1
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Rodriguez Rodriguez ER, Nordvang RT, Petersson M, Rendsvig JKH, Arendrup EW, Fernández Quintero ML, Jenkins TP, Laustsen AH, Thrane SW. Fit-for-purpose heterodivalent single-domain antibody for gastrointestinal targeting of toxin B from Clostridium difficile. Protein Sci 2024; 33:e5035. [PMID: 38923049 PMCID: PMC11201815 DOI: 10.1002/pro.5035] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/11/2023] [Revised: 05/02/2024] [Accepted: 05/08/2024] [Indexed: 06/28/2024]
Abstract
Single-domain antibodies (sdAbs), such as VHHs, are increasingly being developed for gastrointestinal (GI) applications against pathogens to strengthen gut health. However, what constitutes a suitable developability profile for applying these proteins in a gastrointestinal setting remains poorly explored. Here, we describe an in vitro methodology for the identification of sdAb derivatives, more specifically divalent VHH constructs, that display extraordinary developability properties for oral delivery and functionality in the GI environment. We showcase this by developing a heterodivalent VHH construct that cross-inhibits the toxic activity of the glycosyltransferase domains (GTDs) from three different toxinotypes of cytotoxin B (TcdB) from lineages of Clostridium difficile. We show that the VHH construct possesses high stability and binding activity under gastric conditions, in the presence of bile salts, and at high temperatures. We suggest that the incorporation of early developability assessment could significantly aid in the efficient discovery of VHHs and related constructs fit for oral delivery and GI applications.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Marcus Petersson
- Bactolife A/SCopenhagen EastDenmark
- Department of Biotechnology and BiomedicineTechnical University of DenmarkLyngbyDenmark
| | | | | | | | - Timothy P. Jenkins
- Department of Biotechnology and BiomedicineTechnical University of DenmarkLyngbyDenmark
| | - Andreas H. Laustsen
- Bactolife A/SCopenhagen EastDenmark
- Department of Biotechnology and BiomedicineTechnical University of DenmarkLyngbyDenmark
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2
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Adame M, Vázquez H, Juárez-López D, Corzo G, Amezcua M, López D, González Z, Schcolnik-Cabrera A, Morales-Martínez A, Villegas E. Expression and characterization of scFv-6009FV in Pichia pastoris with improved ability to neutralize the neurotoxin Cn2 from Centruroides noxius. Int J Biol Macromol 2024; 275:133461. [PMID: 38945343 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2024.133461] [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: 05/07/2024] [Revised: 06/11/2024] [Accepted: 06/25/2024] [Indexed: 07/02/2024]
Abstract
Small single-chain variable fragments (scFv) are promising biomolecules to inhibit and neutralize toxins and to act as antivenoms. In this work, we aimed to produce a functional scFv-6009FV in the yeast Pichia pastoris, which inhibits the pure Cn2 neurotoxin and the whole venom of Centruroides noxius. We were able to achieve yields of up to 31.6 ± 2 mg/L in flasks. Furthermore, the protein showed a structure of 6.1 % α-helix, 49.1 % β-sheet, and 44.8 % of random coil by CD. Mass spectrometry confirmed the amino acid sequence and showed no glycosylation profile for this molecule. Purified scFv-6009FV allowed us to develop anti-scFvs in rabbits, which were then used in affinity columns to purify other scFvs. Determination of its half-maximal inhibitory concentration value (IC50) was 40 % better than the scFvs produced by E. coli as a control. Finally, we found that scFv-6009FV was able to inhibit ex vivo the pure Cn2 toxin and the whole venom from C. noxius in murine rescue experiments. These results demonstrated that under the conditions assayed here, P. pastoris is suited to produce scFv-6009FV that, compared to scFvs produced by E. coli, maintains the characteristics of an antibody and neutralizes the Cn2 toxin more effectively.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mariel Adame
- Departamento de Productos Naturales, Centro de Investigación en Biotecnología, Universidad Autónoma del Estado de Morelos, Cuernavaca, Morelos, México
| | - Hilda Vázquez
- Departamento de Medicina Molecular y Bioprocesos, Instituto de Biotecnología, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Cuernavaca, Morelos, México
| | - Daniel Juárez-López
- Instituto de Investigaciones Biomédicas, Posgrado en Ciencias Biológicas, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Coyoacán, Ciudad de México, México
| | - Gerardo Corzo
- Departamento de Medicina Molecular y Bioprocesos, Instituto de Biotecnología, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Cuernavaca, Morelos, México
| | - Mónica Amezcua
- Departamento de Productos Naturales, Centro de Investigación en Biotecnología, Universidad Autónoma del Estado de Morelos, Cuernavaca, Morelos, México
| | - Daniela López
- Departamento de Productos Naturales, Centro de Investigación en Biotecnología, Universidad Autónoma del Estado de Morelos, Cuernavaca, Morelos, México
| | - Zuriel González
- Departamento de Productos Naturales, Centro de Investigación en Biotecnología, Universidad Autónoma del Estado de Morelos, Cuernavaca, Morelos, México
| | | | - Adriana Morales-Martínez
- Departamento de Productos Naturales, Centro de Investigación en Biotecnología, Universidad Autónoma del Estado de Morelos, Cuernavaca, Morelos, México
| | - Elba Villegas
- Departamento de Productos Naturales, Centro de Investigación en Biotecnología, Universidad Autónoma del Estado de Morelos, Cuernavaca, Morelos, México.
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3
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Jenkins TP, Ács N, Arendrup EW, Swift A, Duzs Á, Chatzigiannidou I, Pichler M, Kittilä T, Peachey L, Gram L, Canibe N, Laustsen AH, Brix S, Thrane SW. Protecting the piglet gut microbiota against ETEC-mediated post-weaning diarrhoea using specific binding proteins. NPJ Biofilms Microbiomes 2024; 10:42. [PMID: 38697985 PMCID: PMC11066037 DOI: 10.1038/s41522-024-00514-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/14/2023] [Accepted: 04/15/2024] [Indexed: 05/05/2024] Open
Abstract
Post-weaning diarrhoea (PWD) in piglets presents a widespread problem in industrial pig production and is often caused by enterotoxigenic E. coli (ETEC) strains. Current solutions, such as antibiotics and medicinal zinc oxide, are unsustainable and are increasingly being prohibited, resulting in a dire need for novel solutions. Thus, in this study, we propose and evaluate a protein-based feed additive, comprising two bivalent heavy chain variable domain (VHH) constructs (VHH-(GGGGS)3-VHH, BL1.2 and BL2.2) as an alternative solution to manage PWD. We demonstrate in vitro that these constructs bind to ETEC toxins and fimbriae, whilst they do no affect bacterial growth rate. Furthermore, in a pig study, we show that oral administration of these constructs after ETEC challenge reduced ETEC proliferation when compared to challenged control piglets (1-2 log10 units difference in gene copies and bacterial count/g faeces across day 2-7) and resulted in week 1 enrichment of three bacterial families (Prevotellaceae (estimate: 1.12 ± 0.25, q = 0.0054), Lactobacillaceae (estimate: 2.86 ± 0.52, q = 0.0012), and Ruminococcaceae (estimate: 0.66 ± 0.18, q = 0.049)) within the gut microbiota that appeared later in challenged control piglets, thus pointing to an earlier transition towards a more mature gut microbiota. These data suggest that such VHH constructs may find utility in industrial pig production as a feed additive for tackling ETEC and reducing the risk of PWD in piglet populations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Timothy Patrick Jenkins
- Department of Biotechnology and Biomedicine, Technical University of Denmark, Kongens Lyngby, Denmark
| | - Norbert Ács
- Department of Biotechnology and Biomedicine, Technical University of Denmark, Kongens Lyngby, Denmark
| | | | - Abbie Swift
- Veterinary Sciences, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK
| | - Ágnes Duzs
- Bactolife A/S, Rønnegade 8, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Ioanna Chatzigiannidou
- Department of Biotechnology and Biomedicine, Technical University of Denmark, Kongens Lyngby, Denmark
| | - Michael Pichler
- Department of Biotechnology and Biomedicine, Technical University of Denmark, Kongens Lyngby, Denmark
| | - Tiia Kittilä
- Department of Biotechnology and Biomedicine, Technical University of Denmark, Kongens Lyngby, Denmark
| | - Laura Peachey
- Veterinary Sciences, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK
| | - Lone Gram
- Department of Biotechnology and Biomedicine, Technical University of Denmark, Kongens Lyngby, Denmark
| | - Nuria Canibe
- Department of Animal Science, Aarhus University, Tjele, Denmark
| | - Andreas Hougaard Laustsen
- Department of Biotechnology and Biomedicine, Technical University of Denmark, Kongens Lyngby, Denmark.
- Bactolife A/S, Rønnegade 8, Copenhagen, Denmark.
| | - Susanne Brix
- Department of Biotechnology and Biomedicine, Technical University of Denmark, Kongens Lyngby, Denmark.
