1
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Rooney J, Rivera-de-Torre E, Li R, Mclean K, Price DR, Nisbet AJ, Laustsen AH, Jenkins TP, Hofmann A, Bakshi S, Zarkan A, Cantacessi C. Structural and functional analyses of nematode-derived antimicrobial peptides support the occurrence of direct mechanisms of worm-microbiota interactions. Comput Struct Biotechnol J 2024; 23:1522-1533. [PMID: 38633385 PMCID: PMC11021794 DOI: 10.1016/j.csbj.2024.04.019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/13/2023] [Revised: 04/07/2024] [Accepted: 04/09/2024] [Indexed: 04/19/2024] Open
Abstract
The complex relationships between gastrointestinal (GI) nematodes and the host gut microbiota have been implicated in key aspects of helminth disease and infection outcomes. Nevertheless, the direct and indirect mechanisms governing these interactions are, thus far, largely unknown. In this proof-of-concept study, we demonstrate that the excretory-secretory products (ESPs) and extracellular vesicles (EVs) of key GI nematodes contain peptides that, when recombinantly expressed, exert antimicrobial activity in vitro against Bacillus subtilis. In particular, using time-lapse microfluidics microscopy, we demonstrate that exposure of B. subtilis to a recombinant saposin-domain containing peptide from the 'brown stomach worm', Teladorsagia circumcincta, and a metridin-like ShK toxin from the 'barber's pole worm', Haemonchus contortus, results in cell lysis and significantly reduced growth rates. Data from this study support the hypothesis that GI nematodes may modulate the composition of the vertebrate gut microbiota directly via the secretion of antimicrobial peptides, and pave the way for future investigations aimed at deciphering the impact of such changes on the pathophysiology of GI helminth infection and disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- James Rooney
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | | | - Ruizhe Li
- Department of Engineering, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | - Kevin Mclean
- Moredun Research Institute, Penicuik Midlothian, United Kingdom
| | | | | | - Andreas H. Laustsen
- Department of Biotechnology and Biomedicine, Technical University of Denmark, Lyngby, Denmark
| | - Timothy P. Jenkins
- Department of Biotechnology and Biomedicine, Technical University of Denmark, Lyngby, Denmark
| | - Andreas Hofmann
- Max Rubner-Institut, Federal Research Institute of Nutrition and Food, Kulmbach, Germany
- Melbourne Veterinary School, Faculty of Science, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria 3010, Australia
| | - Somenath Bakshi
- Department of Engineering, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | - Ashraf Zarkan
- Department of Genetics, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | - Cinzia Cantacessi
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, United Kingdom
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2
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Laustsen AH. Recombinant snake antivenoms get closer to the clinic. Trends Immunol 2024; 45:225-227. [PMID: 38538486 PMCID: PMC11021923 DOI: 10.1016/j.it.2024.03.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/06/2024] [Accepted: 03/13/2024] [Indexed: 04/14/2024]
Abstract
Snakebite envenomings kill ~100 000 victims each year and leave many more with permanent sequelae. Antivenoms have been available for more than 125 years but are in need of innovation. A new study by Khalek et al. highlights broadly neutralizing human monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) that might be used to develop recombinant antivenoms with superior therapeutic benefits.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andreas H Laustsen
- Department of Biotechnology and Biomedicine, Technical University of Denmark, Kongens Lyngby, DK-2800, Denmark.
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3
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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] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [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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4
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Damsbo A, Rimbault C, Burlet NJ, Vlamynck A, Bisbo I, Belfakir SB, Laustsen AH, Rivera-de-Torre E. A comparative study of the performance of E. coli and K. phaffii for expressing α-cobratoxin. Toxicon 2024; 239:107613. [PMID: 38218383 DOI: 10.1016/j.toxicon.2024.107613] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/15/2023] [Revised: 01/04/2024] [Accepted: 01/10/2024] [Indexed: 01/15/2024]
Abstract
Three-finger toxins (3FTxs) have traditionally been obtained via venom fractionation of whole venoms from snakes. This method often yields functional toxins, but it can be difficult to obtain pure isoforms, as it is challenging to separate the many different toxins with similar physicochemical properties that generally exist in many venoms. This issue can be circumvented via the use of recombinant expression. However, achieving the correct disulfide bond formation in recombinant toxins is challenging and requires extensive optimization of expression and purification methods to enhance stability and functionality. In this study, we investigated the expression of α-cobratoxin, a well-characterized 3FTx from the monocled cobra (Naja kaouthia), in three different expression systems, namely Escherichia coli BL21 (DE3) cells with the csCyDisCo plasmid, Escherichia coli SHuffle cells, and Komagataella phaffii (formerly known as Pichia pastoris). While none of the tested systems yielded α-cobratoxin identical to the variant isolated from whole venom, the His6-tagged α-cobratoxin expressed in K. phaffii exhibited a comparable secondary structure according to circular dichroism spectra and similar binding properties to the α7 subunit of the nicotinic acetylcholine receptor. The findings presented here illustrate the advantages and limitations of the different expression systems and can help guide researchers who wish to express 3FTxs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna Damsbo
- 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
| | - Nick J Burlet
- Department of Biotechnology and Biomedicine, Technical University of Denmark, DK-2800 Kongens Lyngby, Denmark
| | - Anneline Vlamynck
- Department of Biotechnology and Biomedicine, Technical University of Denmark, DK-2800 Kongens Lyngby, Denmark
| | - Ida Bisbo
- Department of Biotechnology and Biomedicine, Technical University of Denmark, DK-2800 Kongens Lyngby, Denmark
| | - Selma B Belfakir
- Department of Biotechnology and Biomedicine, Technical University of Denmark, DK-2800 Kongens Lyngby, Denmark; VenomAid Diagnostics ApS, DK-2800 Kongens Lyngby, Denmark
| | - Andreas H Laustsen
- 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.
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5
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Sørensen CV, Hofmann N, Rawat P, Sørensen FV, Ljungars A, Greiff V, Laustsen AH, Jenkins TP. ExpoSeq: simplified analysis of high-throughput sequencing data from antibody discovery campaigns. Bioinform Adv 2024; 4:vbae020. [PMID: 38425781 PMCID: PMC10902677 DOI: 10.1093/bioadv/vbae020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/24/2023] [Revised: 01/08/2024] [Accepted: 02/08/2024] [Indexed: 03/02/2024]
Abstract
Summary High-throughput sequencing (HTS) offers a modern, fast, and explorative solution to unveil the full potential of display techniques, like antibody phage display, in molecular biology. However, a significant challenge lies in the processing and analysis of such data. Furthermore, there is a notable absence of open-access user-friendly software tools that can be utilized by scientists lacking programming expertise. Here, we present ExpoSeq as an easy-to-use tool to explore, process, and visualize HTS data from antibody discovery campaigns like an expert while only requiring a beginner's knowledge. Availability and implementation The pipeline is distributed via GitHub and PyPI, and it can either be installed as a package with pip or the user can choose to clone the repository.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christoffer V Sørensen
- Department of Biotechnology and Biomedicine, Technical University of Denmark, DK-2800 Kongens Lyngby, Denmark
| | - Nils Hofmann
- Department of Biotechnology and Biomedicine, Technical University of Denmark, DK-2800 Kongens Lyngby, Denmark
| | - Puneet Rawat
- Department of Immunology, University of Oslo and Oslo University Hospital, NO-0316 Oslo, Norway
| | | | - Anne Ljungars
- Department of Biotechnology and Biomedicine, Technical University of Denmark, DK-2800 Kongens Lyngby, Denmark
| | - Victor Greiff
- Department of Immunology, University of Oslo and Oslo University Hospital, NO-0316 Oslo, Norway
| | - Andreas H Laustsen
- Department of Biotechnology and Biomedicine, Technical University of Denmark, DK-2800 Kongens Lyngby, Denmark
| | - Timothy P Jenkins
- Department of Biotechnology and Biomedicine, Technical University of Denmark, DK-2800 Kongens Lyngby, Denmark
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6
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Kalogeropoulos K, Bohn MF, Jenkins DE, Ledergerber J, Sørensen CV, Hofmann N, Wade J, Fryer T, Thi Tuyet Nguyen G, Auf dem Keller U, Laustsen AH, Jenkins TP. A comparative study of protein structure prediction tools for challenging targets: Snake venom toxins. Toxicon 2024; 238:107559. [PMID: 38113945 DOI: 10.1016/j.toxicon.2023.107559] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/11/2023] [Revised: 12/06/2023] [Accepted: 12/08/2023] [Indexed: 12/21/2023]
Abstract
Protein structure determination is a critical aspect of biological research, enabling us to understand protein function and potential applications. Recent advances in deep learning and artificial intelligence have led to the development of several protein structure prediction tools, such as AlphaFold2 and ColabFold. However, their performance has primarily been evaluated on well-characterised proteins and their ability to predict sturtctures of proteins lacking experimental structures, such as many snake venom toxins, has been less scrutinised. In this study, we evaluated three modelling tools on their prediction of over 1000 snake venom toxin structures for which no experimental structures exist. Our findings show that AlphaFold2 (AF2) performed the best across all assessed parameters. We also observed that ColabFold (CF) only scored slightly worse than AF2, while being computationally less intensive. All tools struggled with regions of intrinsic disorder, such as loops and propeptide regions, and performed well in predicting the structure of functional domains. Overall, our study highlights the importance of exercising caution when working with proteins with no experimental structures available, particularly those that are large and contain flexible regions. Nonetheless, leveraging computational structure prediction tools can provide valuable insights into the modelling of protein interactions with different targets and reveal potential binding sites, active sites, and conformational changes, as well as into the design of potential molecular binders for reagent, diagnostic, or therapeutic purposes.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Markus-Frederik Bohn
- Department of Biotechnology and Biomedicine, Technical University of Denmark, Kongens Lyngby, Denmark
| | | | - Jann Ledergerber
- Department of Biotechnology and Biomedicine, Technical University of Denmark, Kongens Lyngby, Denmark; Department of Chemistry and Applied Bioscience, ETH Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Christoffer V Sørensen
- Department of Biotechnology and Biomedicine, Technical University of Denmark, Kongens Lyngby, Denmark
| | - Nils Hofmann
- Department of Biotechnology and Biomedicine, Technical University of Denmark, Kongens Lyngby, Denmark
| | - Jack Wade
- Department of Biotechnology and Biomedicine, Technical University of Denmark, Kongens Lyngby, Denmark
| | - Thomas Fryer
- Department of Biotechnology and Biomedicine, Technical University of Denmark, Kongens Lyngby, Denmark
| | - Giang Thi Tuyet Nguyen
- 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
| | - Andreas H Laustsen
- 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.
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7
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Knudsen C, Belfakir SB, Degnegaard P, Jürgensen JA, Haack AM, Friis RUW, Dam SH, Laustsen AH, Ross GMS. Multiplex lateral flow assay development for snake venom detection in biological matrices. Sci Rep 2024; 14:2567. [PMID: 38296989 PMCID: PMC10831076 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-51971-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/25/2023] [Accepted: 01/11/2024] [Indexed: 02/02/2024] Open
Abstract
Bothrops and Lachesis are two of Brazil's medically most relevant snake genera, causing tens of thousands of bites annually. Fortunately, Brazil has good accessibility to high-quality antivenoms at the genus and inter-genus level, enabling the treatment of many of these envenomings. However, the optimal use of these treatments requires that the snake species responsible for the bite is determined. Currently, physicians use a syndromic approach to diagnose snakebite, which can be difficult for medical personnel with limited training in clinical snakebite management. In this work, we have developed a novel monoclonal antibody-based multiplex lateral flow assay for differentiating Bothrops and Lachesis venoms within 15 min. The test can be read by the naked eye or (semi)-quantitatively by a smartphone supported by a 3D-printed attachment for controlling lighting conditions. The LFA can detect Bothrops and Lachesis venoms in spiked plasma and urine matrices at concentrations spanning six orders of magnitude. The LFA has detection limits of 10-50 ng/mL in spiked plasma and urine, and 50-500 ng/mL in spiked sera, for B. atrox and L. muta venoms. This test could potentially support medical personnel in correctly diagnosing snakebite envenomings at the point-of-care in Brazil, which may help improve patient outcomes and save lives.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cecilie Knudsen
- VenomAid Diagnostics, 2800, Kongens Lyngby, Denmark.
