabbit by a chimeric protein containing B-cell epitopes of Sphingomyelinases D from Loxosceles spp. spiders. Vaccine 2018; 36:7324-7330. [PMID: 30352745 DOI: 10.1016/j.vaccine.2018.10.035] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/06/2018] [Revised: 10/01/2018] [Accepted: 10/09/2018] [Indexed: 01/21/2023]
Abstract
Accidents with venomous animals pose a health issue in Brazil, and those involving brown spiders (Loxosceles sp.) figure between the most frequent ones. The accidental envenomation by brown spiders causes a strong local dermonecrotic effect, which can be followed by systemic manifestations that in some cases lead to death. The production of antivenoms for the treatments of such accidents relies on a variety of animal experiments, from the spider venom extraction to the production of antivenom in horses. In the present work, there is an attempt to reduce and optimize animal experiments with the construction and production of a chimeric protein, named Lil, containing immunodominant epitopes previously mapped from the main proteins of the Loxosceles venom, the Sphingomyelinases D. The Lil protein contains epitopes from Sphinomyelinases D of the three-main species found in Brazil and this chimeric protein was found capable of inducing antibodies with the potential to partially neutralize the toxic effects of Loxosceles intermedia venom in an animal model. Therefore, in order to reduce spider usage and to improve the lifespan of the horses used for immunization we suggest the Lil protein as a potential candidate to replace the venom usage in the antivenom production protocols.
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15
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de Santana JF, da Silva MR, Picheth GF, Yamanaka IB, Fogaça RL, Thomaz-Soccol V, Machado-de-Avila RA, Chávez-Olórtegui C, Sierakowski MR, de Freitas RA, Alvarenga LM, de Moura J. Engineered biomarkers for leprosy diagnosis using labeled and label-free analysis. Talanta 2018; 187:165-171. [DOI: 10.1016/j.talanta.2018.05.027] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/25/2018] [Revised: 05/07/2018] [Accepted: 05/07/2018] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
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Lima SDA, Guerra-Duarte C, Costal-Oliveira F, Mendes TM, Figueiredo LFM, Oliveira D, Machado de Avila RA, Ferrer VP, Trevisan-Silva D, Veiga SS, Minozzo JC, Kalapothakis E, Chávez-Olórtegui C. Recombinant Protein Containing B-Cell Epitopes of Different Loxosceles Spider Toxins Generates Neutralizing Antibodies in Immunized Rabbits. Front Immunol 2018; 9:653. [PMID: 29666624 PMCID: PMC5891610 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2018.00653] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2017] [Accepted: 03/16/2018] [Indexed: 01/20/2023] Open
Abstract
Loxoscelism is the most important form of araneism in South America. The treatment of these accidents uses heterologous antivenoms obtained from immunization of production animals with crude loxoscelic venom. Due to the scarcity of this immunogen, new alternatives for its substitution in antivenom production are of medical interest. In the present work, three linear epitopes for Loxosceles astacin-like protease 1 (LALP-1) (SLGRGCTDFGTILHE, ENNTRTIGPFDYDSIMLYGAY, and KLYKCPPVNPYPGGIRPYVNV) and two for hyaluronidase (LiHYAL) (NGGIPQLGDLKAHLEKSAVDI and ILDKSATGLRIIDWEAWR) from Loxosceles intermedia spider venom were identified by SPOT-synthesis technique. One formerly characterized linear epitope (DFSGPYLPSLPTLDA) of sphingomyelinase D (SMase D) SMase-I from Loxosceles laeta was also chosen to constitute a new recombinant multiepitopic protein. These epitopes were combined with a previously produced chimeric multiepitopic protein (rCpLi) composed by linear and conformational B-cell epitopes from SMase D from L. intermedia venom, generating a new recombinant multiepitopic protein derived from loxoscelic toxins (rMEPLox). We demonstrated that rMEPLox is non-toxic and antibodies elicited in rabbits against this antigen present reactivity in ELISA and immunoblot assays with Brazilian L. intermedia, L. laeta, L. gaucho, and L. similis spider venoms. In vivo and in vitro neutralization assays showed that anti-rMEPLox antibodies can efficiently neutralize the sphingomyelinase, hyaluronidase, and metalloproteinase activity of L. intermedia venom. This study suggests that this multiepitopic protein can be a suitable candidate for experimental vaccination approaches or for antivenom production against Loxosceles spp. venoms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sabrina de Almeida Lima