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4
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Rivera‐de‐Torre E, Lampadariou S, Møiniche M, Bohn MF, Kazemi SM, Laustsen AH. Discovery of broadly-neutralizing antibodies against brown recluse spider and Gadim scorpion sphingomyelinases using consensus toxins as antigens. Protein Sci 2024; 33:e4901. [PMID: 38358130 PMCID: PMC10868436 DOI: 10.1002/pro.4901] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/19/2023] [Revised: 01/01/2024] [Accepted: 01/03/2024] [Indexed: 02/16/2024]
Abstract
Broadly-neutralizing monoclonal antibodies are becoming increasingly important tools for treating infectious diseases and animal envenomings. However, designing and developing broadly-neutralizing antibodies can be cumbersome using traditional low-throughput iterative protein engineering methods. Here, we present a new high-throughput approach for the standardized discovery of broadly-neutralizing monoclonal antibodies relying on phage display technology and consensus antigens representing average sequences of related proteins. We showcase the utility of this approach by applying it to toxic sphingomyelinases from the venoms of species from very distant orders of the animal kingdom, the recluse spider and Gadim scorpion. First, we designed a consensus sphingomyelinase and performed three rounds of phage display selection, followed by DELFIA-based screening and ranking, and benchmarked this to a similar campaign involving cross-panning against recombinant versions of the native toxins. Second, we identified two scFvs that not only bind the consensus toxins, but which can also neutralize sphingomyelinase activity of native whole venom in vitro. Finally, we conclude that the phage display campaign involving the use of the consensus toxin was more successful in yielding cross-neutralizing scFvs than the phage display campaign involving cross-panning.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Stefanos Lampadariou
- Department of Biotechnology and BiomedicineTechnical University of DenmarkKongens LyngbyDenmark
| | - Mark Møiniche
- Department of Biotechnology and BiomedicineTechnical University of DenmarkKongens LyngbyDenmark
| | - Markus F. Bohn
- Department of Biotechnology and BiomedicineTechnical University of DenmarkKongens LyngbyDenmark
| | | | - Andreas H. Laustsen
- Department of Biotechnology and BiomedicineTechnical University of DenmarkKongens LyngbyDenmark
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5
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Pucca MB, Camphora AL. The potential risks of equine serum therapy in transmitting new infectious diseases: lessons from a post-pandemic era. Front Public Health 2024; 12:1366929. [PMID: 38420034 PMCID: PMC10899399 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2024.1366929] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/07/2024] [Accepted: 02/05/2024] [Indexed: 03/02/2024] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Manuela B. Pucca
- Department of Clinical Analysis, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, São Paulo State University (UNESP), Campus Araraquara, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Ana Lucia Camphora
- Independent Researcher on Intersections of Modern and Contemporary Equine Cultures, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
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6
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Sørensen CV, Fernández J, Adams AC, Wildenauer HHK, Schoffelen S, Ledsgaard L, Pucca MB, Fiebig M, Cerni FA, Tulika T, Voldborg BG, Karatt-Vellatt A, Morth JP, Ljungars A, Grav LM, Lomonte B, Laustsen AH. Antibody-dependent enhancement of toxicity of myotoxin II from Bothrops asper. Nat Commun 2024; 15:173. [PMID: 38228619 PMCID: PMC10791742 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-023-42624-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/13/2023] [Accepted: 10/17/2023] [Indexed: 01/18/2024] Open
Abstract
Improved therapies are needed against snakebite envenoming, which kills and permanently disables thousands of people each year. Recently developed neutralizing monoclonal antibodies against several snake toxins have shown promise in preclinical rodent models. Here, we use phage display technology to discover a human monoclonal antibody and show that this antibody causes antibody-dependent enhancement of toxicity (ADET) of myotoxin II from the venomous pit viper, Bothrops asper, in a mouse model of envenoming that mimics a snakebite. While clinical ADET related to snake venom has not yet been reported in humans, this report of ADET of a toxin from the animal kingdom highlights the necessity of assessing even well-known antibody formats in representative preclinical models to evaluate their therapeutic utility against toxins or venoms. This is essential to avoid potential deleterious effects as exemplified in the present study.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christoffer V Sørensen
- Department of Biotechnology and Biomedicine, Technical University of Denmark, DK-2800, Kongens Lyngby, Denmark
| | - Julián Fernández
- Instituto Clodomiro Picado, Facultad de Microbiologia, Universidad de Costa Rica, San Jose, Costa Rica
| | - Anna Christina Adams
- The Novo Nordisk Foundation Center for Biosustainability, Technical University of Denmark, DK-2800, Kongens Lyngby, Denmark
| | - Helen H K Wildenauer
- Department of Biotechnology and Biomedicine, Technical University of Denmark, DK-2800, Kongens Lyngby, Denmark
| | - Sanne Schoffelen
- Department of Biotechnology and Biomedicine, Technical University of Denmark, DK-2800, Kongens Lyngby, Denmark
| | - Line Ledsgaard
- Department of Biotechnology and Biomedicine, Technical University of Denmark, DK-2800, Kongens Lyngby, Denmark
| | - Manuela B Pucca
- Medical School, Federal University of Roraima, Boa Vista, BR-69310-000, Brazil
| | - Michael Fiebig
- Absolute Antibody Ltd, Wilton Centre, Redcar, Cleveland, TS10 4RF, UK
| | - Felipe A Cerni
- Postgraduate Program in Tropical Medicine, University of the State of Amazonas, Manaus, BR-69040-000, Brazil
| | - Tulika Tulika
- Department of Biotechnology and Biomedicine, Technical University of Denmark, DK-2800, Kongens Lyngby, Denmark
| | - Bjørn G Voldborg
- Department of Biotechnology and Biomedicine, Technical University of Denmark, DK-2800, Kongens Lyngby, Denmark
| | | | - J Preben Morth
- Department of Biotechnology and Biomedicine, Technical University of Denmark, DK-2800, Kongens Lyngby, Denmark
| | - Anne Ljungars
- Department of Biotechnology and Biomedicine, Technical University of Denmark, DK-2800, Kongens Lyngby, Denmark
| | - Lise M Grav
- Department of Biotechnology and Biomedicine, Technical University of Denmark, DK-2800, Kongens Lyngby, Denmark
| | - Bruno Lomonte
- Instituto Clodomiro Picado, Facultad de Microbiologia, Universidad de Costa Rica, San Jose, Costa Rica.
| | - Andreas H Laustsen
- Department of Biotechnology and Biomedicine, Technical University of Denmark, DK-2800, Kongens Lyngby, Denmark.
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7
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Kumar A, Madni ZK, Chaturvedi S, Salunke DM. Recombinant human scFv antibody fragments against phospholipase A2 from Naja naja and Echis carinatus snake venoms: In vivo neutralization and mechanistic insights. Mol Immunol 2024; 165:55-67. [PMID: 38154407 DOI: 10.1016/j.molimm.2023.12.006] [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: 08/03/2023] [Revised: 11/07/2023] [Accepted: 12/17/2023] [Indexed: 12/30/2023]
Abstract
Snake envenomation results in a range of clinical sequelae, and widely used animal-based conventional antivenoms exhibit several limitations including the adverse immunological effects in human snake bite victims. Therefore, human monoclonal anti-snake venom antibodies or fragments can be an alternate therapy for overcoming the existing limitations. We developed venom-neutralizing humanized scFv antibodies and analyzed biochemical mechanisms associated with the inhibition of toxicity. Tomlinson I and J human scFv antibody libraries were screened against Naja naja and Echis carinatus venoms, and seven unique scFv antibodies were obtained. Further, specific toxins of snake venom interacting with each of these scFvs were identified, and phospholipase A2 (PLA2) was found to be prominently captured by the phage-anchored scFv antibodies. Our study indicated PLA2 to be one of the abundant toxins in Naja naja and Echis carinatus venom samples. The scFvs binding to PLA2 were used to perform in vivo survival assay using the mouse model and in vitro toxin inhibition assays. scFv N194, which binds to acidic PLA2, protected 50% of mice treated with Naja naja venom. Significant prolongation of survival time and 16% survival were observed in Echis carinatus venom-challenged mice treated with scFv E113 and scFv E10, respectively. However, a combination comprised of an equal amount of two scFvs, E113 and E10, both interacting with basic PLA2, exhibited synergistically enhanced survival of 33% in Echis carinatus venom-challenged mice. No such synergistically enhanced survival was observed in the case of combinatorial treatment with anti-Naja naja scFvs, N194, and N248. These scFvs demonstrated partial inhibition of venom-induced myotoxicity, and E113 also inhibited hemolysis by 50%, which corroborates the enhanced survival during combinatorial treatment in Echis carinatus venom-challenged mice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amit Kumar
- International Centre for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology, Aruna Asaf Ali Marg, New Delhi 110067, India
| | - Zaid Kamal Madni
- International Centre for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology, Aruna Asaf Ali Marg, New Delhi 110067, India
| | - Shivam Chaturvedi
- International Centre for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology, Aruna Asaf Ali Marg, New Delhi 110067, India
| | - Dinakar M Salunke
- International Centre for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology, Aruna Asaf Ali Marg, New Delhi 110067, India.
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8
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Thumtecho S, Burlet NJ, Ljungars A, Laustsen AH. Towards better antivenoms: navigating the road to new types of snakebite envenoming therapies. J Venom Anim Toxins Incl Trop Dis 2023; 29:e20230057. [PMID: 38116472 PMCID: PMC10729942 DOI: 10.1590/1678-9199-jvatitd-2023-0057] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/16/2023] [Accepted: 12/01/2023] [Indexed: 12/21/2023] Open
Abstract
Snakebite envenoming is a significant global health challenge, and for over a century, traditional plasma-derived antivenoms from hyperimmunized animals have been the primary treatment against this infliction. However, these antivenoms have several inherent limitations, including the risk of causing adverse reactions when administered to patients, batch-to-batch variation, and high production costs. To address these issues and improve treatment outcomes, the development of new types of antivenoms is crucial. During this development, key aspects such as improved clinical efficacy, enhanced safety profiles, and greater affordability should be in focus. To achieve these goals, modern biotechnological methods can be applied to the discovery and development of therapeutic agents that can neutralize medically important toxins from multiple snake species. This review highlights some of these agents, including monoclonal antibodies, nanobodies, and selected small molecules, that can achieve broad toxin neutralization, have favorable safety profiles, and can be produced on a large scale with standardized manufacturing processes. Considering the inherent strengths and limitations related to the pharmacokinetics of these different agents, a combination of them might be beneficial in the development of new types of antivenom products with improved therapeutic properties. While the implementation of new therapies requires time, it is foreseeable that the application of biotechnological advancements represents a promising trajectory toward the development of improved therapies for snakebite envenoming. As research and development continue to advance, these new products could emerge as the mainstay treatment in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Suthimon Thumtecho
- Division of Toxicology, Department of Medicine, Chulalongkorn University, King Chulalongkorn Memorial Hospital, the Thai Red Cross Society, Bangkok, Thailand
- Department of Biotechnology and Biomedicine, Technical University of Denmark, Kongens Lyngby, Denmark
| | - Nick J. Burlet
- Department of Biotechnology and Biomedicine, Technical University of Denmark, Kongens Lyngby, Denmark
| | - Anne Ljungars
- Department of Biotechnology and Biomedicine, Technical University of Denmark, Kongens Lyngby, Denmark
| | - Andreas H. Laustsen
- Department of Biotechnology and Biomedicine, Technical University of Denmark, Kongens Lyngby, Denmark
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9
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Sørensen CV, Almeida JR, Bohn MF, Rivera-de-Torre E, Schoffelen S, Voldborg BG, Ljungars A, Vaiyapuri S, Laustsen AH. Discovery of a human monoclonal antibody that cross-neutralizes venom phospholipase A 2s from three different snake genera. Toxicon 2023; 234:107307. [PMID: 37783315 DOI: 10.1016/j.toxicon.2023.107307] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/03/2023] [Revised: 09/29/2023] [Accepted: 09/29/2023] [Indexed: 10/04/2023]
Abstract
Despite the considerable global impact of snakebite envenoming, available treatments remain suboptimal. Here, we report the discovery of a broadly-neutralizing human monoclonal antibody, using a phage display-based cross-panning strategy, capable of reducing the cytotoxic effects of venom phospholipase A2s from three different snake genera from different continents. This highlights the potential of utilizing monoclonal antibodies to develop more effective, safer, and globally accessible polyvalent antivenoms that can be widely used to treat snakebite envenoming.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christoffer V Sørensen
- Department of Biotechnology and Biomedicine, Technical University of Denmark, DK-2800, Kongens Lyngby, Denmark.