- Department of Biotechnology and Biomedicine, Technical University of Denmark, 2800, Kongens Lyngby, Denmark.
| | - Selma B Belfakir
- VenomAid Diagnostics, 2800, Kongens Lyngby, Denmark.
- Department of Biotechnology and Biomedicine, Technical University of Denmark, 2800, Kongens Lyngby, Denmark.
| | | | - Jonas A Jürgensen
- VenomAid Diagnostics, 2800, Kongens Lyngby, Denmark
- Department of Biotechnology and Biomedicine, Technical University of Denmark, 2800, Kongens Lyngby, Denmark
| | - Aleksander M Haack
- VenomAid Diagnostics, 2800, Kongens Lyngby, Denmark
- Department of Biotechnology and Biomedicine, Technical University of Denmark, 2800, Kongens Lyngby, Denmark
| | - Rasmus U W Friis
- VenomAid Diagnostics, 2800, Kongens Lyngby, Denmark
- Department of Biotechnology and Biomedicine, Technical University of Denmark, 2800, Kongens Lyngby, Denmark
| | - Søren H Dam
- VenomAid Diagnostics, 2800, Kongens Lyngby, Denmark
- Department of Biotechnology and Biomedicine, Technical University of Denmark, 2800, Kongens Lyngby, Denmark
| | - Andreas H Laustsen
- VenomAid Diagnostics, 2800, Kongens Lyngby, Denmark
- Department of Biotechnology and Biomedicine, Technical University of Denmark, 2800, Kongens Lyngby, Denmark
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8
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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] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [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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9
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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] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [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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10
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Laprade W, Bartlett KE, Christensen CR, Kazandjian TD, Patel RN, Crittenden E, Dawson CA, Mansourvar M, Wolff DS, Fryer T, Laustsen AH, Casewell NR, Gutiérrez JM, Hall SR, Jenkins TP. Machine-learning guided Venom Induced Dermonecrosis Analysis tooL: VIDAL. Sci Rep 2023; 13:21662. [PMID: 38066189 PMCID: PMC10709447 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-49011-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/19/2023] [Accepted: 12/02/2023] [Indexed: 12/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Snakebite envenoming is a global public health issue that causes significant morbidity and mortality, particularly in low-income regions of the world. The clinical manifestations of envenomings vary depending on the snake's venom, with paralysis, haemorrhage, and necrosis being the most common and medically relevant effects. To assess the efficacy of antivenoms against dermonecrosis, a preclinical testing approach involves in vivo mouse models that mimic local tissue effects of cytotoxic snakebites in humans. However, current methods for assessing necrosis severity are time-consuming and susceptible to human error. To address this, we present the Venom Induced Dermonecrosis Analysis tooL (VIDAL), a machine-learning-guided image-based solution that can automatically identify dermonecrotic lesions in mice, adjust for lighting biases, scale the image, extract lesion area and discolouration, and calculate the severity of dermonecrosis. We also introduce a new unit, the dermonecrotic unit (DnU), to better capture the complexity of dermonecrosis severity. Our tool is comparable to the performance of state-of-the-art histopathological analysis, making it an accessible, accurate, and reproducible method for assessing dermonecrosis in mice. Given the urgent need to address the neglected tropical disease that is snakebite, high-throughput technologies such as VIDAL are crucial in developing and validating new and existing therapeutics for this debilitating disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- William Laprade
- Department of Applied Mathematics and Computer Science, Technical University of Denmark, Kongens Lyngby, Denmark
| | - Keirah E Bartlett
- Centre for Snakebite Research and Interventions, Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, Liverpool, UK
| | - Charlotte R Christensen
- Department of Biotechnology and Biomedicine, Technical University of Denmark, Kongens Lyngby, Denmark
| | - Taline D Kazandjian
- Centre for Snakebite Research and Interventions, Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, Liverpool, UK
| | - Rohit N Patel
- Centre for Snakebite Research and Interventions, Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, Liverpool, UK
| | - Edouard Crittenden
- Centre for Snakebite Research and Interventions, Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, Liverpool, UK
| | - Charlotte A Dawson
- Centre for Snakebite Research and Interventions, Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, Liverpool, UK
| | - Marjan Mansourvar
- Department of Biotechnology and Biomedicine, Technical University of Denmark, Kongens Lyngby, Denmark
| | - Darian S Wolff
- Department of Biotechnology and Biomedicine, Technical University of Denmark, Kongens Lyngby, Denmark
| | - Thomas Fryer
- 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
| | - Nicholas R Casewell
- Centre for Snakebite Research and Interventions, Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, Liverpool, UK
| | - José María Gutiérrez
- Instituto Clodomiro Picado, Facultad de Microbiología, Universidad de Costa Rica, San José, Costa Rica
| | - Steven R Hall
- Centre for Snakebite Research and Interventions, Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, Liverpool, UK.
- Lancaster Medical School and Biomedical & Life Sciences, Lancaster University, Lancaster, UK.
| | - Timothy P Jenkins
- Department of Biotechnology and Biomedicine, Technical University of Denmark, Kongens Lyngby, Denmark.
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11
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Tulika T, Pedersen RW, Rimbault C, Ahmadi S, Rivera‐de‐Torre E, Fernández‐Quintero ML, Loeffler JR, Bohn M, Ljungars A, Ledsgaard L, Voldborg BG, Ruso‐Julve F, Andersen JT, Laustsen AH. Phage display assisted discovery of a pH-dependent anti-α-cobratoxin antibody from a natural variable domain library. Protein Sci 2023; 32:e4821. [PMID: 37897425 PMCID: PMC10659949 DOI: 10.1002/pro.4821] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/10/2023] [Revised: 09/28/2023] [Accepted: 10/24/2023] [Indexed: 10/30/2023]
Abstract
Recycling IgG antibodies bind to their target antigen at physiological pH in the blood stream and release them upon endocytosis when pH levels drop, allowing the IgG antibodies to be recycled into circulation via FcRn-mediated cellular pathways, while the antigens undergo lysosomal degradation. This enables recycling antibodies to achieve comparable therapeutic effect at lower doses than their non-recycling counterparts. The development of such antibodies is typically achieved by histidine doping of their variable regions or by performing in vitro antibody selection campaigns utilizing histidine doped libraries. Both are strategies that may introduce sequence liabilities. Here, we present a methodology that employs a naïve antibody phage display library, consisting of natural variable domains, to discover antibodies that bind α-cobratoxin from the venom of Naja kaouthia in a pH-dependent manner. As a result, an antibody was discovered that exhibits a 7-fold higher off-rate at pH 5.5 than pH 7.4 in bio-layer interferometry experiments. Interestingly, no histidine residues were found in its variable domains, and in addition, the antibody showed pH-dependent binding to a histidine-devoid antigen mutant. As such, the results demonstrate that pH-dependent antigen-antibody binding may not always be driven by histidine residues. By employing molecular dynamics simulations, different protonation states of titratable residues were found, which potentially could be responsible for the observed pH-dependent antigen binding properties of the antibody. Finally, given the typically high diversity of naïve antibody libraries, the methodology presented here can likely be applied to discover recycling antibodies against different targets ab initio without the need for histidine doping.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tulika Tulika
- Department of Biotechnology and BiomedicineTechnical University of DenmarkLyngbyDenmark
| | - Rasmus W. Pedersen
- Department of Biotechnology and BiomedicineTechnical University of DenmarkLyngbyDenmark
| | - Charlotte Rimbault
- Department of Biotechnology and BiomedicineTechnical University of DenmarkLyngbyDenmark
| | - Shirin Ahmadi
- Department of Biotechnology and BiomedicineTechnical University of DenmarkLyngbyDenmark
| | | | - Monica L. Fernández‐Quintero
- Center for Molecular Biosciences Innsbruck, Department of GeneralInorganic and Theoretical Chemistry, University of InnsbruckInnsbruckAustria
| | - Johannes R. Loeffler
- Center for Molecular Biosciences Innsbruck, Department of GeneralInorganic and Theoretical Chemistry, University of InnsbruckInnsbruckAustria
| | - Markus‐Frederik Bohn
- Department of Biotechnology and BiomedicineTechnical University of DenmarkLyngbyDenmark
| | - Anne Ljungars
- Department of Biotechnology and BiomedicineTechnical University of DenmarkLyngbyDenmark
| | - Line Ledsgaard
- Department of Biotechnology and BiomedicineTechnical University of DenmarkLyngbyDenmark
| | - Bjørn G. Voldborg
- Department of Biotechnology and BiomedicineTechnical University of DenmarkLyngbyDenmark
| | - Fulgencio Ruso‐Julve
- Department of PharmacologyUniversity of OsloOsloNorway
- Department of ImmunologyOslo University Hospital RikshospitaletOsloNorway
- Precision Immunotherapy AllianceUniversity of OsloOsloNorway
| | - Jan Terje Andersen
- Department of PharmacologyUniversity of OsloOsloNorway
- Department of ImmunologyOslo University Hospital RikshospitaletOsloNorway
- Precision Immunotherapy AllianceUniversity of OsloOsloNorway
| | - Andreas H. Laustsen
- Department of Biotechnology and BiomedicineTechnical University of DenmarkLyngbyDenmark
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12
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Patel RN, Clare RH, Ledsgaard L, Nys M, Kool J, Laustsen AH, Ulens C, Casewell NR. An in vitro assay to investigate venom neurotoxin activity on muscle-type nicotinic acetylcholine receptor activation and for the discovery of toxin-inhibitory molecules. Biochem Pharmacol 2023; 216:115758. [PMID: 37604290 PMCID: PMC10570928 DOI: 10.1016/j.bcp.2023.115758] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/28/2023] [Revised: 08/14/2023] [Accepted: 08/17/2023] [Indexed: 08/23/2023]
Abstract
Snakebite envenoming is a neglected tropical disease that causes over 100,000 deaths annually. Envenomings result in variable pathologies, but systemic neurotoxicity is among the most serious and is currently only treated with difficult to access and variably efficacious commercial antivenoms. Venom-induced neurotoxicity is often caused by α-neurotoxins antagonising the muscle-type nicotinic acetylcholine receptor (nAChR), a ligand-gated ion channel. Discovery of therapeutics targeting α-neurotoxins is hampered by relying on binding assays that do not reveal restoration of receptor activity or more costly and/or lower throughput electrophysiology-based approaches. Here, we report the validation of a screening assay for nAChR activation using immortalised TE671 cells expressing the γ-subunit containing muscle-type nAChR and a fluorescent dye that reports changes in cell membrane potential. Assay validation using traditional nAChR agonists and antagonists, which either activate or block ion fluxes, was consistent with previous studies. We then characterised antagonism of the nAChR by a variety of elapid snake venoms that cause muscle paralysis in snakebite victims, before defining the toxin-inhibiting activities of commercial antivenoms, and new types of snakebite therapeutic candidates, namely monoclonal antibodies, decoy receptors, and small molecules. Our findings show robust evidence of assay uniformity across 96-well plates and highlight the amenability of this approach for the future discovery of new snakebite therapeutics via screening campaigns. The described assay therefore represents a useful first-step approach for identifying α-neurotoxins and their inhibitors in the context of snakebite envenoming, and it should provide wider value for studying modulators of nAChR activity from other sources.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rohit N Patel
- Centre for Snakebite Research & Interventions, Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, L3 5QA, UK; Department of Tropical Disease Biology, Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, L3 5QA, UK
| | - Rachel H Clare
- Centre for Snakebite Research & Interventions, Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, L3 5QA, UK; Department of Tropical Disease Biology, Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, L3 5QA, UK
| | - Line Ledsgaard
- Department of Biotechnology and Biomedicine, Technical University of Denmark, Kongens Lyngby, Denmark
| | - Mieke Nys
- Laboratory of Structural Neurobiology, Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, KU Leuven, Belgium
| | - Jeroen Kool
- AIMMS Division of BioAnalytical Chemistry, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Netherlands
| | - Andreas H Laustsen
- Department of Biotechnology and Biomedicine, Technical University of Denmark, Kongens Lyngby, Denmark
| | - Chris Ulens
- Laboratory of Structural Neurobiology, Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, KU Leuven, Belgium
| | - Nicholas R Casewell
- Centre for Snakebite Research & Interventions, Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, L3 5QA, UK; Department of Tropical Disease Biology, Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, L3 5QA, UK.