- Departamentos de Bioquímica-Imunologia, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Brazil
| | - Clara Guerra-Duarte
- Departamentos de Bioquímica-Imunologia, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Brazil
| | - Fernanda Costal-Oliveira
- Departamentos de Bioquímica-Imunologia, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Brazil
| | - Thais Melo Mendes
- Departamentos de Bioquímica-Imunologia, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Brazil
| | - Luís F M Figueiredo
- Departamentos de Bioquímica-Imunologia, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Brazil
| | - Daysiane Oliveira
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ciências da Saúde - PPGCS, Universidade do Extremo Sul Catarinense - UNESC, Criciúma, Brazil
| | - Ricardo A Machado de Avila
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ciências da Saúde - PPGCS, Universidade do Extremo Sul Catarinense - UNESC, Criciúma, Brazil
| | | | | | | | - João C Minozzo
- Centro de Produção e Pesquisa de Imunobiológicos - CPPI, Piraquara, Brazil
| | - Evanguedes Kalapothakis
- Departamentos de Biologia Geral, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Brazil
| | - Carlos Chávez-Olórtegui
- Departamentos de Bioquímica-Imunologia, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Brazil
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de Andrade CYT, Yamanaka I, Schlichta LS, Silva SK, Picheth GF, Caron LF, de Moura J, de Freitas RA, Alvarenga LM. Physicochemical and immunological characterization of chitosan-coated bacteriophage nanoparticles for in vivo mycotoxin modeling. Carbohydr Polym 2018; 185:63-72. [DOI: 10.1016/j.carbpol.2017.12.063] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/29/2017] [Revised: 12/06/2017] [Accepted: 12/22/2017] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
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18
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McCormack JJ, Bruche S, Ouadda ABD, Ishii H, Lu H, Garcia-Cattaneo A, Chávez-Olórtegui C, Lamarche-Vane N, Braga VMM. The scaffold protein Ajuba suppresses CdGAP activity in epithelia to maintain stable cell-cell contacts. Sci Rep 2017; 7:9249. [PMID: 28835688 PMCID: PMC5569031 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-017-09024-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2017] [Accepted: 07/20/2017] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Levels of active Rac1 at epithelial junctions are partially modulated via interaction with Ajuba, an actin binding and scaffolding protein. Here we demonstrate that Ajuba interacts with the Cdc42 GTPase activating protein CdGAP, a GAP for Rac1 and Cdc42, at cell-cell contacts. CdGAP recruitment to junctions does not require Ajuba; rather Ajuba seems to control CdGAP residence at sites of cell-cell adhesion. CdGAP expression potently perturbs junctions and Ajuba binding inhibits CdGAP activity. Ajuba interacts with Rac1 and CdGAP via distinct domains and can potentially bring them in close proximity at junctions to facilitate activity regulation. Functionally, CdGAP-Ajuba interaction maintains junctional integrity in homeostasis and diseases: (i) gain-of-function CdGAP mutants found in Adams-Oliver Syndrome patients strongly destabilize cell-cell contacts and (ii) CdGAP mRNA levels are inversely correlated with E-cadherin protein expression in different cancers. We present conceptual insights on how Ajuba can integrate CdGAP binding and inactivation with the spatio-temporal regulation of Rac1 activity at junctions. Ajuba provides a novel mechanism due to its ability to bind to CdGAP and Rac1 via distinct domains and influence the activation status of both proteins. This functional interplay may contribute towards conserving the epithelial tissue architecture at steady-state and in different pathologies.