| | - José R Almeida
- School of Pharmacy, University of Reading, Reading, RG6 6UB, United Kingdom
| | - Markus-Frederik Bohn
- Department of Biotechnology and Biomedicine, Technical University of Denmark, DK-2800, Kongens Lyngby, Denmark
| | - Esperanza Rivera-de-Torre
- Department of Biotechnology and Biomedicine, Technical University of Denmark, DK-2800, Kongens Lyngby, Denmark
| | - Sanne Schoffelen
- Department of Biotechnology and Biomedicine, Technical University of Denmark, DK-2800, Kongens Lyngby, Denmark
| | - Bjørn G Voldborg
- Department of Biotechnology and Biomedicine, Technical University of Denmark, DK-2800, Kongens Lyngby, Denmark
| | - Anne Ljungars
- Department of Biotechnology and Biomedicine, Technical University of Denmark, DK-2800, Kongens Lyngby, Denmark
| | - Sakthivel Vaiyapuri
- School of Pharmacy, University of Reading, Reading, RG6 6UB, United Kingdom.
| | - Andreas H Laustsen
- Department of Biotechnology and Biomedicine, Technical University of Denmark, DK-2800, Kongens Lyngby, Denmark.
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10
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Vanuopadath M, Rajan K, Alangode A, Nair SS, Nair BG. The Need for Next-Generation Antivenom for Snakebite Envenomation in India. Toxins (Basel) 2023; 15:510. [PMID: 37624267 PMCID: PMC10467155 DOI: 10.3390/toxins15080510] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/20/2023] [Revised: 07/05/2023] [Accepted: 07/11/2023] [Indexed: 08/26/2023] Open
Abstract
The limitations posed by currently available antivenoms have emphasized the need for alternative treatments to counteract snakebite envenomation. Even though exact epidemiological data are lacking, reports have indicated that most global snakebite deaths are reported in India. Among the many problems associated with snakebite envenomation, issues related to the availability of safer and more efficient antivenoms are of primary concern. Since India has the highest number of global snakebite deaths, efforts should be made to reduce the burden associated with snakebite envenoming. Alternative methods, including aptamers, camel antivenoms, phage display techniques for generating high-affinity antibodies and antibody fragments, small-molecule inhibitors, and natural products, are currently being investigated for their effectiveness. These alternative methods have shown promise in vitro, but their in vivo effectiveness should also be evaluated. In this review, the issues associated with Indian polyvalent antivenoms in neutralizing venom components from geographically distant species are discussed in detail. In a nutshell, this review gives an overview of the current drawbacks of using animal-derived antivenoms and several alternative strategies that are currently being widely explored.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | - Bipin Gopalakrishnan Nair
- School of Biotechnology, Amrita Vishwa Vidyapeetham, Kollam 690 525, Kerala, India; (M.V.); (K.R.); (A.A.); (S.S.N.)
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11
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Moore CM, Ljungars A, Paul MJ, Dahl CH, Ahmadi S, Adams AC, Grav LM, Schoffelen S, Voldborg BG, Laustsen AH, Ma JKC. Characterisation of two snake toxin-targeting human monoclonal immunoglobulin G antibodies expressed in tobacco plants. Toxicon 2023:107225. [PMID: 37442299 DOI: 10.1016/j.toxicon.2023.107225] [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: 05/04/2023] [Revised: 07/06/2023] [Accepted: 07/10/2023] [Indexed: 07/15/2023]
Abstract
Current snakebite antivenoms are based on polyclonal animal-derived antibodies, which can neutralize snake venom toxins in envenomed victims, but which are also associated with adverse reactions. Therefore, several efforts within antivenom research aim to explore the utility of recombinant monoclonal antibodies, such as human immunoglobulin G (IgG) antibodies, which are routinely used in the clinic for other indications. In this study, the feasibility of using tobacco plants as bioreactors for expressing full-length human monoclonal IgG antibodies against snake toxins was investigated. We show that the plant-produced antibodies perform similarly to their mammalian cell-expressed equivalents in terms of in vitro binding. Complete neutralization was achieved by both the plant and mammalian cell-produced anti-α-cobratoxin antibody. The feasibility of using plant-based expression systems may potentially make it easier for laboratories in resource-poor settings to work with human monoclonal IgG antibodies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Catherine M Moore
- School of Life Sciences, College of Liberal Arts and Sciences, University of Westminster, London, W1W 6UW, United Kingdom.
| | - Anne Ljungars
- Department of Biotechnology and Biomedicine, Technical University of Denmark, Kongens Lyngby, Denmark
| | - Matthew J Paul
- Hotung Molecular Immunology Unit, Institute for Infection & Immunity, St George's University of London, Cranmer Terrace, London, SW17 0RE, United Kingdom
| | - Camilla Holst Dahl
- Department of Biotechnology and Biomedicine, Technical University of Denmark, Kongens Lyngby, Denmark
| | - Shirin Ahmadi
- Department of Biotechnology and Biomedicine, Technical University of Denmark, Kongens Lyngby, Denmark
| | - Anna Christina Adams
- Department of Biotechnology and Biomedicine, Technical University of Denmark, Kongens Lyngby, Denmark
| | - Lise Marie Grav
- Department of Biotechnology and Biomedicine, Technical University of Denmark, Kongens Lyngby, Denmark
| | - Sanne Schoffelen
- Department of Biotechnology and Biomedicine, Technical University of Denmark, Kongens Lyngby, Denmark
| | - Bjørn Gunnar Voldborg
- Department of Biotechnology and Biomedicine, Technical University of Denmark, Kongens Lyngby, Denmark
| | - Andreas Hougaard Laustsen
- Department of Biotechnology and Biomedicine, Technical University of Denmark, Kongens Lyngby, Denmark.
| | - Julian K-C Ma
- Hotung Molecular Immunology Unit, Institute for Infection & Immunity, St George's University of London, Cranmer Terrace, London, SW17 0RE, United Kingdom
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12
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Sørensen CV, Ledsgaard L, Wildenauer HHK, Dahl CH, Ebersole TW, Bohn MF, Ljungars A, Jenkins TP, Laustsen AH. Cross-reactivity trends when selecting scFv antibodies against snake toxins using a phage display-based cross-panning strategy. Sci Rep 2023; 13:10181. [PMID: 37349546 PMCID: PMC10287648 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-37056-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/09/2023] [Accepted: 06/15/2023] [Indexed: 06/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Antibodies with cross-reactive binding and broad toxin-neutralizing capabilities are advantageous for treating indications such as infectious diseases and animal envenomings. Such antibodies have been successfully selected against closely related antigens using phage display technology. However, the mechanisms driving antibody cross-reactivity typically remain to be elucidated. Therefore, we sought to explore how a previously reported phage display-based cross-panning strategy drives the selection of cross-reactive antibodies using seven different snake toxins belonging to three protein (sub-)families: phospholipases A2, long-chain α-neurotoxins, and short-chain α-neurotoxins. We showcase how cross-panning can increase the chances of discovering cross-reactive single-chain variable fragments (scFvs) from phage display campaigns. Further, we find that the feasibility of discovering cross-reactive antibodies using cross-panning cannot easily be predicted by analyzing the sequence, structural, or surface similarity of the antigens alone. However, when antigens share the (exact) same functions, this seems to increase the chances of selecting cross-reactive antibodies, which may possibly be due to the existence of structurally similar motifs on the antigens.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christoffer V Sørensen
- Department of Biotechnology and Biomedicine, Technical University of Denmark, 2800, Kongens Lyngby, Denmark.
| | - Line Ledsgaard
- Department of Biotechnology and Biomedicine, Technical University of Denmark, 2800, Kongens Lyngby, Denmark
| | - Helen H K Wildenauer
- Department of Biotechnology and Biomedicine, Technical University of Denmark, 2800, Kongens Lyngby, Denmark
| | - Camilla H Dahl
- Department of Biotechnology and Biomedicine, Technical University of Denmark, 2800, Kongens Lyngby, Denmark
| | - Tasja W Ebersole
- Department of Biotechnology and Biomedicine, Technical University of Denmark, 2800, Kongens Lyngby, Denmark
| | - Markus-Frederik Bohn
- Department of Biotechnology and Biomedicine, Technical University of Denmark, 2800, Kongens Lyngby, Denmark
| | - Anne Ljungars
- Department of Biotechnology and Biomedicine, Technical University of Denmark, 2800, Kongens Lyngby, Denmark
| | - Timothy P Jenkins
- Department of Biotechnology and Biomedicine, Technical University of Denmark, 2800, Kongens Lyngby, Denmark
| | - Andreas H Laustsen
- Department of Biotechnology and Biomedicine, Technical University of Denmark, 2800, Kongens Lyngby, Denmark.