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13
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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] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [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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14
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Knudsen C, Jürgensen JA, D Knudsen P, Oganesyan I, Harrison JA, Dam SH, Haack AM, Friis RUW, Vitved L, Belfakir SB, Ross GMS, Zenobi R, H Laustsen A. Prototyping of a lateral flow assay based on monoclonal antibodies for detection of Bothrops venoms. Anal Chim Acta 2023; 1272:341306. [PMID: 37355315 DOI: 10.1016/j.aca.2023.341306] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/27/2023] [Accepted: 04/30/2023] [Indexed: 06/26/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Brazil is home to a multitude of venomous snakes; perhaps the most medically relevant of which belong to the Bothrops genus. Bothrops spp. are responsible for roughly 70% of all snakebites in Brazil, and envenomings caused by their bites can be treated with three types of antivenom: bothropic antivenom, bothro-lachetic antivenom, and bothro-crotalic antivenom. The choice to administer antivenom depends on the severity of the envenoming, while the choice of antivenom depends on availability and on how certain the treating physician is that the patient was bitten by a bothropic snake. The diagnosis of a bothropic envenoming can be made based on expert identification of the dead snake or a photo thereof or based on a syndromic approach wherein the clinician examines the patient for characteristic manifestations of envenoming. This approach can be very effective but requires staff that has been trained in clinical snakebite management, which, unfortunately, far from all relevant staff has. RESULTS In this article, we describe a prototype of the first lateral flow assay (LFA) capable of detecting venoms from Brazilian Bothrops spp. The monoclonal antibodies for the assay were generated using hybridoma technology and screened in sandwich enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays (ELISAs) to identify Bothrops spp.-specific antibody sandwich pairs. The prototype LFA is able to detect venom from several Bothrops spp. The LFA has a limit of detection (LoD) of 9.5 ng/mL in urine, when read with a commercial reader, and a visual LoD of approximately 25 ng/mL. SIGNIFICANCE The work presented here serves as a proof of concept for a genus-specific venom detection kit that could support physicians in diagnosing Bothrops envenomings. Although further optimisation and testing is needed before the LFA can find clinical use, such a device could aid in decentralising antivenoms in the Brazilian Amazon and help ensure optimal snakebite management for even more victims of this highly neglected disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cecilie Knudsen
- Department of Biotechnology and Biomedicine, Technical University of Denmark, Kongens Lyngby, Denmark; BioPorto Diagnostics A/S, Hellerup, Denmark; VenomAid Diagnostics ApS, Kongens Lyngby, Denmark.
| | | | | | - Irina Oganesyan
- Department of Chemistry and Applied Biosciences, ETH Zürich, Zürich, Switzerland
| | - Julian A Harrison
- Department of Chemistry and Applied Biosciences, ETH Zürich, Zürich, Switzerland
| | - Søren H Dam
- Department of Biotechnology and Biomedicine, Technical University of Denmark, Kongens Lyngby, Denmark; VenomAid Diagnostics ApS, Kongens Lyngby, Denmark
| | - Aleksander M Haack
- Department of Biotechnology and Biomedicine, Technical University of Denmark, Kongens Lyngby, Denmark; VenomAid Diagnostics ApS, Kongens Lyngby, Denmark
| | - Rasmus U W Friis
- Department of Biotechnology and Biomedicine, Technical University of Denmark, Kongens Lyngby, Denmark; VenomAid Diagnostics ApS, Kongens Lyngby, Denmark
| | - Lars Vitved
- Cancer and Inflammation, Department of Molecular Medicine, University of Southern, Denmark
| | - Selma B Belfakir
- Department of Biotechnology and Biomedicine, Technical University of Denmark, Kongens Lyngby, Denmark; VenomAid Diagnostics ApS, Kongens Lyngby, Denmark
| | | | - Renato Zenobi
- Department of Chemistry and Applied Biosciences, ETH Zürich, Zürich, Switzerland
| | - Andreas H Laustsen
- Department of Biotechnology and Biomedicine, Technical University of Denmark, Kongens Lyngby, Denmark; VenomAid Diagnostics ApS, Kongens Lyngby, Denmark.
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15
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Petersson M, Thrane SW, Gram L, Muyldermans S, Laustsen AH. Orally delivered single-domain antibodies against gastrointestinal pathogens. Trends Biotechnol 2023; 41:875-886. [PMID: 36774206 DOI: 10.1016/j.tibtech.2023.01.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/26/2022] [Revised: 01/13/2023] [Accepted: 01/20/2023] [Indexed: 02/11/2023]
Abstract
Single-domain antibodies (sdAbs) are exceptionally stable fragments derived from the antigen-binding domains of immunoglobulins. They can withstand extreme pH, high temperature, and proteolysis, making them suitable for controlling gastrointestinal (GI) infections in humans and animals. sdAbs may function in their native soluble form, although different derived protein formats and the use of delivery vehicles can be useful for improved oral delivery. We discuss selected examples of the use of orally delivered sdAbs for protecting humans and animals against GI infections caused by pathogenic bacteria, viruses, and parasites. We finally provide perspectives on how sdAbs may be applied industrially and what challenges should be overcome for orally delivered sdAbs to reach the market.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marcus Petersson
- Department of Biotechnology and Biomedicine, Technical University of Denmark, Lyngby, Denmark; Bactolife A/S, Copenhagen East, Denmark
| | | | - Lone Gram
- Department of Biotechnology and Biomedicine, Technical University of Denmark, Lyngby, Denmark
| | - Serge Muyldermans
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Immunology, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Andreas H Laustsen
- Department of Biotechnology and Biomedicine, Technical University of Denmark, Lyngby, Denmark; Bactolife A/S, Copenhagen East, Denmark.
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16
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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: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [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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17
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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] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [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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18
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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] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [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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19
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Fernández-Quintero ML, Ljungars A, Waibl F, Greiff V, Andersen JT, Gjølberg TT, Jenkins TP, Voldborg BG, Grav LM, Kumar S, Georges G, Kettenberger H, Liedl KR, Tessier PM, McCafferty J, Laustsen AH. Assessing developability early in the discovery process for novel biologics. MAbs 2023; 15:2171248. [PMID: 36823021 PMCID: PMC9980699 DOI: 10.1080/19420862.2023.2171248] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/27/2022] [Accepted: 01/18/2023] [Indexed: 02/25/2023] Open
Abstract
Beyond potency, a good developability profile is a key attribute of a biological drug. Selecting and screening for such attributes early in the drug development process can save resources and avoid costly late-stage failures. Here, we review some of the most important developability properties that can be assessed early on for biologics. These include the influence of the source of the biologic, its biophysical and pharmacokinetic properties, and how well it can be expressed recombinantly. We furthermore present in silico, in vitro, and in vivo methods and techniques that can be exploited at different stages of the discovery process to identify molecules with liabilities and thereby facilitate the selection of the most optimal drug leads. Finally, we reflect on the most relevant developability parameters for injectable versus orally delivered biologics and provide an outlook toward what general trends are expected to rise in the development of biologics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Monica L. Fernández-Quintero
- Center for Molecular Biosciences Innsbruck (CMBI), Department of General, Inorganic and Theoretical Chemistry, University of Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Anne Ljungars
- Department of Biotechnology and Biomedicine, Technical University of Denmark, Kongens Lyngby, Denmark
| | - Franz Waibl
- Center for Molecular Biosciences Innsbruck (CMBI), Department of General, Inorganic and Theoretical Chemistry, University of Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Victor Greiff
- Department of Immunology, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
| | - Jan Terje Andersen
- Department of Immunology, University of Oslo, Oslo University Hospital Rikshospitalet, Oslo, Norway
- Institute of Clinical Medicine and Department of Pharmacology, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
| | | | - Timothy P. Jenkins
- Department of Biotechnology and Biomedicine, Technical University of Denmark, Kongens Lyngby, Denmark
| | - Bjørn Gunnar Voldborg
- National Biologics Facility, 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
| | - Sandeep Kumar
- Biotherapeutics Discovery, Boehringer Ingelheim Pharmaceuticals Inc, Ridgefield, CT, USA
| | - Guy Georges
- Roche Pharma Research and Early Development, Large Molecule Research, Roche Innovation Center Munich, Penzberg, Germany
| | - Hubert Kettenberger
- Roche Pharma Research and Early Development, Large Molecule Research, Roche Innovation Center Munich, Penzberg, Germany
| | - Klaus R. Liedl
- Center for Molecular Biosciences Innsbruck (CMBI), Department of General, Inorganic and Theoretical Chemistry, University of Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Peter M. Tessier
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Pharmaceutical Sciences and Biomedical Engineering, Biointerfaces Institute, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA
| | - John McCafferty
- Department of Medicine, Cambridge Institute of Therapeutic Immunology and Infectious Disease, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
- Maxion Therapeutics, Babraham Research Campus, Cambridge, UK
| | - Andreas H. Laustsen
- Department of Biotechnology and Biomedicine, Technical University of Denmark, Kongens Lyngby, Denmark
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20
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Jenkins TP, Laprade WM, Sánchez A, Tulika T, O’Brien C, Sørensen CV, Stewart TK, Fryer T, Laustsen AH, Gutiérrez JM. AHA: AI-guided tool for the quantification of venom-induced haemorrhage in mice. Front Trop Dis 2022. [DOI: 10.3389/fitd.2022.1063640] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Venom-induced haemorrhage constitutes a severe pathology in snakebite envenomings, especially those inflicted by viperid species. To both explore venom activity accurately and evaluate the efficacy of viperid antivenoms for the neutralisation of haemorrhagic activity it is essential to have available a precise, quantitative tool for empirically determining venom-induced haemorrhage. Thus, we have built on our prior approach and developed a new AI-guided tool (AHA) for the quantification of venom-induced haemorrhage in mice. Using a smartphone, it takes less than a minute to take a photo, upload the image, and receive accurate information on the magnitude of a venom-induced haemorrhagic lesion in mice. This substantially decreases analysis time, reduces human error, and does not require expert haemorrhage analysis skills. Furthermore, its open access web-based graphical user interface makes it easy to use and implement in laboratories across the globe. Together, this will reduce the resources required to preclinically assess and control the quality of antivenoms, whilst also expediting the profiling of haemorrhagic activity in venoms for the wider toxinology community.