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Affiliation(s)
- J J McCormack
- Molecular Medicine, National Heart and Lung Institute, Imperial College London, SW7 2AZ, London, UK
| | - S Bruche
- Molecular Medicine, National Heart and Lung Institute, Imperial College London, SW7 2AZ, London, UK
| | - A B D Ouadda
- Cancer Research Program, Research Institute-McGill University Hospital Centre and Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, McGill University, H4A 3J1, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | - H Ishii
- Cancer Research Program, Research Institute-McGill University Hospital Centre and Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, McGill University, H4A 3J1, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | - H Lu
- Cancer Division, Faculty of Medicine, Imperial College London, SW7 2AZ, London, UK
| | - A Garcia-Cattaneo
- Molecular Medicine, National Heart and Lung Institute, Imperial College London, SW7 2AZ, London, UK
| | - C Chávez-Olórtegui
- Department of Biochemistry and Immunology, Institute of Cell Biology, Federal University of Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Brazil
| | - N Lamarche-Vane
- Cancer Research Program, Research Institute-McGill University Hospital Centre and Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, McGill University, H4A 3J1, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | - V M M Braga
- Molecular Medicine, National Heart and Lung Institute, Imperial College London, SW7 2AZ, London, UK.
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Oliveira CFB, Vilela A, Coura LAM, Rodrigues FTG, Nagem RAP, Chávez-Olortegui C, Maioli TU, Felicori LF. Protective antibodies against a sphingomyelinase D from Loxosceles intermedia spider venom elicited in mice with different genetic background. Vaccine 2016; 34:3828-34. [PMID: 27265457 DOI: 10.1016/j.vaccine.2016.05.039] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/11/2016] [Revised: 05/06/2016] [Accepted: 05/24/2016] [Indexed: 01/27/2023]
Abstract
In the present investigation we used a recombinant LiD1 toxin, named rLiD1his, from Loxosceles intermedia brown spider to elicit specific antibodies in mice carrying different Human Leukocyte Antigens class II (HLAII) {DRB1.0401 (DR4), DQB1.0601 (DQ6) and DQB1.0302 (DQ8)} as well as in BALB/C and C57BL/6 control mice. All mice strains produced high antibody titers against rLiD1his but DR4 mice antibodies (the lower responder mice) were not able to recognize L. intermedia crude venom. The anti-rLiD1his sera, except from DR4 mice, were able to neutralize dermonecrotic, hemorrhagic and edematogenic effects of rLiD1his in naïve rabbits. Overlapping peptides from the amino acid sequence of LiD1 toxin were prepared by SPOT method and differences in LiD1 epitope recognition were observed using different mice anti-rLiD1his sera. The region (160)DKVGHDFSGNDDISDVGK(177) was recognized by transgenic DQ8 and DQ6 mice sera. Other epitopes were recognized by at least two different animals' sera including (10)MGHMVNAIGQIDEFVNLG(27), (37)FDDNANPEYTYHGIP(51), (70)GLRSATTPGNSKYQEKLV(87) and (259)AAYKKKFRVATYDDN(273). Among these epitopes, the epitopes 37-51 and 160-177 have already been shown in previously studies as good candidates to be used alone or combined with other peptides to induce protective immune response against Loxosceles venoms. The results presented here highlight the importance of HLAII in antibody response and recognition of specific B-cell epitopes of rLiD1his spider toxin according to HLAII type and impact in the epitopic vaccine development against this spider.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Andrea Vilela
- Departamento de Bioquímica e Imunologia, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas - ICB, UFMG, Brazil
| | - Luis Augusto M Coura
- Departamento de Bioquímica e Imunologia, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas - ICB, UFMG, Brazil
| | | | | | - Carlos Chávez-Olortegui
- Departamento de Bioquímica e Imunologia, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas - ICB, UFMG, Brazil
| | - Tatiani U Maioli
- Departamento de Nutrição, Escola de Enfermagem - EE, UFMG, Brazil
| | - Liza F Felicori
- Departamento de Bioquímica e Imunologia, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas - ICB, UFMG, Brazil
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Brown spider (Loxosceles genus) venom toxins: Evaluation of biological conservation by immune cross-reactivity. Toxicon 2015; 108:154-66. [DOI: 10.1016/j.toxicon.2015.09.041] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/11/2015] [Revised: 09/02/2015] [Accepted: 09/29/2015] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
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Patent Highlights June–July 2015. Pharm Pat Anal 2015. [DOI: 10.4155/ppa.15.27] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
A snapshot of noteworthy recent developments in the patent literature of relevance to pharmaceutical and medical research and development.