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13
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Rimbault C, Knudsen PD, Damsbo A, Boddum K, Ali H, Hackney CM, Ellgaard L, Bohn MF, Laustsen AH. A single-chain variable fragment selected against a conformational epitope of a recombinantly produced snake toxin using phage display. N Biotechnol 2023; 76:23-32. [PMID: 37037303 DOI: 10.1016/j.nbt.2023.04.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/26/2022] [Revised: 03/29/2023] [Accepted: 04/07/2023] [Indexed: 04/12/2023]
Abstract
Phage display technology is a powerful tool for selecting monoclonal antibodies against a diverse set of antigens. Within toxinology, however, it remains challenging to generate monoclonal antibodies against many animal toxins, as they are difficult to obtain from venom. Recombinant toxins have been proposed as a solution to overcome this challenge, but so far, few have been used as antigens to generate neutralizing antibodies. Here, we describe the recombinant expression of α-cobratoxin in E. coli and its successful application as an antigen in a phage display selection campaign. From this campaign, an scFv (single chain variable fragment) was isolated with similar binding affinity to a control scFv generated against the native toxin. The selected scFv recognizes a structural epitope, enabling it to inhibit the interaction between the acetylcholine receptor and the native toxin in vitro. This approach represents the first entirely in vitro antibody selection strategy for generating neutralizing monoclonal antibodies against a snake toxin.
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Affiliation(s)
- Charlotte Rimbault
- Department of Biotechnology and Biomedicine, Technical University of Denmark, DK-2800 Kongens Lyngby, Denmark
| | - Pelle D Knudsen
- Department of Biotechnology and Biomedicine, Technical University of Denmark, DK-2800 Kongens Lyngby, Denmark
| | - Anna Damsbo
- Department of Biotechnology and Biomedicine, Technical University of Denmark, DK-2800 Kongens Lyngby, Denmark
| | - Kim Boddum
- Sophion Bioscience A/S, DK-2750 Ballerup, Denmark
| | - Hanif Ali
- Quadrucept Bio Ltd, Kemp House, 152 City Road, London, EC1V 2NX, United Kingdom
| | - Celeste M Hackney
- Department of Biology, Linderstrøm-Lang Centre for Protein Science, University of Copenhagen, DK-2200 Copenhagen N, Denmark
| | - Lars Ellgaard
- Department of Biology, Linderstrøm-Lang Centre for Protein Science, University of Copenhagen, DK-2200 Copenhagen N, Denmark
| | - Markus-Frederik Bohn
- Department of Biotechnology and Biomedicine, Technical University of Denmark, DK-2800 Kongens Lyngby, Denmark
| | - Andreas H Laustsen
- Department of Biotechnology and Biomedicine, Technical University of Denmark, DK-2800 Kongens Lyngby, Denmark.
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14
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Romero-Moreno JA, Serrano-Posada H, Olamendi-Portugal T, Possani LD, Becerril B, Riaño-Umbarila L. Development of a human antibody fragment cross-neutralizing scorpion toxins. Mol Immunol 2023; 155:165-174. [PMID: 36812764 DOI: 10.1016/j.molimm.2023.02.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/18/2022] [Revised: 02/07/2023] [Accepted: 02/15/2023] [Indexed: 02/22/2023]
Abstract
Previously, it was demonstrated that from the single chain fragment variable (scFv) 3F it is possible to generate variants capable of neutralizing the Cn2 and Css2 toxins, as well as their respective venoms (Centruroides noxius and Centruroides suffusus). Despite this success, it has not been easy to modify the recognition of this family of scFvs toward other dangerous scorpion toxins. The analysis of toxin-scFv interactions and in vitro maturation strategies allowed us to propose a new maturation pathway for scFv 3F to broaden recognition toward other Mexican scorpion toxins. From maturation processes against toxins CeII9 from C. elegans and Ct1a from C. tecomanus, the scFv RAS27 was developed. This scFv showed an increased affinity and cross-reactivity for at least 9 different toxins while maintaining recognition for its original target, the Cn2 toxin. In addition, it was confirmed that it can neutralize at least three different toxins. These results constitute an important advance since it was possible to improve the cross-reactivity and neutralizing capacity of the scFv 3F family of antibodies.
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Affiliation(s)
- José Alberto Romero-Moreno
- Departamento de Medicina Molecular y Bioprocesos, Instituto de Biotecnología, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Apartado Postal 510-3, Cuernavaca 62250, Mexico
| | - Hugo Serrano-Posada
- Investigador por México, CONACyT-Laboratorio de Biología Sintética, Estructural y Molecular, Laboratorio de Agrobiotecnología, Tecnoparque CLQ, Universidad de Colima, Carretera Los Limones-Loma de Juárez, Colima 28627, Mexico
| | - Timoteo Olamendi-Portugal
- Departamento de Medicina Molecular y Bioprocesos, Instituto de Biotecnología, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Apartado Postal 510-3, Cuernavaca 62250, Mexico
| | - Lourival D Possani
- Departamento de Medicina Molecular y Bioprocesos, Instituto de Biotecnología, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Apartado Postal 510-3, Cuernavaca 62250, Mexico
| | - Baltazar Becerril
- Departamento de Medicina Molecular y Bioprocesos, Instituto de Biotecnología, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Apartado Postal 510-3, Cuernavaca 62250, Mexico.
| | - Lidia Riaño-Umbarila
- Investigadora por México, CONACyT-Instituto de Biotecnología, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Apartado Postal 510-3, Cuernavaca 62250, Mexico.
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15
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The secretory phenotypes of envenomed cells: Insights into venom cytotoxicity. ADVANCES IN PROTEIN CHEMISTRY AND STRUCTURAL BIOLOGY 2023; 133:193-230. [PMID: 36707202 DOI: 10.1016/bs.apcsb.2022.08.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
Snake envenomation is listed as Category A Neglected Tropical Diseases (NTD) by World Health Organization, indicates a severe public health problem. The global figures for envenomation cases are estimated to be more than 1.8 million annually. Even if the affected victims survive the envenomation, they might suffer from permanent morbidity due to local envenomation. One of the most prominent local envenomation is dermonecrosis. Dermonecrosis is a pathophysiological outcome of envenomation that often causes disability in the victims due to surgical amputations, deformities, contracture, and chronic ulceration. The key venom toxins associated with this local symptom are mainly attributed to substantial levels of enzymatic and non-enzymatic toxins as well as their possible synergistic actions. Despite so, the severity of the local tissue damage is based on macroscopic observation of the bite areas. Furthermore, limited knowledge is known about the key biomarkers involved in the pathogenesis of dermonecrosis. The current immunotherapy with antivenom is also ineffective against dermonecrosis. These local effects eventually end up as sequelae. There is also a global shortage of toxins-targeted therapeutics attributed to inadequate knowledge of the actual molecular mechanisms of cytotoxicity. This chapter discusses the characterization of secretory phenotypes of dermonecrosis as an advanced tool to indicate its severity and pathogenesis in envenomation. Altogether, the secretory phenotypes of envenomed cells and tissues represent the precise characteristics of dermonecrosis caused by venom toxins.
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16
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Ljungars A, Laustsen AH. Neutralization capacity of recombinant antivenoms based on monoclonal antibodies and nanobodies. Toxicon 2023; 222:106991. [PMID: 36481349 DOI: 10.1016/j.toxicon.2022.106991] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/24/2022] [Revised: 11/29/2022] [Accepted: 12/01/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Anne Ljungars
- Department of Biotechnology and Biomedicine, Technical University of Denmark, DK-2800 Kongens Lyngby, Denmark
| | - Andreas H Laustsen
- Department of Biotechnology and Biomedicine, Technical University of Denmark, DK-2800 Kongens Lyngby, Denmark.
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17
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Ledsgaard L, Ljungars A, Rimbault C, Sørensen CV, Tulika T, Wade J, Wouters Y, McCafferty J, Laustsen AH. Advances in antibody phage display technology. Drug Discov Today 2022; 27:2151-2169. [PMID: 35550436 DOI: 10.1016/j.drudis.2022.05.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 56] [Impact Index Per Article: 28.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/14/2022] [Revised: 03/24/2022] [Accepted: 05/04/2022] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
Abstract
Phage display technology can be used for the discovery of antibodies for research, diagnostic, and therapeutic purposes. In this review, we present and discuss key parameters that can be optimized when performing phage display selection campaigns, including the use of different antibody formats and advanced strategies for antigen presentation, such as immobilization, liposomes, nanodiscs, virus-like particles, and whole cells. Furthermore, we provide insights into selection strategies that can be used for the discovery of antibodies with complex binding requirements, such as targeting a specific epitope, cross-reactivity, or pH-dependent binding. Lastly, we provide a description of specialized phage display libraries for the discovery of bispecific antibodies and pH-sensitive antibodies. Together, these methods can be used to improve antibody discovery campaigns against all types of antigen. Teaser: This review provides an overview of the different strategies that can be exploited to improve the success rate of antibody phage display discovery campaigns, addressing key parameters, such as antigen presentation, selection methodologies, and specialized libraries.
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Affiliation(s)
- Line Ledsgaard
- Department of Biotechnology and Biomedicine, Technical University of Denmark, DK-2800 Kongens Lyngby, Denmark.
| | - Anne Ljungars
- Department of Biotechnology and Biomedicine, Technical University of Denmark, DK-2800 Kongens Lyngby, Denmark
| | - Charlotte Rimbault
- Department of Biotechnology and Biomedicine, Technical University of Denmark, DK-2800 Kongens Lyngby, Denmark
| | - Christoffer V Sørensen
- Department of Biotechnology and Biomedicine, Technical University of Denmark, DK-2800 Kongens Lyngby, Denmark
| | - Tulika Tulika
- Department of Biotechnology and Biomedicine, Technical University of Denmark, DK-2800 Kongens Lyngby, Denmark
| | - Jack Wade
- Department of Biotechnology and Biomedicine, Technical University of Denmark, DK-2800 Kongens Lyngby, Denmark
| | - Yessica Wouters
- Department of Biotechnology and Biomedicine, Technical University of Denmark, DK-2800 Kongens Lyngby, Denmark
| | - John McCafferty
- Department of Medicine, Addenbrookes Hospital, Box 157, Hills Road, Cambridge, CB2 0QQ, UK; Department of Medicine, Cambridge Institute of Therapeutic Immunology and Infectious Disease, University of Cambridge, Addenbrooke's Hospital, Hills Road, Cambridge, CB2 0QQ, UK
| | - Andreas H Laustsen
- Department of Biotechnology and Biomedicine, Technical University of Denmark, DK-2800 Kongens Lyngby, Denmark.