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21
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Nguyen GTT, O'Brien C, Wouters Y, Seneci L, Gallissà-Calzado A, Campos-Pinto I, Ahmadi S, Laustsen AH, Ljungars A. High-throughput proteomics and in vitro functional characterization of the 26 medically most important elapids and vipers from sub-Saharan Africa. Gigascience 2022; 11:6862934. [PMID: 36509548 PMCID: PMC9744630 DOI: 10.1093/gigascience/giac121] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/04/2022] [Revised: 10/06/2022] [Accepted: 11/14/2022] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Venomous snakes are important parts of the ecosystem, and their behavior and evolution have been shaped by their surrounding environments over the eons. This is reflected in their venoms, which are typically highly adapted for their biological niche, including their diet and defense mechanisms for deterring predators. Sub-Saharan Africa is rich in venomous snake species, of which many are dangerous to humans due to the high toxicity of their venoms and their ability to effectively deliver large amounts of venom into their victims via their bite. In this study, the venoms of 26 of sub-Saharan Africa's medically most relevant elapid and viper species were subjected to parallelized toxicovenomics analysis. The analysis included venom proteomics and in vitro functional characterization of whole venom toxicities, enabling a robust comparison of venom profiles between species. The data presented here corroborate previous studies and provide biochemical details for the clinical manifestations observed in envenomings by the 26 snake species. Moreover, two new venom proteomes (Naja anchietae and Echis leucogaster) are presented here for the first time. Combined, the presented data can help shine light on snake venom evolutionary trends and possibly be used to further improve or develop novel antivenoms.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Yessica Wouters
- Department of Biotechnology and Biomedicine, Technical University of Denmark, DK-2800 Kongens Lyngby, Denmark
| | - Lorenzo Seneci
- Department of Biotechnology and Biomedicine, Technical University of Denmark, DK-2800 Kongens Lyngby, Denmark
| | - Alex Gallissà-Calzado
- Department of Biotechnology and Biomedicine, Technical University of Denmark, DK-2800 Kongens Lyngby, Denmark
| | - Isabel Campos-Pinto
- Department of Biotechnology and Biomedicine, Technical University of Denmark, DK-2800 Kongens Lyngby, Denmark
| | - Shirin Ahmadi
- Department of Biotechnology and Biomedicine, Technical University of Denmark, DK-2800 Kongens Lyngby, Denmark
| | - Andreas H Laustsen
- Correspondence address. Andreas H. Laustsen, Technical University of Denmark, Department of Biotechnology and Biomedicine, Søltofts Plads 239, 2800 Kgs. Lyngby. E-mail:
| | - Anne Ljungars
- Department of Biotechnology and Biomedicine, Technical University of Denmark, DK-2800 Kongens Lyngby, Denmark
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22
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Ahmadi S, Pachis ST, Kalogeropoulos K, McGeoghan F, Canbay V, Hall SR, Crittenden EP, Dawson CA, Bartlett KE, Gutiérrez JM, Casewell NR, Keller UAD, Laustsen AH. Proteomics and histological assessment of an organotypic model of human skin following exposure to Naja nigricollis venom. Toxicon 2022; 220:106955. [DOI: 10.1016/j.toxicon.2022.106955] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/22/2022] [Revised: 10/03/2022] [Accepted: 10/16/2022] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
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23
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Jenkins TP, Lopez Carranza N, Bray A, Beguir K, Laustsen AH. Can hackathons unlock a new talent pool from the developing world? Nat Biotechnol 2022; 40:1297-1298. [PMID: 35945432 DOI: 10.1038/s41587-022-01415-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Timothy P Jenkins
- Department of Biotechnology and Biomedicine, Technical University of Denmark, Lyngby, Denmark.
| | | | - Amy Bray
- Zindi Africa, Cape Town, South Africa
| | | | - Andreas H Laustsen
- Department of Biotechnology and Biomedicine, Technical University of Denmark, Lyngby, Denmark
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24
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Wade J, Rimbault C, Ali H, Ledsgaard L, Rivera-de-Torre E, Abou Hachem M, Boddum K, Mirza N, Bohn MF, Sakya SA, Ruso-Julve F, Andersen JT, Laustsen AH. Generation of Multivalent Nanobody-Based Proteins with Improved Neutralization of Long α-Neurotoxins from Elapid Snakes. Bioconjug Chem 2022; 33:1494-1504. [PMID: 35875886 PMCID: PMC9389527 DOI: 10.1021/acs.bioconjchem.2c00220] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
![]()
Recombinantly produced biotherapeutics hold promise for
improving
the current standard of care for snakebite envenoming over conventional
serotherapy. Nanobodies have performed well in the clinic, and in
the context of antivenom, they have shown the ability to neutralize
long α-neurotoxins in vivo. Here, we showcase
a protein engineering approach to increase the valence and hydrodynamic
size of neutralizing nanobodies raised against a long α-neurotoxin
(α-cobratoxin) from the venom of the monocled cobraNaja kaouthia. Based on the p53 tetramerization domain,
a panel of anti-α-cobratoxin nanobody-p53 fusion proteins, termed
Quads, were produced with different valences, inclusion or exclusion
of Fc regions for endosomal recycling purposes, hydrodynamic sizes,
and spatial arrangements, comprising up to 16 binding sites. Measurements
of binding affinity and stoichiometry showed that the nanobody binding
affinity was retained when incorporated into the Quad scaffold, and
all nanobody domains were accessible for toxin binding, subsequently
displaying increased blocking potency in vitro compared
to the monomeric format. Moreover, functional assessment using automated
patch-clamp assays demonstrated that the nanobody and Quads displayed
neutralizing effects against long α-neurotoxins from both N. kaouthia and the forest cobra N.
melanoleuca. This engineering approach offers a means
of altering the valence, endosomal recyclability, and hydrodynamic
size of existing nanobody-based therapeutics in a simple plug-and-play
fashion and can thus serve as a technology for researchers tailoring
therapeutic properties for improved neutralization of soluble targets
such as snake toxins.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jack Wade
- 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
| | - Hanif Ali
- Quadrucept Bio Ltd., Kemp House, 152 City Road, London EC1V 2NX, United Kingdom
| | - Line Ledsgaard
- 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
| | - Maher Abou Hachem
- Department of Biotechnology and Biomedicine, Technical University of Denmark, DK-2800 Kongens, Lyngby, Denmark
| | - Kim Boddum
- Sophion Bioscience, DK-2750 Ballerup, Denmark
| | - Nadia Mirza
- Fida Biosystems ApS, DK-2860 Søborg, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Markus-Frederik Bohn
- Department of Biotechnology and Biomedicine, Technical University of Denmark, DK-2800 Kongens, Lyngby, Denmark
| | - Siri A. Sakya
- Department of Immunology, Oslo University Hospital Rikshospitalet, N-0372 Oslo, Norway
- Department of Pharmacology, Institute of Clinical Medicine, University of Oslo, N-0372 Oslo, Norway
| | - Fulgencio Ruso-Julve
- Department of Immunology, Oslo University Hospital Rikshospitalet, N-0372 Oslo, Norway
- Department of Pharmacology, Institute of Clinical Medicine, University of Oslo, N-0372 Oslo, Norway
| | - Jan Terje Andersen
- Department of Immunology, Oslo University Hospital Rikshospitalet, N-0372 Oslo, Norway
- Department of Pharmacology, Institute of Clinical Medicine, University of Oslo, N-0372 Oslo, Norway
| | - Andreas H. Laustsen
- Department of Biotechnology and Biomedicine, Technical University of Denmark, DK-2800 Kongens, Lyngby, Denmark
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25
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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: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 19.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [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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26
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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] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [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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27
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Miersch S, de la Rosa G, Friis R, Ledsgaard L, Boddum K, Laustsen AH, Sidhu SS. Synthetic antibodies block receptor binding and current‐inhibiting effects of α‐cobratoxin from
Naja kaouthia. Protein Sci 2022; 31:e4296. [PMID: 35481650 PMCID: PMC8994502 DOI: 10.1002/pro.4296] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/15/2022] [Revised: 02/23/2022] [Accepted: 03/01/2022] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
Each year, thousands of people fall victim to envenomings caused by cobras. These incidents often result in death due to paralysis caused by α-neurotoxins from the three-finger toxin (3FTx) family, which are abundant in elapid venoms. Due to their small size, 3FTxs are among the snake toxins that are most poorly neutralized by current antivenoms, which are based on polyclonal antibodies of equine or ovine origin. While antivenoms have saved countless lives since their development in the late 18th century, an opportunity now exists to improve snakebite envenoming therapy via the application of new biotechnological methods, particularly by developing monoclonal antibodies against poorly neutralized α-neurotoxins. Here, we describe the use of phage-displayed synthetic antibody libraries and the development and characterization of six synthetic antibodies built on a human IgG framework and developed against α-cobratoxin - the most abundant long-chain α-neurotoxin from Naja kaouthia venom. The synthetic antibodies exhibited sub-nanomolar affinities to α-cobratoxin and neutralized the curare-mimetic effect of the toxin in vitro. These results demonstrate that phage display technology based on synthetic repertoires can be used to rapidly develop human antibodies with drug-grade potencies as inhibitors of venom toxins.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shane Miersch
- The Donnelly Centre University of Toronto Toronto Ontario Canada
| | | | - Rasmus Friis
- Department of Biotechnology and Biomedicine Technical University of Denmark Kongens Lyngby Denmark
| | - Line Ledsgaard
- 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
| | - Sachdev S. Sidhu
- The Donnelly Centre University of Toronto Toronto Ontario Canada
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28
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Rao WQ, Kalogeropoulos K, Allentoft ME, Gopalakrishnan S, Zhao WN, Workman CT, Knudsen C, Jiménez-Mena B, Seneci L, Mousavi-Derazmahalleh M, Jenkins TP, Rivera-de-Torre E, Liu SQ, Laustsen AH. The rise of genomics in snake venom research: recent advances and future perspectives. Gigascience 2022; 11:6562531. [PMID: 35365832 PMCID: PMC8975721 DOI: 10.1093/gigascience/giac024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/14/2021] [Revised: 02/12/2022] [Accepted: 02/13/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Snake venoms represent a danger to human health, but also a gold mine of bioactive proteins that can be harnessed for drug discovery purposes. The evolution of snakes and their venom has been studied for decades, particularly via traditional morphological and basic genetic methods alongside venom proteomics. However, while the field of genomics has matured rapidly over the past 2 decades, owing to the development of next-generation sequencing technologies, snake genomics remains in its infancy. Here, we provide an overview of the state of the art in snake genomics and discuss its potential implications for studying venom evolution and toxinology. On the basis of current knowledge, gene duplication and positive selection are key mechanisms in the neofunctionalization of snake venom proteins. This makes snake venoms important evolutionary drivers that explain the remarkable venom diversification and adaptive variation observed in these reptiles. Gene duplication and neofunctionalization have also generated a large number of repeat sequences in snake genomes that pose a significant challenge to DNA sequencing, resulting in the need for substantial computational resources and longer sequencing read length for high-quality genome assembly. Fortunately, owing to constantly improving sequencing technologies and computational tools, we are now able to explore the molecular mechanisms of snake venom evolution in unprecedented detail. Such novel insights have the potential to affect the design and development of antivenoms and possibly other drugs, as well as provide new fundamental knowledge on snake biology and evolution.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wei-Qiao Rao
- Department of Biotechnology and Biomedicine, Technical University of Denmark, Søltofts Plads 224, 2800 Kongens Lyngby, Denmark.,Department of Mass Spectrometry, Beijing Genomics Institute-Research, 518083, Shenzhen, China
| | - Konstantinos Kalogeropoulos
- Department of Biotechnology and Biomedicine, Technical University of Denmark, Søltofts Plads 224, 2800 Kongens Lyngby, Denmark
| | - Morten E Allentoft
- Trace and Environmental DNA (TrEnD) Laboratory, School of Molecular and Life Sciences, Curtin University, Kent Street, 6102, Bentley Perth, Australia.,Globe Institute, University of Copenhagen, Øster Voldgade 5, 1350, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Shyam Gopalakrishnan
- Globe Institute, University of Copenhagen, Øster Voldgade 5, 1350, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Wei-Ning Zhao
- Department of Mass Spectrometry, Beijing Genomics Institute-Research, 518083, Shenzhen, China
| | - Christopher T Workman
- Department of Biotechnology and Biomedicine, Technical University of Denmark, Søltofts Plads 224, 2800 Kongens Lyngby, Denmark
| | - Cecilie Knudsen
- Department of Biotechnology and Biomedicine, Technical University of Denmark, Søltofts Plads 224, 2800 Kongens Lyngby, Denmark
| | - Belén Jiménez-Mena
- DTU Aqua, Technical University of Denmark, Vejlsøvej 39, 8600, Silkeborg, Denmark
| | - Lorenzo Seneci
- Department of Biotechnology and Biomedicine, Technical University of Denmark, Søltofts Plads 224, 2800 Kongens Lyngby, Denmark
| | - Mahsa Mousavi-Derazmahalleh
- Trace and Environmental DNA (TrEnD) Laboratory, School of Molecular and Life Sciences, Curtin University, Kent Street, 6102, Bentley Perth, Australia
| | - Timothy P Jenkins
- Department of Biotechnology and Biomedicine, Technical University of Denmark, Søltofts Plads 224, 2800 Kongens Lyngby, Denmark
| | - Esperanza Rivera-de-Torre
- Department of Biotechnology and Biomedicine, Technical University of Denmark, Søltofts Plads 224, 2800 Kongens Lyngby, Denmark
| | - Si-Qi Liu
- Department of Mass Spectrometry, Beijing Genomics Institute-Research, 518083, Shenzhen, China
| | - Andreas H Laustsen
- Department of Biotechnology and Biomedicine, Technical University of Denmark, Søltofts Plads 224, 2800 Kongens Lyngby, Denmark
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29