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Duarte C, Bonilla C, Guimarães G, Machado de Avila R, Mendes T, Silva W, Tintaya B, Yarleque A, Chávez-Olórtegui C. Anti-loxoscelic horse serum produced against a recombinant dermonecrotic protein of Brazilian Loxosceles intermedia spider neutralize lethal effects of Loxosceles laeta venom from Peru. Toxicon 2015; 93:37-40. [DOI: 10.1016/j.toxicon.2014.10.023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/08/2014] [Revised: 10/20/2014] [Accepted: 10/29/2014] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
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23
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Roncolato EC, Campos LB, Pessenda G, Costa e Silva L, Furtado GP, Barbosa JE. Phage display as a novel promising antivenom therapy: A review. Toxicon 2015; 93:79-84. [DOI: 10.1016/j.toxicon.2014.11.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/06/2014] [Revised: 09/17/2014] [Accepted: 11/04/2014] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
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Figueiredo LF, Dias-Lopes C, Alvarenga LM, Mendes TM, Machado-de-Ávila RA, McCormack J, Minozzo JC, Kalapothakis E, Chávez-Olórtegui C. Innovative immunization protocols using chimeric recombinant protein for the production of polyspecific loxoscelic antivenom in horses. Toxicon 2014; 86:59-67. [DOI: 10.1016/j.toxicon.2014.05.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/05/2014] [Revised: 05/13/2014] [Accepted: 05/16/2014] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
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25
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Hajdú I, Flachner B, Bognár M, Végh BM, Dobi K, Lőrincz Z, Lázár J, Cseh S, Takács L, Kurucz I. Monoclonal antibody proteomics: Use of antibody mimotope displaying phages and the relevant synthetic peptides for mAb scouting. Immunol Lett 2014; 160:172-7. [DOI: 10.1016/j.imlet.2014.02.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2013] [Revised: 01/28/2014] [Accepted: 02/05/2014] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
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Recent advances in the understanding of brown spider venoms: From the biology of spiders to the molecular mechanisms of toxins. Toxicon 2014; 83:91-120. [DOI: 10.1016/j.toxicon.2014.02.023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 101] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/06/2013] [Revised: 12/19/2013] [Accepted: 02/27/2014] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
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Dias-Lopes C, Felicori L, Rubrecht L, Cobo S, Molina L, Nguyen C, Galéa P, Granier C, Molina F, Chávez-Olortegui C. Generation and molecular characterization of a monoclonal antibody reactive with conserved epitope in sphingomyelinases D from Loxosceles spider venoms. Vaccine 2014; 32:2086-92. [DOI: 10.1016/j.vaccine.2014.02.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/15/2013] [Revised: 01/21/2014] [Accepted: 02/06/2014] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
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Ramada JS, Becker-Finco A, Minozzo JC, Felicori LF, Machado de Avila RA, Molina F, Nguyen C, de Moura J, Chávez-Olórtegui C, Alvarenga LM. Synthetic peptides for in vitro evaluation of the neutralizing potency of Loxosceles antivenoms. Toxicon 2013; 73:47-55. [PMID: 23856101 DOI: 10.1016/j.toxicon.2013.07.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/08/2013] [Revised: 07/02/2013] [Accepted: 07/04/2013] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
Abstract
An important step in the development of therapeutic antivenoms is the pre-clinical testing using in vivo methods to assess their neutralizing potency. For spider antivenoms (Loxosceles species), horse serum potency against the necrotizing activities of Loxosceles intermedia crude venom is currently tested in rabbits. These procedures are time consuming and involve a large number of animals. The aim of this study was to develop an in vitro method to assess the neutralizing potency of anti-Loxosceles sera. We first demonstrated that it was not possible to establish a correlation between the ELISA antibody reactivity of horse anti-Loxosceles serum and their neutralizing potency. We then showed that the antivenoms recognized several peptide epitopes from different regions of SMase-D proteins, which are toxic antigens from Loxosceles venoms. The recognition of some peptides was observed only when high neutralizing potency sera was used. Based on these results, three peptides (peptide 1, DNRRPIWNLAHMVNA and peptide 3, DFSGPYLPSLPTLDA corresponding to residues 2-16 and 164-178, respectively, of SMase-1 protein from Loxosceles laeta, and peptide 2, EFVNLGANSIETDVS corresponding to residues 22-36 of A1H - LoxGa protein from Loxosceles gaucho and LiD1 protein from L. intermedia) were selected. The peptides were synthesized, coupled to bovine serum albumin (BSA), and used as antigens in indirect ELISA to test their reactivity with horse anti-Loxosceles serum of varying neutralizing potencies. We found certain assay conditions that discriminated between the high and low neutralizing potency sera. This study introduced an in vitro and peptide-based neutralization assay for anti-Loxosceles antivenoms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Juliani Salvini Ramada