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18
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Martos-Esteban A, Macleod OJS, Maudlin I, Kalogeropoulos K, Jürgensen JA, Carrington M, Laustsen AH. Black-necked spitting cobra (Naja nigricollis) phospholipases A2 may cause Trypanosoma brucei death by blocking endocytosis through the flagellar pocket. Sci Rep 2022; 12:6394. [PMID: 35430620 PMCID: PMC9013370 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-022-10091-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/12/2021] [Accepted: 03/25/2022] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
AbstractAfrican trypanosomes, such as Trypanosoma brucei, are flagellated protozoa which proliferate in mammals and cause a variety of diseases in people and animals. In a mammalian host, the external face of the African trypanosome plasma membrane is covered by a densely packed coat formed of variant surface glycoprotein (VSG), which counteracts the host's adaptive immune response by antigenic variation. The VSG is attached to the external face of the plasma membrane by covalent attachment of the C-terminus to glycosylphosphatidylinositol. As the trypanosome grows, newly synthesised VSG is added to the plasma membrane by vesicle fusion to the flagellar pocket, the sole location of exo- and endocytosis. Snake venoms contain dozens of components, including proteases and phospholipases A2. Here, we investigated the effect of Naja nigricollis venom on T. brucei with the aim of describing the response of the trypanosome to hydrolytic attack on the VSG. We found no evidence for VSG hydrolysis, however, N. nigricollis venom caused: (i) an enlargement of the flagellar pocket, (ii) the Rab11 positive endosomal compartments to adopt an abnormal dispersed localisation, and (iii) cell cycle arrest prior to cytokinesis. Our results indicate that a single protein family, the phospholipases A2 present in N. nigricollis venom, may be necessary and sufficient for the effects. This study provides new molecular insight into T. brucei biology and possibly describes mechanisms that could be exploited for T. brucei targeting.
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19
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Fiil BK, Thrane SW, Pichler M, Kittilä T, Ledsgaard L, Ahmadi S, Maigaard Hermansen GM, Jelsbak L, Lauridsen C, Brix S, Laustsen AH. Orally-active bivalent VHH construct prevents proliferation of F4+ enterotoxigenic Escherichia coli in weaned piglets. iScience 2022; 25:104003. [PMID: 35310945 PMCID: PMC8931358 DOI: 10.1016/j.isci.2022.104003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/24/2021] [Revised: 12/21/2021] [Accepted: 02/25/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
A major challenge in industrial pig production is the prevalence of post-weaning diarrhea (PWD) in piglets, often caused by enterotoxigenic Escherichia coli (ETEC). The increased use of antibiotics and zinc oxide to treat PWD has raised global concerns regarding antimicrobial resistance development and environmental pollution. Still, alternative treatments targeting ETEC and counteracting PWD are largely lacking. Here, we report the design of a pH, temperature, and protease-stable bivalent VHH-based protein BL1.2 that cross-links a F4+ ETEC model strain by selectively binding to its fimbriae. This protein inhibits F4+ ETEC adhesion to porcine epithelial cells ex vivo and decreases F4+ ETEC proliferation when administrated as a feed additive to weaned F4+ ETEC challenged piglets. These findings highlight the potential of a highly specific bivalent VHH-based feed additive in effectively delimiting pathogenic F4+ ETEC bacteria proliferation in piglets and may represent a sustainable solution for managing PWD while circumventing antimicrobial resistance development. A binding protein was designed as a bivalent VHH construct with a (GGGGS)3 linker The protein can cross-link F4+ enterotoxigenic Escherichia coli (ETEC) in vitro The protein can prevent adhesion of F4+ ETEC to porcine epithelial cells ex vivo The protein can prevent proliferation of F4+ ETEC in piglets
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20
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Rivera-de-Torre E, Rimbault C, Jenkins TP, Sørensen CV, Damsbo A, Saez NJ, Duhoo Y, Hackney CM, Ellgaard L, Laustsen AH. Strategies for Heterologous Expression, Synthesis, and Purification of Animal Venom Toxins. Front Bioeng Biotechnol 2022; 9:811905. [PMID: 35127675 PMCID: PMC8811309 DOI: 10.3389/fbioe.2021.811905] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/09/2021] [Accepted: 12/24/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Animal venoms are complex mixtures containing peptides and proteins known as toxins, which are responsible for the deleterious effect of envenomations. Across the animal Kingdom, toxin diversity is enormous, and the ability to understand the biochemical mechanisms governing toxicity is not only relevant for the development of better envenomation therapies, but also for exploiting toxin bioactivities for therapeutic or biotechnological purposes. Most of toxinology research has relied on obtaining the toxins from crude venoms; however, some toxins are difficult to obtain because the venomous animal is endangered, does not thrive in captivity, produces only a small amount of venom, is difficult to milk, or only produces low amounts of the toxin of interest. Heterologous expression of toxins enables the production of sufficient amounts to unlock the biotechnological potential of these bioactive proteins. Moreover, heterologous expression ensures homogeneity, avoids cross-contamination with other venom components, and circumvents the use of crude venom. Heterologous expression is also not only restricted to natural toxins, but allows for the design of toxins with special properties or can take advantage of the increasing amount of transcriptomics and genomics data, enabling the expression of dormant toxin genes. The main challenge when producing toxins is obtaining properly folded proteins with a correct disulfide pattern that ensures the activity of the toxin of interest. This review presents the strategies that can be used to express toxins in bacteria, yeast, insect cells, or mammalian cells, as well as synthetic approaches that do not involve cells, such as cell-free biosynthesis and peptide synthesis. This is accompanied by an overview of the main advantages and drawbacks of these different systems for producing toxins, as well as a discussion of the biosafety considerations that need to be made when working with highly bioactive proteins.
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Affiliation(s)
- Esperanza Rivera-de-Torre
- Department of Biotechnology and Biomedicine, Technical University of Denmark, Kongens Lyngby, Denmark
- *Correspondence: Esperanza Rivera-de-Torre, ; Andreas H. Laustsen,
| | - Charlotte Rimbault
- Department of Biotechnology and Biomedicine, Technical University of Denmark, Kongens Lyngby, Denmark
| | - Timothy P. Jenkins
- Department of Biotechnology and Biomedicine, Technical University of Denmark, Kongens Lyngby, Denmark
| | - Christoffer V. Sørensen
- Department of Biotechnology and Biomedicine, Technical University of Denmark, Kongens Lyngby, Denmark
| | - Anna Damsbo
- Department of Biotechnology and Biomedicine, Technical University of Denmark, Kongens Lyngby, Denmark
| | - Natalie J. Saez
- Institute for Molecular Bioscience, The University of Queensland, St Lucia, QLD, Australia
| | - Yoan Duhoo
- Institute for Molecular Bioscience, The University of Queensland, St Lucia, QLD, Australia
| | - Celeste Menuet Hackney
- Department of Biology, Linderstrøm-Lang Centre for Protein Science, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Lars Ellgaard
- Department of Biology, Linderstrøm-Lang Centre for Protein Science, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Andreas H. Laustsen
- Department of Biotechnology and Biomedicine, Technical University of Denmark, Kongens Lyngby, Denmark
- *Correspondence: Esperanza Rivera-de-Torre, ; Andreas H. Laustsen,
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21
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Jenkins TP, Ahmadi S, Bittenbinder MA, Stewart TK, Akgun DE, Hale M, Nasrabadi NN, Wolff DS, Vonk FJ, Kool J, Laustsen AH. Terrestrial venomous animals, the envenomings they cause, and treatment perspectives in the Middle East and North Africa. PLoS Negl Trop Dis 2021; 15:e0009880. [PMID: 34855751 PMCID: PMC8638997 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0009880] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/18/2023] Open
Abstract
The Middle East and Northern Africa, collectively known as the MENA region, are inhabited by a plethora of venomous animals that cause up to 420,000 bites and stings each year. To understand the resultant health burden and the key variables affecting it, this review describes the epidemiology of snake, scorpion, and spider envenomings primarily based on heterogenous hospital data in the MENA region and the pathologies associated with their venoms. In addition, we discuss the venom composition and the key medically relevant toxins of these venomous animals, and, finally, the antivenoms that are currently in use to counteract them. Unlike Asia and sub-Saharan Africa, scorpion stings are significantly more common (approximately 350,000 cases/year) than snakebites (approximately 70,000 cases/year) and present the most significant contributor to the overall health burden of envenomings, with spider bites being negligible. However, this review also indicates that there is a substantial lack of high-quality envenoming data available for the MENA region, rendering many of these estimates speculative. Our understanding of the venoms and the toxins they contain is also incomplete, but already presents clear trends. For instance, the majority of snake venoms contain snake venom metalloproteinases, while sodium channel-binding toxins and potassium channel-binding toxins are the scorpion toxins that cause most health-related challenges. There also currently exist a plethora of antivenoms, yet only few are clinically validated, and their high cost and limited availability present a substantial health challenge. Yet, some of the insights presented in this review might help direct future research and policy efforts toward the appropriate prioritization of efforts and aid the development of future therapeutic solutions, such as next-generation antivenoms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Timothy P Jenkins