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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: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [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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30
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Ledsgaard L, Laustsen AH, Pus U, Wade J, Villar P, Boddum K, Slavny P, Masters EW, Arias AS, Oscoz S, Griffiths DT, Luther AM, Lindholm M, Leah RA, Møller MS, Ali H, McCafferty J, Lomonte B, Gutiérrez JM, Karatt-Vellatt A. In vitro discovery of a human monoclonal antibody that neutralizes lethality of cobra snake venom. MAbs 2022; 14:2085536. [PMID: 35699567 PMCID: PMC9225616 DOI: 10.1080/19420862.2022.2085536] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/24/2022] Open
Abstract
The monocled cobra (Naja kaouthia) is among the most feared snakes in Southeast Asia due to its toxicity, which is predominantly derived from long-chain α-neurotoxins. The only specific treatment for snakebite envenoming is antivenom based on animal-derived polyclonal antibodies. Despite the lifesaving importance of these medicines, major limitations in safety, supply consistency, and efficacy create a need for improved treatments. Here, we describe the discovery and subsequent optimization of a recombinant human monoclonal immunoglobulin G antibody against α-cobratoxin using phage display technology. Affinity maturation by light chain-shuffling resulted in a significant increase in in vitro neutralization potency and in vivo efficacy. The optimized antibody prevented lethality when incubated with N. kaouthia whole venom prior to intravenous injection. This study is the first to demonstrate neutralization of whole snake venom by a single recombinant monoclonal antibody, thus providing a tantalizing prospect of bringing recombinant antivenoms based on human monoclonal or oligoclonal antibodies to the clinic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Line Ledsgaard
- 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
| | - Urska Pus
- Department of Biotechnology and Biomedicine, Technical University of Denmark, Kongens Lyngby, Denmark
| | - Jack Wade
- Department of Biotechnology and Biomedicine, Technical University of Denmark, Kongens Lyngby, Denmark
| | | | | | | | | | - Ana S Arias
- Instituto Clodomiro Picado, Facultad de Microbiología, Universidad de Costa Rica, San José, Costa Rica
| | - Saioa Oscoz
- Department of Biotechnology and Biomedicine, Technical University of Denmark, Kongens Lyngby, Denmark
| | | | | | | | | | - Marie Sofie Møller
- Department of Biotechnology and Biomedicine, Technical University of Denmark, Kongens Lyngby, Denmark
| | - Hanif Ali
- Quadrucept Bio, Cambourne, United Kingdom
| | | | - Bruno Lomonte
- Instituto Clodomiro Picado, Facultad de Microbiología, Universidad de Costa Rica, San José, Costa Rica
| | - José M Gutiérrez
- Instituto Clodomiro Picado, Facultad de Microbiología, Universidad de Costa Rica, San José, Costa Rica
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31
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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: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [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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32
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Affiliation(s)
- Andreas H Laustsen
- Department of Biotechnology and Biomedicine, Technical University of Denmark, Kongens Lyngby, Denmark
| | - Markus-Frederik Bohn
- 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
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33
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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] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [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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34
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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] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [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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35
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Knudsen C, Jürgensen JA, Føns S, Haack AM, Friis RUW, Dam SH, Bush SP, White J, Laustsen AH. Snakebite Envenoming Diagnosis and Diagnostics. Front Immunol 2021; 12:661457. [PMID: 33995385 PMCID: PMC8113877 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2021.661457] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/30/2021] [Accepted: 03/29/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Snakebite envenoming is predominantly an occupational disease of the rural tropics, causing death or permanent disability to hundreds of thousands of victims annually. The diagnosis of snakebite envenoming is commonly based on a combination of patient history and a syndromic approach. However, the availability of auxiliary diagnostic tests at the disposal of the clinicians vary from country to country, and the level of experience within snakebite diagnosis and intervention may be quite different for clinicians from different hospitals. As such, achieving timely diagnosis, and thus treatment, is a challenge faced by treating personnel around the globe. For years, much effort has gone into developing novel diagnostics to support diagnosis of snakebite victims, especially in rural areas of the tropics. Gaining access to affordable and rapid diagnostics could potentially facilitate more favorable patient outcomes due to early and appropriate treatment. This review aims to highlight regional differences in epidemiology and clinical snakebite management on a global scale, including an overview of the past and ongoing research efforts within snakebite diagnostics. Finally, the review is rounded off with a discussion on design considerations and potential benefits of novel snakebite diagnostics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cecilie Knudsen
- Department of Biotechnology and Biomedicine, Technical University of Denmark, Kongens Lyngby, Denmark
- BioPorto Diagnostics A/S, Hellerup, Denmark
| | - Jonas A. Jürgensen
- Department of Biotechnology and Biomedicine, Technical University of Denmark, Kongens Lyngby, Denmark
| | - Sofie Føns
- Department of Biotechnology and Biomedicine, Technical University of Denmark, Kongens Lyngby, Denmark
| | - Aleksander M. Haack
- Department of Biotechnology and Biomedicine, Technical University of Denmark, Kongens Lyngby, Denmark
| | - Rasmus U. W. Friis
- Department of Biotechnology and Biomedicine, Technical University of Denmark, Kongens Lyngby, Denmark
| | - Søren H. Dam
- Department of Biotechnology and Biomedicine, Technical University of Denmark, Kongens Lyngby, Denmark
| | - Sean P. Bush
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, United States
| | - Julian White
- Toxinology Department, Women’s and Children’s Hospital, North Adelaide, SA, Australia
| | - Andreas H. Laustsen
- Department of Biotechnology and Biomedicine, Technical University of Denmark, Kongens Lyngby, Denmark
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36
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Laustsen AH, Greiff V, Karatt-Vellatt A, Muyldermans S, Jenkins TP. Animal Immunization, in Vitro Display Technologies, and Machine Learning for Antibody Discovery. Trends Biotechnol 2021; 39:1263-1273. [PMID: 33775449 DOI: 10.1016/j.tibtech.2021.03.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 57] [Impact Index Per Article: 19.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/25/2021] [Revised: 03/02/2021] [Accepted: 03/03/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
For years, a discussion has persevered on the benefits and drawbacks of antibody discovery using animal immunization versus in vitro selection from non-animal-derived recombinant repertoires using display technologies. While it has been argued that using recombinant display libraries can reduce animal consumption, we hold that the number of animals used in immunization campaigns is dwarfed by the number sacrificed during preclinical studies. Thus, improving quality control of antibodies before entering in vivo studies will have a larger impact on animal consumption. Both animal immunization and recombinant repertoires present unique advantages for discovering antibodies that are fit for purpose. Furthermore, we anticipate that machine learning will play a significant role within discovery workflows, refining current antibody discovery practices.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andreas H Laustsen
- Department of Biotechnology and Biomedicine, Technical University of Denmark, Kongens Lyngby, Denmark.
| | - Victor Greiff
- Department of Immunology, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
| | | | - Serge Muyldermans
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Immunology, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Timothy P Jenkins
- Department of Biotechnology and Biomedicine, Technical University of Denmark, Kongens Lyngby, Denmark
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37
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Pucca MB, Franco MVS, Medeiros JM, Oliveira IS, Ahmadi S, Cerni FA, Zottich U, Bassoli BK, Monteiro WM, Laustsen AH. Chronic kidney failure following lancehead bite envenoming: a clinical report from the Amazon region. J Venom Anim Toxins Incl Trop Dis 2020; 26:e20200083. [PMID: 33424950 PMCID: PMC7754649 DOI: 10.1590/1678-9199-jvatitd-2020-0083] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Background: Snakebite envenoming can be a life-threatening condition, for which emergency
care is essential. The Bothrops (lancehead) genus is
responsible for most snakebite-related deaths and permanent loss of function
in human victims in Latin America. Bothrops spp. venom is a
complex mixture of different proteins that are known to cause local
necrosis, coagulopathy, and acute kidney injury. However, the long-term
effects of these viper envenomings have remained largely understudied. Case presentation: Here, we present a case report of a 46-years old female patient from Las
Claritas, Venezuela, who was envenomed by a snake from the
Bothrops genus. The patient was followed for a 10-year
period, during which she presented oliguric renal failure, culminating in
kidney failure 60 months after the envenoming. Conclusion: In Latin America, especially in Brazil, where there is a high prevalence of
Bothrops envenoming, it may be relevant to establish
long-term outpatient programs. This would reduce late adverse events, such
as chronic kidney disease, and optimize public financial resources by
avoiding hemodialysis and consequently kidney transplantation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Manuela B Pucca
- Medical School, Federal University of Roraima, Boa Vista, RR, Brazil
| | | | | | - Isadora S Oliveira
- Department of BioMolecular Sciences, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences of Ribeirão Preto, University of São Paulo (USP), Ribeirão Preto, SP, Brazil
| | - Shirin Ahmadi
- Department of Biotechnology and Biomedicine, Technical University of Denmark, Kongens Lyngby, Denmark
| | - Felipe A Cerni
- Department of BioMolecular Sciences, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences of Ribeirão Preto, University of São Paulo (USP), Ribeirão Preto, SP, Brazil
| | - Umberto Zottich
- Medical School, Federal University of Roraima, Boa Vista, RR, Brazil
| | - Bruna K Bassoli
- Medical School, Federal University of Roraima, Boa Vista, RR, Brazil
| | - Wuelton M Monteiro
- School of Health Sciences, Amazonas State University, Manaus, AM, Brazil.,Department of Teaching and Research, Dr. Heitor Vieira Dourado Tropical Medicine Foundation, Manaus, AM, Brazil
| | - Andreas H Laustsen
- Department of Biotechnology and Biomedicine, Technical University of Denmark, Kongens Lyngby, Denmark
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38
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Føns S, Ledsgaard L, Nikolaev MV, Vassilevski AA, Sørensen CV, Chevalier MK, Fiebig M, Laustsen AH. Discovery of a Recombinant Human Monoclonal Immunoglobulin G Antibody Against α-Latrotoxin From the Mediterranean Black Widow Spider ( Latrodectus tredecimguttatus). Front Immunol 2020; 11:587825. [PMID: 33262768 PMCID: PMC7688514 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2020.587825] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/27/2020] [Accepted: 10/19/2020] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Widow spiders are among the few spider species worldwide that can cause serious envenoming in humans. The clinical syndrome resulting from Latrodectus spp. envenoming is called latrodectism and characterized by pain (local or regional) associated with diaphoresis and nonspecific systemic effects. The syndrome is caused by α-latrotoxin, a ~130 kDa neurotoxin that induces massive neurotransmitter release. Due to this function, α-latrotoxin has played a fundamental role as a tool in the study of neuroexocytosis. Nevertheless, some questions concerning its mode of action remain unresolved today. The diagnosis of latrodectism is purely clinical, combined with the patient's history of spider bite, as no analytical assays exist to detect widow spider venom. By utilizing antibody phage display technology, we here report the discovery of the first recombinant human monoclonal immunoglobulin G antibody (TPL0020_02_G9) that binds α-latrotoxin from the Mediterranean black widow spider (Latrodectus tredecimguttatus) and show neutralization efficacy ex vivo. Such antibody can be used as an affinity reagent for research and diagnostic purposes, providing researchers with a novel tool for more sophisticated experimentation and analysis. Moreover, it may also find therapeutic application in future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sofie Føns
- Department of Biotechnology and Biomedicine, Technical University of Denmark, Kongens Lyngby, Denmark
| | - Line Ledsgaard
- Department of Biotechnology and Biomedicine, Technical University of Denmark, Kongens Lyngby, Denmark
| | - Maxim V. Nikolaev
- Sechenov Institute of Evolutionary Physiology and Biochemistry, Russian Academy of Sciences, Saint Petersburg, Russia
| | - Alexander A. Vassilevski
- Shemyakin-Ovchinnikov Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry, Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow, Russia
- Moscow Institute of Physics and Technology, Dolgoprudny, Russia
| | - Christoffer V. Sørensen
- Department of Biotechnology and Biomedicine, Technical University of Denmark, Kongens Lyngby, Denmark
| | - Manon K. Chevalier
- 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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39
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Lynagh T, Kiontke S, Meyhoff-Madsen M, Gless BH, Johannesen J, Kattelmann S, Christiansen A, Dufva M, Laustsen AH, Devkota K, Olsen CA, Kümmel D, Pless SA, Lohse B. Peptide Inhibitors of the α-Cobratoxin-Nicotinic Acetylcholine Receptor Interaction. J Med Chem 2020; 63:13709-13718. [PMID: 33143415 PMCID: PMC7705965 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.0c01202] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/01/2022]
Abstract
![]()
Venomous snakebites cause >100
000 deaths every year, in many cases
via potent depression of human neuromuscular signaling by snake α-neurotoxins.