- Limq, Laboratório de Imunoquímica, Departamento de Patologia Básica, SCB, UFPR, Curitiba, PR, Brazil
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Mendes TM, Oliveira D, Figueiredo LFM, Machado-de-Avila RA, Duarte CG, Dias-Lopes C, Guimarães G, Felicori L, Minozzo JC, Chávez-Olortegui C. Generation and characterization of a recombinant chimeric protein (rCpLi) consisting of B-cell epitopes of a dermonecrotic protein from Loxosceles intermedia spider venom. Vaccine 2013; 31:2749-55. [PMID: 23664158 DOI: 10.1016/j.vaccine.2013.03.048] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/22/2013] [Revised: 02/27/2013] [Accepted: 03/28/2013] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
A chimeric protein was constructed expressing three epitopes of LiD1, a dermonecrotic toxin from the venom of Loxosceles intermedia spider. This species is responsible for a large number of accidents involving spiders in Brazil. We demonstrated that the chimeric protein (rCpLi) generated is atoxic and that antibodies previously developed in rabbits against synthetic epitopes reactive with rCpLi in ELISA and immunoblot assays. The antibody response in rabbits against the rCpLi was evaluated by ELISA and we have detected an antibody response in all immunized animals. Overlapping peptides covering the amino acid sequence of the rCpLi were synthesized on a cellulose membrane, and their recognition by rabbit anti-rCpLi serum assessed. Three different antigenic regions were identified. The percentage of inhibition of the dermonecrotic, hemorrhagic and edematogenic activities caused by the recombinant protein LiD1r in naïve rabbits was assessed by pre-incubation with anti-rCpLi antibodies. Anti-rCpLi induced good dermonecrotic and hemorrhagic protection. The levels of protection were similar to the antiboides anti-LiD1r. In summary, we have developed a polyepitope recombinant chimeric protein capable of inducing multiple responses of neutralizing antibodies in a rabbit model. This engineered protein may be a promising candidate for therapeutic serum development or vaccination.
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Affiliation(s)
- T M Mendes
- Departamento de Bioquímica-Imunologia, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, CP: 486, CEP: 31270-901, Belo Horizonte, MG, Brazil
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Biochemical and immunological characteristics of Peruvian Loxosceles laeta spider venom: neutralization of its toxic effects by anti-loxoscelic antivenoms. Toxicon 2013; 70:90-7. [PMID: 23648420 DOI: 10.1016/j.toxicon.2013.04.018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/22/2012] [Revised: 04/16/2013] [Accepted: 04/18/2013] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
This manuscript describes the general biochemical properties and immunological characteristics of Peruvian spider Loxosceles laeta venom (PLlv), which is responsible for the largest number of accidents involving venomous animals in Peru. In this work, we observed that the venom of this spider is more lethal to mice when compared with L. laeta venom from Brazil (BLlv). The LD₅₀ of PLlv was 1.213 mg/kg when the venom was intradermally injected. The venom displayed sphingomyelinase activity and produced dermonecrotic, hemorrhagic and edema effects in rabbits. 2-D SDS-PAGE separation of the soluble venoms resulted in a protein profile ranging from 20 to 205 kDa. Anti-PLlv and anti-BLlv sera produced in rabbits and assayed by ELISA showed that rabbit antibodies cross-reacted with PLlv and BLlv and also with other Brazilian Loxosceles venoms. Western blotting analysis showed that bands corresponding to 25-35 kDa are the proteins best recognized in every Loxosceles spp venoms analyzed. The immunized rabbits displayed protective effect after challenge with PLlv and BLlv. In vitro assays with horse anti-loxoscelic antivenoms produced in Brazil and Peru demonstrated that these commercial antivenoms were efficient to inhibit the sphingomyelinase activity of PLlv and BLlv.
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