- Department of Biotechnology and Biomedicine, Technical University of Denmark, Kongens Lyngby, Denmark
| | - Shirin Ahmadi
- Department of Biotechnology and Biomedicine, Technical University of Denmark, Kongens Lyngby, Denmark
| | - Matyas A Bittenbinder
- Naturalis Biodiversity Center, Leiden, the Netherlands
- Amsterdam Institute for Molecular and Life Sciences, Division of BioAnalytical Chemistry, Department of Chemistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Faculty of Sciences, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
- Centre for Analytical Sciences Amsterdam (CASA), Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Trenton K Stewart
- Department of Biotechnology and Biomedicine, Technical University of Denmark, Kongens Lyngby, Denmark
| | - Dilber E Akgun
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering and Architecture, Eskişehir Osmangazi University, Eskişehir, Turkey
| | - Melissa Hale
- Department of Biotechnology and Biomedicine, Technical University of Denmark, Kongens Lyngby, Denmark
| | - Nafiseh N Nasrabadi
- Pharmaceutical Sciences Research Centre, Student Research Commitee, School of Pharmacy, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
- Department of Venomous Animals and Antivenom Production, Razi Vaccine, and Serum Research Institute, Karaj, Iran
| | - Darian S Wolff
- Department of Biotechnology and Biomedicine, Technical University of Denmark, Kongens Lyngby, Denmark
| | - Freek J Vonk
- Naturalis Biodiversity Center, Leiden, the Netherlands
- Amsterdam Institute for Molecular and Life Sciences, Division of BioAnalytical Chemistry, Department of Chemistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Faculty of Sciences, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Jeroen Kool
- Amsterdam Institute for Molecular and Life Sciences, Division of BioAnalytical Chemistry, Department of Chemistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Faculty of Sciences, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
- Centre for Analytical Sciences Amsterdam (CASA), Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Andreas H Laustsen
- Department of Biotechnology and Biomedicine, Technical University of Denmark, Kongens Lyngby, Denmark
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22
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Jaroszewicz W, Morcinek-Orłowska J, Pierzynowska K, Gaffke L, Węgrzyn G. Phage display and other peptide display technologies. FEMS Microbiol Rev 2021; 46:6407522. [PMID: 34673942 DOI: 10.1093/femsre/fuab052] [Citation(s) in RCA: 85] [Impact Index Per Article: 28.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/14/2021] [Accepted: 10/19/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Phage display technology, which is based on the presentation of peptide sequences on the surface of bacteriophage virions, was developed over 30 years ago. Improvements in phage display systems have allowed us to employ this method in numerous fields of biotechnology, as diverse as immunological and biomedical applications, the formation of novel materials and many others. The importance of phage display platforms was recognized by awarding the Nobel Prize in 2018 "for the phage display of peptides and antibodies". In contrast to many review articles concerning specific applications of phage display systems published in recent years, we present an overview of this technology, including a comparison of various display systems, their advantages and disadvantages, and examples of applications in various fields of science, medicine, and the broad sense of biotechnology. Other peptide display technologies, which employ bacterial, yeast and mammalian cells, as well as eukaryotic viruses and cell-free systems, are also discussed. These powerful methods are still being developed and improved; thus, novel sophisticated tools based on phage display and other peptide display systems are constantly emerging, and new opportunities to solve various scientific, medical and technological problems can be expected to become available in the near future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Weronika Jaroszewicz
- Department of Molecular Biology, University of Gdansk, Wita Stwosza 59, 80-308 Gdansk, Poland
| | | | - Karolina Pierzynowska
- Department of Molecular Biology, University of Gdansk, Wita Stwosza 59, 80-308 Gdansk, Poland
| | - Lidia Gaffke
- Department of Molecular Biology, University of Gdansk, Wita Stwosza 59, 80-308 Gdansk, Poland
| | - Grzegorz Węgrzyn
- Department of Molecular Biology, University of Gdansk, Wita Stwosza 59, 80-308 Gdansk, Poland
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23
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Ho CH, Chiang LC, Mao YC, Lan KC, Tsai SH, Shih YJ, Tzeng YS, Lin CS, Lin WL, Fang WH, Chen KT, Lee CH, Chiang DML, Liu SH. Analysis of the Necrosis-Inducing Components of the Venom of Naja atra and Assessment of the Neutralization Ability of Freeze-Dried Antivenom. Toxins (Basel) 2021; 13:toxins13090619. [PMID: 34564623 PMCID: PMC8473173 DOI: 10.3390/toxins13090619] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/21/2021] [Revised: 08/28/2021] [Accepted: 08/31/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Patients bitten by Naja atra who are treated with bivalent freeze-dried neurotoxic antivenom in Taiwan have an improved survival rate but develop necrotic wound changes. The World Health Organization (WHO) has suggested using the minimum necrotizing dose (MND) of venom as a method of evaluating the neutralization effect of antivenom. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of antivenom for the prevention of necrosis based on the MND and clarify which component of the venom of N. atra induces necrosis. The neurotoxins (NTXs) were removed from the crude venom (deNTXs), and different concentrations of deNTXs were injected intradermally into the dorsal skin of mice. After three days, the necrotic lesion diameter was found to be approximately 5 mm, and the MND was calculated. A reduction in the necrotic diameter of 50% was used to identify the MND50. Furthermore, both phospholipase A2 (PLA2) and cytotoxins (CTXs) were separately removed from the deNTXs to identify the major necrosis-inducing factor, and the necrotic lesions were scored. All mice injected with deNTXs survived for three days and developed necrotic wounds. The MND of the deNTXs for mice was 0.494 ± 0.029 µg/g, that of the deNTXs-dePLA2 (major component retained: CTXs) was 0.294 ± 0.05 µg/g, and that of the deNTX-deCTX (major component retained: PLA2) venom was greater than 1.25 µg/g. These values show that CTX is the major factor inducing necrosis. These results suggest that the use of the deNTXs is necessary to enable the mice to survive long enough to develop venom-induced cytolytic effects. CTXs play a major role in N. atra-related necrosis. However, the MND50 could not be identified in this study, which meant that the antivenom did not neutralize venom-induced necrosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cheng-Hsuan Ho
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Tri-Service General Hospital, National Defense Medical Center, Taipei 114, Taiwan; (C.-H.H.); (K.-C.L.); (S.-H.T.)
- Institute of Toxicology, College of Medicine, National Taiwan University, Taipei 100, Taiwan
| | - Liao-Chun Chiang
- College of Life Sciences, National Tsing Hua University, Hsinchu 300, Taiwan;
- Institute of Biology and Anatomy, National Defense Medical Center, Taipei 114, Taiwan
| | - Yan-Chiao Mao
- Division of Clinical Toxicology, Department of Emergency Medicine, Taichung Veterans General Hospital, Taichung 407, Taiwan;
| | - Kuo-Cheng Lan
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Tri-Service General Hospital, National Defense Medical Center, Taipei 114, Taiwan; (C.-H.H.); (K.-C.L.); (S.-H.T.)
| | - Shih-Hung Tsai
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Tri-Service General Hospital, National Defense Medical Center, Taipei 114, Taiwan; (C.-H.H.); (K.-C.L.); (S.-H.T.)
| | - Yu-Jen Shih
- Division of Plastic Surgery, Department of Surgery, Tri-Service General Hospital, National Defense Medical Center, Taipei 114, Taiwan; (Y.-J.S.); (Y.-S.T.)
| | - Yuan-Sheng Tzeng
- Division of Plastic Surgery, Department of Surgery, Tri-Service General Hospital, National Defense Medical Center, Taipei 114, Taiwan; (Y.-J.S.); (Y.-S.T.)
| | - Chin-Sheng Lin
- Division of Cardiology, Department of Internal Medicine, Tri-Service General Hospital, National Defense Medical Center, Taipei 114, Taiwan;
| | - Wen-Loung Lin
- Taichung Wildlife Conservation Group, Taichung 436, Taiwan; (W.-L.L.); (W.-H.F.)
| | - Wei-Hsuan Fang
- Taichung Wildlife Conservation Group, Taichung 436, Taiwan; (W.-L.L.); (W.-H.F.)