Emergency therapy still relies on antibody-based antivenom, hampered
by poor access, frequent adverse reactions, and cumbersome production/purification.
Combining high-throughput discovery and subsequent structure–function
characterization, we present simple peptides that bind α-cobratoxin
(α-Cbtx) and prevent its inhibition of nicotinic acetylcholine
receptors (nAChRs) as a lead for the development of alternative antivenoms.
Candidate peptides were identified by phage display and deep sequencing,
and hits were characterized by electrophysiological recordings, leading
to an 8-mer peptide that prevented α-Cbtx inhibition of nAChRs.
We also solved the peptide:α-Cbtx cocrystal structure, revealing
that the peptide, although of unique primary sequence, binds to α-Cbtx
by mimicking structural features of the nAChR binding pocket. This
demonstrates the potential of small peptides to neutralize lethal
snake toxins in vitro, establishing a potential route to simple, synthetic,
low-cost antivenoms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Timothy Lynagh
- Sars International Centre for Marine Molecular Biology, University of Bergen, Thormøhlensgate 55, 5008 Bergen, Norway.,Center for Biopharmaceuticals & Department of Drug Design and Pharmacology, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Universitetsparken 2, DK-2100 Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Stephan Kiontke
- Division of Structural Biology, Department of Biology/Chemistry, University of Osnabrück, Barbarastraße 13, Osnabrück 49076, Germany.,Faculty of Biology, Department of Plant Physiology and Photobiology, Philipps-Universität Marburg, Karl-von-Frisch-Straße 8, 35032 Marburg, Germany
| | - Maria Meyhoff-Madsen
- Department of Drug Design and Pharmacology, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Universitetsparken 2, DK-2100 Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Bengt H Gless
- Center for Biopharmaceuticals & Department of Drug Design and Pharmacology, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Universitetsparken 2, DK-2100 Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Jónas Johannesen
- Department of Drug Design and Pharmacology, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Universitetsparken 2, DK-2100 Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Sabrina Kattelmann
- Institute of Biochemistry, University of Münster, Corrensstraße 36, 48149 Münster, Germany
| | - Anders Christiansen
- Fluid Array Systems and Technology, Nano and Bio-physical Systems, Department of Health Technology, Technical University of Denmark, Building 423 Produktionstorvet, DK-2800 Kongens Lyngby, Denmark
| | - Martin Dufva
- Fluid Array Systems and Technology, Nano and Bio-physical Systems, Department of Health Technology, Technical University of Denmark, Building 423 Produktionstorvet, DK-2800 Kongens Lyngby, Denmark
| | - Andreas H Laustsen
- Department of Drug Design and Pharmacology, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Universitetsparken 2, DK-2100 Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Kanchan Devkota
- Department of Drug Design and Pharmacology, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Universitetsparken 2, DK-2100 Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Christian A Olsen
- Center for Biopharmaceuticals & Department of Drug Design and Pharmacology, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Universitetsparken 2, DK-2100 Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Daniel Kümmel
- Division of Structural Biology, Department of Biology/Chemistry, University of Osnabrück, Barbarastraße 13, Osnabrück 49076, Germany.,Institute of Biochemistry, University of Münster, Corrensstraße 36, 48149 Münster, Germany
| | - Stephan Alexander Pless
- Center for Biopharmaceuticals & Department of Drug Design and Pharmacology, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Universitetsparken 2, DK-2100 Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Brian Lohse
- Department of Drug Design and Pharmacology, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Universitetsparken 2, DK-2100 Copenhagen, Denmark
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40
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Pucca MB, Knudsen C, S. Oliveira I, Rimbault C, A. Cerni F, Wen FH, Sachett J, Sartim MA, Laustsen AH, Monteiro WM. Current Knowledge on Snake Dry Bites. Toxins (Basel) 2020; 12:toxins12110668. [PMID: 33105644 PMCID: PMC7690386 DOI: 10.3390/toxins12110668] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/01/2020] [Revised: 10/15/2020] [Accepted: 10/16/2020] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Snake ‘dry bites’ are characterized by the absence of venom being injected into the victim during a snakebite incident. The dry bite mechanism and diagnosis are quite complex, and the lack of envenoming symptoms in these cases may be misinterpreted as a miraculous treatment or as proof that the bite from the perpetrating snake species is rather harmless. The circumstances of dry bites and their clinical diagnosis are not well-explored in the literature, which may lead to ambiguity amongst treating personnel about whether antivenom is indicated or not. Here, the epidemiology and recorded history of dry bites are reviewed, and the clinical knowledge on the dry bite phenomenon is presented and discussed. Finally, this review proposes a diagnostic and therapeutic protocol to assist medical care after snake dry bites, aiming to improve patient outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Manuela B. Pucca
- Medical School, Federal University of Roraima, Boa Vista 69310-000, Roraima, Brazil;
| | - Cecilie Knudsen
- Department of Biotechnology and Biomedicine, Technical University of Denmark, DK-2800 Kongens Lyngby, Denmark; (C.K.); (C.R.); (A.H.L.)
- Bioporto Diagnostics A/S, DK-2900 Hellerup, Denmark
| | - Isadora S. Oliveira
- Department of BioMolecular Sciences, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences of Ribeirão Preto, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, São Paulo 14049-900, Brazil; (I.S.O.); (F.A.C.)
| | - Charlotte Rimbault
- Department of Biotechnology and Biomedicine, Technical University of Denmark, DK-2800 Kongens Lyngby, Denmark; (C.K.); (C.R.); (A.H.L.)
| | - Felipe A. Cerni
- Department of BioMolecular Sciences, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences of Ribeirão Preto, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, São Paulo 14049-900, Brazil; (I.S.O.); (F.A.C.)
| | - Fan Hui Wen
- Butantan Institute, São Paulo 05503-900, Brazil;
| | - Jacqueline Sachett
- Department of Medicine and Nursing, School of Health Sciences, Amazonas State University, Manaus 69065-001, Amazonas, Brazil;
- Department of Teaching and Research, Alfredo da Matta Foundation, Manaus 69065-130, Amazonas, Brazil
| | - Marco A. Sartim
- Department of Teaching and Research, Dr. Heitor Vieira Dourado Tropical Medicine Foundation, Manaus 69040-000, Amazonas, Brazil;
- Institute of Biological Sciences, Amazonas Federal University, Manaus 69067-005, Amazonas, Brazil
| | - Andreas H. Laustsen
- Department of Biotechnology and Biomedicine, Technical University of Denmark, DK-2800 Kongens Lyngby, Denmark; (C.K.); (C.R.); (A.H.L.)
| | - Wuelton M. Monteiro
- Department of Medicine and Nursing, School of Health Sciences, Amazonas State University, Manaus 69065-001, Amazonas, Brazil;
- Department of Teaching and Research, Dr. Heitor Vieira Dourado Tropical Medicine Foundation, Manaus 69040-000, Amazonas, Brazil;
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +55-92-99165-2486
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41
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Knudsen C, Casewell NR, Lomonte B, Gutiérrez JM, Vaiyapuri S, Laustsen AH. Novel Snakebite Therapeutics Must Be Tested in Appropriate Rescue Models to Robustly Assess Their Preclinical Efficacy. Toxins (Basel) 2020; 12:toxins12090528. [PMID: 32824899 PMCID: PMC7551497 DOI: 10.3390/toxins12090528] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/24/2020] [Revised: 08/13/2020] [Accepted: 08/15/2020] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
In the field of antivenom research, development, and manufacture, it is often advised to follow the World Health Organization’s (WHO) guidelines for the production, control, and regulation of snake antivenom immunoglobulins, which recommend the use of preincubation assays to assess the efficacy of snakebite therapeutics. In these assays, venom and antivenom are mixed and incubated prior to in vivo administration to rodents, which allows for a standardizable comparison of antivenoms with similar characteristics. However, these assays are not necessarily sufficient for therapeutics with significantly different pharmacological properties than antibody-based antivenoms, such as small molecule inhibitors, nanoparticles, and other modalities. To ensure that the in vivo therapeutic utility of completely novel toxin-neutralizing molecules with no history of use in envenoming therapy and variable pharmacokinetics is properly evaluated, such molecules must also be tested in preclinical rescue assays, where rodents are first challenged with appropriate doses of venoms or toxins, followed by the administration of neutralizing modalities after an appropriate time delay to better mimic the real-life scenarios faced by human snakebite victims. Such an approach takes the venom (or toxin) toxicokinetics, the drug pharmacokinetics, and the drug pharmacodynamics into consideration. If new modalities are only assessed in preincubation assays and not subjected to evaluation in rescue assays, the publication of neutralization data may unintentionally misrepresent the actual therapeutic efficacy and suitability of the modality being tested, and thus potentially misguide strategic decision making in the research and development of novel therapies for snakebite envenoming.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cecilie Knudsen
- Department of Biotechnology and Biomedicine, Technical University of Denmark, 2800 Kongens Lyngby, Denmark
- BioPorto Diagnostics, 2900 Hellerup, Denmark
- Correspondence: (C.K.); (A.H.L.); Tel.: +45-29881134 (A.H.L.)
| | - Nicholas R. Casewell
- Centre for Snakebite Research & Interventions, Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, Liverpool L3 5QA, UK;
| | - Bruno Lomonte
- Instituto Clodomiro Picado, Facultad de Microbiologia, Universidad de Costa Rica, 11501 San José, Costa Rica; (B.L.); (J.M.G.)
| | - José María Gutiérrez
- Instituto Clodomiro Picado, Facultad de Microbiologia, Universidad de Costa Rica, 11501 San José, Costa Rica; (B.L.); (J.M.G.)
| | | | - Andreas H. Laustsen
- Department of Biotechnology and Biomedicine, Technical University of Denmark, 2800 Kongens Lyngby, Denmark
- Correspondence: (C.K.); (A.H.L.); Tel.: +45-29881134 (A.H.L.)
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42
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Ahmadi S, Pucca MB, Jürgensen JA, Janke R, Ledsgaard L, Schoof EM, Sørensen CV, Çalışkan F, Laustsen AH. An in vitro methodology for discovering broadly-neutralizing monoclonal antibodies. Sci Rep 2020; 10:10765. [PMID: 32612183 PMCID: PMC7329857 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-020-67654-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/20/2020] [Accepted: 06/11/2020] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Broadly-neutralizing monoclonal antibodies are of high therapeutic utility against infectious diseases caused by bacteria and viruses, as well as different types of intoxications. Snakebite envenoming is one such debilitating pathology, which is currently treated with polyclonal antibodies derived from immunized animals. For the development of novel envenoming therapies based on monoclonal antibodies with improved therapeutic benefits, new discovery approaches for broadly-neutralizing antibodies are needed. Here, we present a methodology based on phage display technology and a cross-panning strategy that enables the selection of cross-reactive monoclonal antibodies that can broadly neutralize toxins from different snake species. This simple in vitro methodology is immediately useful for the development of broadly-neutralizing (polyvalent) recombinant antivenoms with broad species coverage, but may also find application in the development of broadly-neutralizing antibodies against bacterial, viral, and parasitic agents that are known for evading therapy via resistance mechanisms and antigen variation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shirin Ahmadi
- Department of Biotechnology and Biosafety, Graduate School of Natural and Applied Sciences, Eskisehir Osmangazi University, Eskisehir, Turkey
- Department of Biotechnology and Biomedicine, Technical University of Denmark, Kongens Lyngby, Denmark
| | - Manuela B Pucca
- Department of Biotechnology and Biomedicine, Technical University of Denmark, Kongens Lyngby, Denmark
- Medical School, Federal University of Roraima, Boa Vista, Roraima, Brazil
| | - Jonas A Jürgensen
- Department of Biotechnology and Biomedicine, Technical University of Denmark, Kongens Lyngby, Denmark
| | - Rahel Janke
- Department of Biotechnology and Biomedicine, Technical University of Denmark, Kongens Lyngby, Denmark
| | - Line Ledsgaard
- Department of Biotechnology and Biomedicine, Technical University of Denmark, Kongens Lyngby, Denmark
| | - Erwin M Schoof
- 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
| | - Figen Çalışkan
- Department of Biotechnology and Biosafety, Graduate School of Natural and Applied Sciences, Eskisehir Osmangazi University, Eskisehir, Turkey
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Science and Letters, Eskisehir Osmangazi University, Eskisehir, Turkey
| | - Andreas H Laustsen
- Department of Biotechnology and Biomedicine, Technical University of Denmark, Kongens Lyngby, Denmark.
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43
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Casewell NR, Jackson TNW, Laustsen AH, Sunagar K. Causes and Consequences of Snake Venom Variation. Trends Pharmacol Sci 2020; 41:570-581. [PMID: 32564899 PMCID: PMC7116101 DOI: 10.1016/j.tips.2020.05.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 157] [Impact Index Per Article: 39.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2020] [Revised: 05/25/2020] [Accepted: 05/31/2020] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Snake venoms are mixtures of toxins that vary extensively between and within snake species. This variability has serious consequences for the management of the world’s 1.8 million annual snakebite victims. Advances in ‘omic’ technologies have empowered toxinologists to comprehensively characterize snake venom compositions, unravel the molecular mechanisms that underpin venom variation, and elucidate the ensuing functional consequences. In this review, we describe how such mechanistic processes have resulted in suites of toxin isoforms that cause diverse pathologies in human snakebite victims and we detail how variation in venom composition can result in treatment failure. Finally, we outline current therapeutic approaches designed to circumvent venom variation and deliver next-generation treatments for the world’s most lethal neglected tropical disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicholas R Casewell
- Centre for Snakebite Research and Interventions, Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, Pembroke Place, Liverpool, L3 5QA, UK.
| | - Timothy N W Jackson
- Australian Venom Research Unit, Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, University of Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Andreas H Laustsen
- Department of Biotechnology and Biomedicine, Technical University of Denmark, DK-2800 Kongens Lyngby, Denmark
| | - Kartik Sunagar
- Evolutionary Venomics Laboratory, Centre for Ecological Sciences, Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore 560012, Karnataka, India
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44
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Campos LB, Pucca MB, Silva LC, Pessenda G, Filardi BA, Cerni FA, Oliveira IS, Laustsen AH, Arantes EC, Barbosa JE. Identification of cross-reactive human single-chain variable fragments against phospholipases A 2 from Lachesis muta and Bothrops spp venoms. Toxicon 2020; 184:116-121. [PMID: 32505638 DOI: 10.1016/j.toxicon.2020.05.027] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/14/2020] [Revised: 05/28/2020] [Accepted: 05/31/2020] [Indexed: 01/05/2023]
Abstract
Bushmasters (Lachesis spp) and lancehead vipers (Bothrops spp) are two of the most dangerous snakes found in Latin America. Victims of envenoming by these snakes require urgent administration of antivenom. Here, we report the identification of a small set of broadly neutralizing human monoclonal single-chain variable fragment (scFv) antibodies targeting key phospholipases A2 from Lachesis and Bothrops spp using phage display technology and demonstrate their in vitro efficacy using a hemolysis assay.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lucas B Campos
- Department of Biochemistry and Immunology, School of Medicine of Ribeirão Preto, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, SP, Brazil
| | - Manuela B Pucca
- Medical School, Federal University of Roraima, Boa Vista, RR, Brazil; Department of Biotechnology and Biomedicine, Technical University of Denmark, Kongens Lyngby, Denmark.
| | - Luciano C Silva
- Department of Biochemistry and Immunology, School of Medicine of Ribeirão Preto, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, SP, Brazil; Toronto Recombinant Antibody Centre, The Donnelly Centre, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
| | - Gabriela Pessenda
- Department of Biochemistry and Immunology, School of Medicine of Ribeirão Preto, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, SP, Brazil
| | - Bruno A Filardi
- Department of Biochemistry and Immunology, School of Medicine of Ribeirão Preto, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, SP, Brazil
| | - Felipe A Cerni
- Department of Biotechnology and Biomedicine, Technical University of Denmark, Kongens Lyngby, Denmark; Department of BioMolecular Sciences, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences of Ribeirão Preto, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, SP, Brazil
| | - Isadora S Oliveira
- Department of BioMolecular Sciences, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences of Ribeirão Preto, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, SP, Brazil
| | - Andreas H Laustsen
- Department of Biotechnology and Biomedicine, Technical University of Denmark, Kongens Lyngby, Denmark
| | - Eliane C Arantes
- Department of BioMolecular Sciences, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences of Ribeirão Preto, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, SP, Brazil
| | - José E Barbosa
- Department of Biochemistry and Immunology, School of Medicine of Ribeirão Preto, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, SP, Brazil
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45
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Krause KE, Jenkins TP, Skaarup C, Engmark M, Casewell NR, Ainsworth S, Lomonte B, Fernández J, Gutiérrez JM, Lund O, Laustsen AH. An interactive database for the investigation of high-density peptide microarray guided interaction patterns and antivenom cross-reactivity. PLoS Negl Trop Dis 2020; 14:e0008366. [PMID: 32579606 PMCID: PMC7313730 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0008366] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/25/2020] [Accepted: 05/06/2020] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Snakebite envenoming is a major neglected tropical disease that affects millions of people every year. The only effective treatment against snakebite envenoming consists of unspecified cocktails of polyclonal antibodies purified from the plasma of immunized production animals. Currently, little data exists on the molecular interactions between venom-toxin epitopes and antivenom-antibody paratopes. To address this issue, high-density peptide microarray (hdpm) technology has recently been adapted to the field of toxinology. However, analysis of such valuable datasets requires expert understanding and, thus, complicates its broad application within the field. In the present study, we developed a user-friendly, and high-throughput web application named "Snake Toxin and Antivenom Binding Profiles" (STAB Profiles), to allow straight-forward analysis of hdpm datasets. To test our tool and evaluate its performance with a large dataset, we conducted hdpm assays using all African snake toxin protein sequences available in the UniProt database at the time of study design, together with eight commercial antivenoms in clinical use in Africa, thus representing the largest venom-antivenom dataset to date. Furthermore, we introduced a novel method for evaluating raw signals from a peptide microarray experiment and a data normalization protocol enabling intra-microarray and even inter-microarray chip comparisons. Finally, these data, alongside all the data from previous similar studies by Engmark et al., were preprocessed according to our newly developed protocol and made publicly available for download through the STAB Profiles web application (http://tropicalpharmacology.com/tools/stab-profiles/). With these data and our tool, we were able to gain key insights into toxin-antivenom interactions and were able to differentiate the ability of different antivenoms to interact with certain toxins of interest. The data, as well as the web application, we present in this article should be of significant value to the venom-antivenom research community. Knowledge gained from our current and future analyses of this dataset carry the potential to guide the improvement and optimization of current antivenoms for maximum patient benefit, as well as aid the development of next-generation antivenoms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kamille E. Krause
- Department of Bio and Health Informatics, Technical University of Denmark, Kongens Lyngby, Denmark
| | - Timothy P. Jenkins
- Department of Biotechnology and Biomedicine, Technical University of Denmark, Kongens Lyngby, Denmark
| | - Carina Skaarup
- Department of Bio and Health Informatics, Technical University of Denmark, Kongens Lyngby, Denmark
| | - Mikael Engmark
- Department of Bio and Health Informatics, Technical University of Denmark, Kongens Lyngby, Denmark
| | - Nicholas R. Casewell
- Centre for Snakebite Research & Interventions, Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, Pembroke Place, Liverpool, United Kingdom
| | - Stuart Ainsworth
- Centre for Snakebite Research & Interventions, Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, Pembroke Place, Liverpool, United Kingdom
| | - Bruno Lomonte
- Instituto Clodomiro Picado, Facultad de Microbiología, Universidad de Costa Rica, San José, Costa Rica
| | - Julián Fernández
- Instituto Clodomiro Picado, Facultad de Microbiología, Universidad de Costa Rica, San José, Costa Rica
| | - José M. Gutiérrez
- Instituto Clodomiro Picado, Facultad de Microbiología, Universidad de Costa Rica, San José, Costa Rica
| | - Ole Lund
- Department of Bio and Health Informatics, 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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46
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Ahmadi S, Knerr JM, Argemi L, Bordon KCF, Pucca MB, Cerni FA, Arantes EC, Çalışkan F, Laustsen AH. Scorpion Venom: Detriments and Benefits. Biomedicines 2020; 8:biomedicines8050118. [PMID: 32408604 PMCID: PMC7277529 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines8050118] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/02/2020] [Revised: 05/01/2020] [Accepted: 05/07/2020] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Scorpion venom may cause severe medical complications and untimely death if injected into the human body. Neurotoxins are the main components of scorpion venom that are known to be responsible for the pathological manifestations of envenoming. Besides neurotoxins, a wide range of other bioactive molecules can be found in scorpion venoms. Advances in separation, characterization, and biotechnological approaches have enabled not only the development of more effective treatments against scorpion envenomings, but have also led to the discovery of several scorpion venom peptides with interesting therapeutic properties. Thus, scorpion venom may not only be a medical threat to human health, but could prove to be a valuable source of bioactive molecules that may serve as leads for the development of new therapies against current and emerging diseases. This review presents both the detrimental and beneficial properties of scorpion venom toxins and discusses the newest advances within the development of novel therapies against scorpion envenoming and the therapeutic perspectives for scorpion toxins in drug discovery.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shirin Ahmadi
- Department of Biotechnology and Biomedicine, Technical University of Denmark, DK-2800 Kongens Lyngby, Denmark; (J.M.K.); (L.A.); (M.B.P.); (F.A.C.)
- Department of Biotechnology and Biosafety, Graduate School of Natural and Applied Sciences, Eşkisehir Osmangazi University, TR-26040 Eşkisehir, Turkey;
- Correspondence: (S.A.); (A.H.L.); Tel.: +45-7164-6042 (S.A.); +45-2988-1134 (A.H.L.)
| | - Julius M. Knerr
- Department of Biotechnology and Biomedicine, Technical University of Denmark, DK-2800 Kongens Lyngby, Denmark; (J.M.K.); (L.A.); (M.B.P.); (F.A.C.)
| | - Lídia Argemi
- Department of Biotechnology and Biomedicine, Technical University of Denmark, DK-2800 Kongens Lyngby, Denmark; (J.M.K.); (L.A.); (M.B.P.); (F.A.C.)
| | - Karla C. F. Bordon
- Department of BioMolecular Sciences, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences of Ribeirão Preto, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto—São Paulo 14040-903, Brazil; (K.C.F.B.); (E.C.A.)
| | - Manuela B. Pucca
- Department of Biotechnology and Biomedicine, Technical University of Denmark, DK-2800 Kongens Lyngby, Denmark; (J.M.K.); (L.A.); (M.B.P.); (F.A.C.)