| | - Kuang-Ting Chen
- Department of Chinese Medicine, Chang Bing Show Chwan Memorial Hospital, Changhua 505, Taiwan;
| | - Chi-Hsin Lee
- School of Medical Laboratory Science and Biotechnology, College of Medical Science and Technology, Taipei Medical University, Taipei 110, Taiwan;
| | - Dapi Meng-Lin Chiang
- Division of Animal Physiology and Immunology, TUM School of Life Sciences Weihenstephan, Technical University Munich, 85354 Freising, Germany;
| | - Shing-Hwa Liu
- Institute of Toxicology, College of Medicine, National Taiwan University, Taipei 100, Taiwan
- Department of Medical Research, China Medical University Hospital, China Medical University, Taichung 404, Taiwan
- Department of Pediatrics, College of Medicine, National Taiwan University Hospital, Taipei 100, Taiwan
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +886-2-23123456 (ext. 88605)
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24
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Hamza M, Knudsen C, Gnanathasan CA, Monteiro W, Lewin MR, Laustsen AH, Habib AG. Clinical management of snakebite envenoming: Future perspectives. Toxicon X 2021; 11:100079. [PMID: 34430847 PMCID: PMC8374517 DOI: 10.1016/j.toxcx.2021.100079] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/06/2021] [Revised: 06/29/2021] [Accepted: 07/30/2021] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Snakebite envenoming is a major cause of morbidity and mortality in rural communities throughout the tropics. Generally, the main clinical features of snakebites are local swelling, tissue necrosis, shock, spontaneous systemic hemorrhage, incoagulable blood, paralysis, rhabdomyolysis, and acute kidney injury. These clinical manifestations result from complex biochemical venom constituents comprising of cytotoxins, hemotoxins, neurotoxins, myotoxins, and other substances. Timely diagnosis of envenoming and identification of the responsible snake species is clinically challenging in many parts of the world and necessitates prompt and thorough clinical assessment, which could be supported by the development of reliable, affordable, widely-accessible, point-of-care tests. Conventional antivenoms based on polyclonal antibodies derived from animals remain the mainstay of therapy along with supportive medical and surgical care. However, while antivenoms save countless lives, they are associated with adverse reactions, limited potency, and are relatively inefficacious against presynaptic neurotoxicity and in preventing necrosis. Nevertheless, major scientific and technological advances are facilitating the development of new molecular and immunologic diagnostic tests, as well as a new generation of antivenoms comprising human monoclonal antibodies with broader and more potent neutralization capacity and less immunogenicity. Repurposed pharmaceuticals based on small molecule inhibitors (e.g., marimastat and varespladib) used alone and in combination against enzymatic toxins, such as metalloproteases and phospholipase A2s, have shown promise in animal studies. These orally bioavailable molecules could serve as early interventions in the out-of-hospital setting if confirmed to be safe and efficacious in clinical studies. Antivenom access can be improved by the usage of drones and ensuring constant antivenom supply in remote endemic rural areas. Overall, the improvement of clinical management of snakebite envenoming requires sustained, coordinated, and multifaceted efforts involving basic and applied sciences, new technology, product development, effective clinical training, implementation of existing guidelines and therapeutic approaches, supported by improved supply of existing antivenoms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Muhammad Hamza
- Infectious and Tropical Diseases Unit, Bayero University Kano, Nigeria
| | - Cecilie Knudsen
- Department of Biotechnology and Biomedicine, Technical University of Denmark, Kongens Lyngby, Denmark
| | | | - Wuelton Monteiro
- Department of Research, Fundação de Medicina Tropical Dr. Heitor Vieira Dourado, Manaus, Brazil
- School of Health Sciences, Universidade do Estado do Amazonas, Manaus, Brazil
| | - Matthew R. Lewin
- Center for Exploration and Travel Health, California Academy of Sciences, San Francisco, USA
| | - Andreas H. Laustsen
- Department of Biotechnology and Biomedicine, Technical University of Denmark, Kongens Lyngby, Denmark
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25
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Vieira SAPB, Dos Santos BM, Santos Júnior CD, de Paula VF, Gomes MSR, Ferreira GM, Gonçalves RL, Hirata MH, da Silva RA, Brandeburgo MIH, Mendes MM. Isohemigossypolone: Antiophidic properties of a naphthoquinone isolated from Pachira aquatica Aubl. Comp Biochem Physiol C Toxicol Pharmacol 2021; 245:109028. [PMID: 33676005 DOI: 10.1016/j.cbpc.2021.109028] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/03/2021] [Revised: 02/16/2021] [Accepted: 02/23/2021] [Indexed: 01/17/2023]
Abstract
We investigated the antiophidic properties of isohemigossypolone (ISO), a naphthoquinone isolated from the outer bark of the Pachira aquatic Aubl. The inhibition of phospholipase A2, coagulant, fibrinogenolytic, hemorrhagic and myotoxic activities induced by Bothrops pauloensis venom (Pb) was investigated. For this, we use samples resulting from the incubation of Pb with ISO in different concentrations (1:1, 1:5 and 1:10 w/w), we also evaluated the condition of treatment using ISO after 15 min of venom inoculation. The activities of phospholipase A2, coagulant, fibrinogenolytic, hemorrhagic and myotoxic induced by the B. pauloensis venom were significantly inhibited when the ISO was pre-incubated with the crude venom. For in vivo neutralization tests, the results were observed even when the ISO was applied after 15 min of inoculation of the venom or metalloprotease (BthMP). Also, to identify the inhibition mechanism, we performed in silico assays, across simulations of molecular coupling and molecular dynamics, it was possible to identify the modes of interaction between ISO and bothropic toxins BmooMPα-I, Jararacussin-I and BNSP-7. The present study shows that naphthoquinone isohemigossypolone isolated from the P. aquatica plant inhibited part of the local and systemic damage caused by venom proteins, demonstrating the pharmacological potential of this compound in neutralizing the harmful effects caused by snakebites.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Benedito Matheus Dos Santos
- Department of Clinical and Toxicological Analysis, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of São Paulo (USP), São Paulo, SP, Brazil
| | - Célio Dias Santos Júnior
- Institute of Genetics and Biochemistry, Federal University of Uberlândia (UFU), Uberlândia, MG, Brazil
| | - Vanderlúcia Fonseca de Paula
- Laboratory of Natural Products, Department of Sciences and Technology, State University of Bahia Southwest (UESB), Jequié, BA, Brazil
| | - Mario Sergio Rocha Gomes
- Institute of Genetics and Biochemistry, Federal University of Uberlândia (UFU), Uberlândia, MG, Brazil
| | - Glaucio Monteiro Ferreira
- Department of Clinical and Toxicological Analysis, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of São Paulo (USP), São Paulo, SP, Brazil
| | | | - Mario Hiroyuki Hirata
- Department of Clinical and Toxicological Analysis, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of São Paulo (USP), São Paulo, SP, Brazil
| | | | | | - Mirian Machado Mendes
- Special Academic Unit of Biosciences, Federal University of Goiás (UFG), Jataí, GO, Brazil.
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26
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Fernandes CFC, Pereira SS, Luiz MB, Silva NKRL, Silva MCS, Marinho ACM, Fonseca MHG, Furtado GP, Trevizani R, Nicolete R, Soares AM, Zuliani JP, Stabeli RG. Engineering of single-domain antibodies for next-generation snakebite antivenoms. Int J Biol Macromol 2021; 185:240-250. [PMID: 34118288 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2021.06.043] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/03/2021] [Revised: 06/04/2021] [Accepted: 06/06/2021] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
Given the magnitude of the global snakebite crisis, strategies to ensure the quality of antivenom, as well as the availability and sustainability of its supply are under development by several research groups. Recombinant DNA technology has allowed the engineering of monoclonal antibodies and recombinant fragments as alternatives to conventional antivenoms. Besides having higher therapeutic efficacy, with broad neutralization capacity against local and systemic toxicity, novel antivenoms need to be safe and cost-effective. Due to the biological and physical chemical properties of camelid single-domain antibodies, with high volume of distribution to distal tissue, their modular format, and their versatility, their biotechnological application has grown considerably in recent decades. This article presents the most up-to-date developments concerning camelid single-domain-based antibodies against major toxins from snake venoms, the main venomous animals responsible for reported envenoming cases and related human deaths. A brief discussion on the composition, challenges, and perspectives of antivenoms is presented, as well as the road ahead for next-generation antivenoms based on single-domain antibodies.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Soraya S Pereira
- Fundação Oswaldo Cruz, Fiocruz Rondônia, and Instituto Nacional de Ciência e Tecnologia em Epidemiologia da Amazônia Ocidental, INCT-EpiAmO, Porto Velho, Rondônia, Brazil
| | - Marcos B Luiz
- Fundação Oswaldo Cruz, Fiocruz Rondônia, and Instituto Nacional de Ciência e Tecnologia em Epidemiologia da Amazônia Ocidental, INCT-EpiAmO, Porto Velho, Rondônia, Brazil
| | - Nauanny K R L Silva
- Fundação Oswaldo Cruz, Fiocruz Rondônia, and Instituto Nacional de Ciência e Tecnologia em Epidemiologia da Amazônia Ocidental, INCT-EpiAmO, Porto Velho, Rondônia, Brazil
| | - Marcela Cristina S Silva
- Fundação Oswaldo Cruz, Fiocruz Rondônia, and Instituto Nacional de Ciência e Tecnologia em Epidemiologia da Amazônia Ocidental, INCT-EpiAmO, Porto Velho, Rondônia, Brazil
| | | | | | | | | | | | - Andreimar M Soares
- Fundação Oswaldo Cruz, Fiocruz Rondônia, and Instituto Nacional de Ciência e Tecnologia em Epidemiologia da Amazônia Ocidental, INCT-EpiAmO, Porto Velho, Rondônia, Brazil
| | - Juliana P Zuliani
- Fundação Oswaldo Cruz, Fiocruz Rondônia, and Instituto Nacional de Ciência e Tecnologia em Epidemiologia da Amazônia Ocidental, INCT-EpiAmO, Porto Velho, Rondônia, Brazil; Universidade Federal de Rondônia, UNIR, Porto Velho, Rondônia, Brazil
| | - Rodrigo G Stabeli
- Plataforma Bi-Institucional de Medicina Translacional (Fiocruz-USP), Ribeirão Preto, São Paulo, Brazil
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27
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Pucca MB, Bernarde PS, Rocha AM, Viana PF, Farias RES, Cerni FA, Oliveira IS, Ferreira IG, Sandri EA, Sachett J, Wen FH, Sampaio V, Laustsen AH, Sartim MA, Monteiro WM. Crotalus Durissus Ruruima: Current Knowledge on Natural History, Medical Importance, and Clinical Toxinology. Front Immunol 2021; 12:659515. [PMID: 34168642 PMCID: PMC8219050 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2021.659515] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/27/2021] [Accepted: 05/10/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Crotalus durissus ruruima is a rattlesnake subspecies mainly found in Roraima, the northernmost state of Brazil. Envenomings caused by this subspecies lead to severe clinical manifestations (e.g. respiratory muscle paralysis, rhabdomyolysis, and acute renal failure) that can lead to the victim’s death. In this review, we comprehensively describe C. d. ruruima biology and the challenges this subspecies poses for human health, including morphology, distribution, epidemiology, venom cocktail, clinical envenoming, and the current and future specific treatment of envenomings by this snake. Moreover, this review presents maps of the distribution of the snake subspecies and evidence that this species is responsible for some of the most severe envenomings in the country and causes the highest lethality rates. Finally, we also discuss the efficacy of the Brazilian horse-derived antivenoms to treat C. d. ruruima envenomings in Roraima state.