- Medical School, Federal University of Roraima, Boa Vista, Roraima 69310-000, Brazil
| | - Felipe A. Cerni
- Department of Biotechnology and Biomedicine, Technical University of Denmark, DK-2800 Kongens Lyngby, Denmark; (J.M.K.); (L.A.); (M.B.P.); (F.A.C.)
- Department of BioMolecular Sciences, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences of Ribeirão Preto, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto—São Paulo 14040-903, Brazil; (K.C.F.B.); (E.C.A.)
| | - Eliane C. Arantes
- Department of BioMolecular Sciences, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences of Ribeirão Preto, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto—São Paulo 14040-903, Brazil; (K.C.F.B.); (E.C.A.)
| | - Figen Çalışkan
- Department of Biotechnology and Biosafety, Graduate School of Natural and Applied Sciences, Eşkisehir Osmangazi University, TR-26040 Eşkisehir, Turkey;
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Science and Letters, Eskisehir Osmangazi University, TR-26040 Eskisehir, Turkey
| | - Andreas H. Laustsen
- Department of Biotechnology and Biomedicine, Technical University of Denmark, DK-2800 Kongens Lyngby, Denmark; (J.M.K.); (L.A.); (M.B.P.); (F.A.C.)
- Correspondence: (S.A.); (A.H.L.); Tel.: +45-7164-6042 (S.A.); +45-2988-1134 (A.H.L.)
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47
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Pucca MB, Ahmadi S, Cerni FA, Ledsgaard L, Sørensen CV, McGeoghan FTS, Stewart T, Schoof E, Lomonte B, Auf dem Keller U, Arantes EC, Çalışkan F, Laustsen AH. Unity Makes Strength: Exploring Intraspecies and Interspecies Toxin Synergism between Phospholipases A 2 and Cytotoxins. Front Pharmacol 2020; 11:611. [PMID: 32457615 PMCID: PMC7221120 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2020.00611] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/14/2019] [Accepted: 04/20/2020] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Toxin synergism is a complex biochemical phenomenon, where different animal venom proteins interact either directly or indirectly to potentiate toxicity to a level that is above the sum of the toxicities of the individual toxins. This provides the animals possessing venoms with synergistically enhanced toxicity with a metabolic advantage, since less venom is needed to inflict potent toxic effects in prey and predators. Among the toxins that are known for interacting synergistically are cytotoxins from snake venoms, phospholipases A2 from snake and bee venoms, and melittin from bee venom. These toxins may derive a synergistically enhanced toxicity via formation of toxin complexes by hetero-oligomerization. Using a human keratinocyte assay mimicking human epidermis in vitro, we demonstrate and quantify the level of synergistically enhanced toxicity for 12 cytotoxin/melittin-PLA2 combinations using toxins from elapids, vipers, and bees. Moreover, by utilizing an interaction-based assay and by including a wealth of information obtained via a thorough literature review, we speculate and propose a mechanistic model for how toxin synergism in relation to cytotoxicity may be mediated by cytotoxin/melittin and PLA2 complex formation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Manuela B Pucca
- Medical School, Federal University of Roraima, Boa Vista, Brazil.,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.,Department of Biotechnology and Biosafety, Graduate School of Natural and Applied Sciences, Eskişehir Osmangazi University, Eskişehir, Turkey
| | - Felipe A Cerni
- Department of Biotechnology and Biomedicine, Technical University of Denmark, Kongens Lyngby, Denmark.,Department of BioMolecular Sciences, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences of Ribeirão Preto, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, Brazil
| | - Line Ledsgaard
- 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
| | - Farrell T S McGeoghan
- Department of Biotechnology and Biomedicine, Technical University of Denmark, Kongens Lyngby, Denmark
| | - Trenton Stewart
- Department of Biotechnology and Biomedicine, Technical University of Denmark, Kongens Lyngby, Denmark.,Department of Biology, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
| | - Erwin Schoof
- Department of Biotechnology and Biomedicine, Technical University of Denmark, Kongens Lyngby, Denmark
| | - Bruno Lomonte
- Facultad de Microbiología, Instituto Clodomiro Picado, Universidad de Costa Rica, San José, Costa Rica
| | - Ulrich Auf dem Keller
- Department of Biotechnology and Biomedicine, Technical University of Denmark, Kongens Lyngby, Denmark
| | - Eliane C Arantes
- Department of BioMolecular Sciences, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences of Ribeirão Preto, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, Brazil
| | - Figen Çalışkan
- Department of Biotechnology and Biosafety, Graduate School of Natural and Applied Sciences, Eskişehir Osmangazi University, Eskişehir, Turkey.,Department of Biology, Faculty of Science and Art, Eskişehir Osmangazi University, Eskişehir, Turkey
| | - Andreas H Laustsen
- Department of Biotechnology and Biomedicine, Technical University of Denmark, Kongens Lyngby, Denmark
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48
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Sørensen CV, Knudsen C, auf dem Keller U, Kalogeropoulos K, Gutiérrez-Jiménez C, Pucca MB, Arantes EC, Bordon KCF, Laustsen AH. Do Antibiotics Potentiate Proteases in Hemotoxic Snake Venoms? Toxins (Basel) 2020; 12:toxins12040240. [PMID: 32283690 PMCID: PMC7232225 DOI: 10.3390/toxins12040240] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/12/2020] [Revised: 03/30/2020] [Accepted: 04/07/2020] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
Antibiotics are often administered with antivenom following snakebite envenomings in order to avoid secondary bacterial infections. However, to this date, no studies have evaluated whether antibiotics may have undesirable potentiating effects on snake venom. Herein, we demonstrate that four commonly used antibiotics affect the enzymatic activities of proteolytic snake venom toxins in two different in vitro assays. Similar findings in vivo could have clinical implications for snakebite management and require further examination.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christoffer V. Sørensen
- Department of Biotechnology and Biomedicine, Technical University of Denmark, DK-2800 Kongens Lyngby, Denmark; (C.V.S.); (C.K.); (U.a.d.K.); (K.K.); (C.G.-J.); (M.B.P.)
| | - Cecilie Knudsen
- Department of Biotechnology and Biomedicine, Technical University of Denmark, DK-2800 Kongens Lyngby, Denmark; (C.V.S.); (C.K.); (U.a.d.K.); (K.K.); (C.G.-J.); (M.B.P.)
- BioPorto Diagnostics A/S, DK-2900 Hellerup, Denmark
| | - Ulrich auf dem Keller
- Department of Biotechnology and Biomedicine, Technical University of Denmark, DK-2800 Kongens Lyngby, Denmark; (C.V.S.); (C.K.); (U.a.d.K.); (K.K.); (C.G.-J.); (M.B.P.)
| | - Konstantinos Kalogeropoulos
- Department of Biotechnology and Biomedicine, Technical University of Denmark, DK-2800 Kongens Lyngby, Denmark; (C.V.S.); (C.K.); (U.a.d.K.); (K.K.); (C.G.-J.); (M.B.P.)
| | - Cristina Gutiérrez-Jiménez
- Department of Biotechnology and Biomedicine, Technical University of Denmark, DK-2800 Kongens Lyngby, Denmark; (C.V.S.); (C.K.); (U.a.d.K.); (K.K.); (C.G.-J.); (M.B.P.)
| | - Manuela B. Pucca
- Department of Biotechnology and Biomedicine, Technical University of Denmark, DK-2800 Kongens Lyngby, Denmark; (C.V.S.); (C.K.); (U.a.d.K.); (K.K.); (C.G.-J.); (M.B.P.)
- Medical School, Federal University of Roraima, Boa Vista BR-69310-000, Brazil
| | - Eliane C. Arantes
- Department of BioMolecular Sciences, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences of Ribeirão Preto, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto BR-14040-903, Brazil; (E.C.A.); (K.C.F.B.)
| | - Karla C. F. Bordon
- Department of BioMolecular Sciences, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences of Ribeirão Preto, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto BR-14040-903, Brazil; (E.C.A.); (K.C.F.B.)
| | - Andreas H. Laustsen
- Department of Biotechnology and Biomedicine, Technical University of Denmark, DK-2800 Kongens Lyngby, Denmark; (C.V.S.); (C.K.); (U.a.d.K.); (K.K.); (C.G.-J.); (M.B.P.)
- Correspondence:
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49
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Ledsgaard L, Ahmadi S, Pucca MB, Cerni FA, Jürgensen JA, Knudsen C, Pus U, Sørensen CV, Føns S, Janke R, Knerr J, Bertelsen A, Dehli RI, Esteban AM, Karatt-Vellatt A, McCafferty J, Lomonte B, Arantes EC, Laustsen AH. Discovery of cross-reactive and recyclable human monoclonal antibodies for new recombinant antivenoms. Toxicon 2020. [DOI: 10.1016/j.toxicon.2019.12.063] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
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50
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Pucca MB, Cerni FA, Oliveira IS, Jenkins TP, Argemí L, Sørensen CV, Ahmadi S, Barbosa JE, Laustsen AH. Bee Updated: Current Knowledge on Bee Venom and Bee Envenoming Therapy. Front Immunol 2019; 10:2090. [PMID: 31552038 PMCID: PMC6743376 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2019.02090] [Citation(s) in RCA: 88] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/16/2019] [Accepted: 08/19/2019] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Honey bees can be found all around the world and fulfill key pollination roles within their natural ecosystems, as well as in agriculture. Most species are typically docile, and most interactions between humans and bees are unproblematic, despite their ability to inject a complex venom into their victims as a defensive mechanism. Nevertheless, incidences of bee stings have been on the rise since the accidental release of Africanized bees to Brazil in 1956 and their subsequent spread across the Americas. These bee hybrids are more aggressive and are prone to attack, presenting a significant healthcare burden to the countries they have colonized. To date, treatment of such stings typically focuses on controlling potential allergic reactions, as no specific antivenoms against bee venom currently exist. Researchers have investigated the possibility of developing bee antivenoms, but this has been complicated by the very low immunogenicity of the key bee toxins, which fail to induce a strong antibody response in the immunized animals. However, with current cutting-edge technologies, such as phage display, alongside the rise of monoclonal antibody therapeutics, the development of a recombinant bee antivenom is achievable, and promising results towards this goal have been reported in recent years. Here, current knowledge on the venom biology of Africanized bees and current treatment options against bee envenoming are reviewed. Additionally, recent developments within next-generation bee antivenoms are presented and discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Manuela B. Pucca
- Medical School, Federal University of Roraima, Boa Vista, Brazil
- Department of Biotechnology and Biomedicine, Technical University of Denmark, Lyngby, Denmark
| | - Felipe A. Cerni
- Department of Biotechnology and Biomedicine, Technical University of Denmark, Lyngby, Denmark
- Department of Physics and Chemistry, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences of Ribeirão Preto, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, Brazil
| | - Isadora S. Oliveira
- Department of Physics and Chemistry, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences of Ribeirão Preto, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, Brazil
| | - Timothy P. Jenkins
- Department of Biotechnology and Biomedicine, Technical University of Denmark, Lyngby, Denmark
| | - Lídia Argemí
- Department of Biotechnology and Biomedicine, Technical University of Denmark, Lyngby, Denmark
| | - Christoffer V. Sørensen
- Department of Biotechnology and Biomedicine, Technical University of Denmark, Lyngby, Denmark
| | - Shirin Ahmadi
- Department of Biotechnology and Biomedicine, Technical University of Denmark, Lyngby, Denmark
- Department of Biotechnology and Biosafety, Eskişehir Osmangazi University, Eskişehir, Turkey
| | - José E. Barbosa
- Department of Biochemistry and Immunology, Medical School of Ribeirão Preto, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, Brazil
| | - Andreas H. Laustsen
- Department of Biotechnology and Biomedicine, Technical University of Denmark, Lyngby, Denmark
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