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Affiliation(s)
- Manuela B Pucca
- Medical School, Federal University of Roraima, Boa Vista, Brazil
| | - Paulo Sérgio Bernarde
- Laboratório de Herpetologia, Centro Multidisciplinar, Universidade Federal do Acre, Cruzeiro do Sul, Brazil
| | | | - Patrik F Viana
- National Institute of Amazonian Research, Biodiversity Coordination, Laboratory of Animal Genetics, Manaus, Brazil
| | - Raimundo Erasmo Souza Farias
- National Institute of Amazonian Research, Biodiversity Coordination, Laboratory of Animal Genetics, Manaus, Brazil
| | - Felipe A Cerni
- Medical School, Federal University of Roraima, Boa Vista, Brazil.,Department of BioMolecular Sciences, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences of Ribeirão Preto, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, Brazil
| | - Isadora S Oliveira
- Department of BioMolecular Sciences, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences of Ribeirão Preto, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, Brazil
| | - Isabela G Ferreira
- Department of BioMolecular Sciences, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences of Ribeirão Preto, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, Brazil
| | - Eliseu A Sandri
- Insikiram Institute of Indigenous Higher Studies, Federal University of Roraima, Boa Vista, Brazil
| | - Jacqueline Sachett
- Department of Medicine and Nursing, School of Health Sciences, Amazonas State University, Manaus, Brazil.,Department of Teaching and Research, Alfredo da Matta Foundation, Manaus, Brazil
| | - Fan Hui Wen
- Antivenom Production Section, Butantan Institute, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Vanderson Sampaio
- Department of Teaching and Research, Dr. Heitor Vieira Dourado Tropical Medicine Foundation, Manaus, Brazil
| | - Andreas H Laustsen
- Department of Biotechnology and Biomedicine, Technical University of Denmark, Kongens Lyngby, Denmark
| | - Marco A Sartim
- Department of Teaching and Research, Dr. Heitor Vieira Dourado Tropical Medicine Foundation, Manaus, Brazil.,Institute of Biological Sciences, Amazonas Federal University, Manaus, Brazil
| | - Wuelton M Monteiro
- Department of Medicine and Nursing, School of Health Sciences, Amazonas State University, Manaus, Brazil.,Department of Teaching and Research, Dr. Heitor Vieira Dourado Tropical Medicine Foundation, Manaus, Brazil
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28
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Oliveira ISD, Pucca MB, Wiezel GA, Cardoso IA, Bordon KDCF, Sartim MA, Kalogeropoulos K, Ahmadi S, Baiwir D, Nonato MC, Sampaio SV, Laustsen AH, Auf dem Keller U, Quinton L, Arantes EC. Unraveling the structure and function of CdcPDE: A novel phosphodiesterase from Crotalus durissus collilineatus snake venom. Int J Biol Macromol 2021; 178:180-192. [PMID: 33636276 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2021.02.120] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/11/2020] [Revised: 02/13/2021] [Accepted: 02/15/2021] [Indexed: 01/20/2023]
Abstract
This study reports the isolation, structural, biochemical, and functional characterization of a novel phosphodiesterase from Crotalus durissus collilineatus venom (CdcPDE). CdcPDE was successfully isolated from whole venom using three chromatographic steps and represented 0.7% of total protein content. CdcPDE was inhibited by EDTA and reducing agents, demonstrating that metal ions and disulfide bonds are necessary for its enzymatic activity. The highest enzymatic activity was observed at pH 8-8.5 and 37 °C. Kinetic parameters indicated a higher affinity for the substrate bis(p-nitrophenyl) phosphate compared to others snake venom PDEs. Its structural characterization was done by the determination of the protein primary sequence by Edman degradation and mass spectrometry, and completed by the building of molecular and docking-based models. Functional in vitro assays showed that CdcPDE is capable of inhibiting platelet aggregation induced by adenosine diphosphate in a dose-dependent manner and demonstrated that CdcPDE is cytotoxic to human keratinocytes. CdcPDE was recognized by the crotalid antivenom produced by the Instituto Butantan. These findings demonstrate that the study of snake venom toxins can reveal new molecules that may be relevant in cases of snakebite envenoming, and that can be used as molecular tools to study pathophysiological processes due to their specific biological activities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Isadora Sousa de Oliveira
- Department of BioMolecular Sciences, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences of Ribeirão Preto, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, SP, Brazil
| | | | - Gisele Adriano Wiezel
- Department of BioMolecular Sciences, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences of Ribeirão Preto, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, SP, Brazil
| | - Iara Aimê Cardoso
- Department of BioMolecular Sciences, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences of Ribeirão Preto, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, SP, Brazil
| | - Karla de Castro Figueiredo Bordon
- Department of BioMolecular Sciences, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences of Ribeirão Preto, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, SP, Brazil
| | - Marco Aurélio Sartim
- Institute of Biological Sciences, Federal University of Amazonas, Manaus, AM, Brazil; Department of Teaching and Research, Dr. Heitor Vieira Dourado Tropical Medicine Foundation, Manaus, AM, Brazil
| | | | - Shirin Ahmadi
- Department of Biotechnology and Biomedicine, Technical University of Denmark, Kongens Lyngby, Denmark
| | - Dominique Baiwir
- Mass Spectrometry Laboratory, MolSys Research Unit, Department of Chemistry, University of Liège, Liège, Belgium; GIGA Proteomics Facility, University of Liège, Liège, Belgium
| | - Maria Cristina Nonato
- Department of BioMolecular Sciences, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences of Ribeirão Preto, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, SP, Brazil
| | - Suely Vilela Sampaio
- Department of Clinical Analysis, Toxicology and Food Science, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences of Ribeirão Preto, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, SP, Brazil
| | - Andreas Hougaard Laustsen
- Department of Biotechnology and Biomedicine, Technical University of Denmark, Kongens Lyngby, Denmark
| | - Ulrich Auf dem Keller
- Department of Biotechnology and Biomedicine, Technical University of Denmark, Kongens Lyngby, Denmark
| | - Loïc Quinton
- Mass Spectrometry Laboratory, MolSys Research Unit, Department of Chemistry, University of Liège, Liège, Belgium
| | - Eliane Candiani Arantes
- Department of BioMolecular Sciences, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences of Ribeirão Preto, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, SP, Brazil.
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29
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Gutiérrez JM, Vargas M, Segura Á, Herrera M, Villalta M, Solano G, Sánchez A, Herrera C, León G. In Vitro Tests for Assessing the Neutralizing Ability of Snake Antivenoms: Toward the 3Rs Principles. Front Immunol 2021; 11:617429. [PMID: 33505403 PMCID: PMC7829219 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2020.617429] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/14/2020] [Accepted: 11/23/2020] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
There is an urgent need to strengthen the implementation of the 3Rs principle (Replacement, Reduction and Refinement) in the use of experimental animals in toxinological research and in the assessment of the neutralizing efficacy of snake antivenoms. This is a challenging task owing to the inherent complexity of snake venoms. The state of the art on this topic is hereby reviewed, with emphasis on the studies in which a correlation has been observed between in vivo toxicity tests and in vitro surrogate assays, particularly in the study of lethal activity of venoms and its neutralization. Correlations have been described with some venoms-antivenoms when using: (a) enzyme immunoassays, (b) hemagglutination, (c) enzyme assays (proteinase, phospholipase A2), (d) in vitro coagulant effect on plasma, (e) cell culture assays for cytotoxicity, (f) functional assays for assessing neurotoxicity in vitro, (g) use of hens’ eggs, and (h) antivenomics. Additionally, the routine introduction of analgesia in these assays and the design of more ‘humane’ protocols for the lethality test are being pursued. It is expected that the next years will witness a growing awareness of the relevance of the 3Rs principles in antivenom testing, and that new in vitro alternatives and more ‘humane’ experimental designs will emerge in this field.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Mariángela Vargas
- Instituto Clodomiro Picado, Facultad de Microbiología, San José, Costa Rica
| | - Álvaro Segura
- Instituto Clodomiro Picado, Facultad de Microbiología, San José, Costa Rica
| | - María Herrera
- Instituto Clodomiro Picado, Facultad de Microbiología, San José, Costa Rica
| | - Mauren Villalta
- Instituto Clodomiro Picado, Facultad de Microbiología, San José, Costa Rica
| | - Gabriela Solano
- Instituto Clodomiro Picado, Facultad de Microbiología, San José, Costa Rica
| | - Andrés Sánchez
- Instituto Clodomiro Picado, Facultad de Microbiología, San José, Costa Rica
| | - Cristina Herrera
- Facultad de Farmacia, Universidad de Costa Rica, San José, Costa Rica
| | - Guillermo León
- Instituto Clodomiro Picado, Facultad de Microbiología, San José, Costa Rica
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30
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Lin J, Gu Y, Xu Y, Yu J, Tang J, Wu L, Zhou Z, Chen C, Liu M, Chun X, Liu H, Nian R, Song H, Zhang J. Characterization and applications of nanobodies against Pseudomonas aeruginosa Exotoxin A selected from single alpaca B cells. BIOTECHNOL BIOTEC EQ 2020. [DOI: 10.1080/13102818.2020.1817782] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/23/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Jingtao Lin
- Unit of Clinical Laboratory, Dalang Hospital of Dongguan, Dalang, Dongguan, Guangdong, PR China
| | - Yi Gu
- Shenzhen Innova Nanobodi Co., Ltd, Shenzhen, Guangdong, PR China
| | - Yanru Xu
- Unit of Clinical Laboratory, Dalang Hospital of Dongguan, Dalang, Dongguan, Guangdong, PR China
| | - Jianli Yu
- CAS Key Laboratory of Biobased Materials, Qingdao Institute of Bioenergy and Bioprocess Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Qingdao, Shandong, PR China
| | - Jinsong Tang
- Unit of Clinical Laboratory, Dalang Hospital of Dongguan, Dalang, Dongguan, Guangdong, PR China
| | - Lili Wu
- Unit of Clinical Laboratory, Dalang Hospital of Dongguan, Dalang, Dongguan, Guangdong, PR China
| | - Zhengwei Zhou
- Unit of Clinical Laboratory, Dalang Hospital of Dongguan, Dalang, Dongguan, Guangdong, PR China
| | - Cailing Chen
- Unit of Clinical Laboratory, Dalang Hospital of Dongguan, Dalang, Dongguan, Guangdong, PR China
| | - Minjuan Liu
- Unit of Clinical Laboratory, Dalang Hospital of Dongguan, Dalang, Dongguan, Guangdong, PR China
| | - Xuan Chun
- Unit of Clinical Laboratory, Dalang Hospital of Dongguan, Dalang, Dongguan, Guangdong, PR China
| | - Hongling Liu
- CAS Key Laboratory of Biobased Materials, Qingdao Institute of Bioenergy and Bioprocess Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Qingdao, Shandong, PR China
| | - Rui Nian
- CAS Key Laboratory of Biobased Materials, Qingdao Institute of Bioenergy and Bioprocess Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Qingdao, Shandong, PR China
| | - Haipeng Song
- Shenzhen Innova Nanobodi Co., Ltd, Shenzhen, Guangdong, PR China
| | - Jing Zhang
- CAS Key Laboratory of Biobased Materials, Qingdao Institute of Bioenergy and Bioprocess Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Qingdao, Shandong, PR China
- Laboratory of Biomedical Engineering and Technology, Department of Biochemistry, Qilu Medical University, Zibo, Shandong, PR China
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