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Cells Jun 2021venom allergy is one of the most severe allergic diseases, with a considerable prevalence of anaphylactic reaction, making it potentially lethal. In this review, we... (Review)
Review
venom allergy is one of the most severe allergic diseases, with a considerable prevalence of anaphylactic reaction, making it potentially lethal. In this review, we provide an overview of the current knowledge and recent findings in understanding induced immune mechanisms during different phases of venom immunotherapy. We focus on protection mechanisms that occur early, during the build-up phase, and on the immune tolerance, which occurs later, during and after venom immunotherapy. The short-term protection seems to be established by the early desensitization of mast cells and basophils, which plays a crucial role in preventing anaphylaxis during the build-up phase of treatment. The early generation of blocking IgG antibodies seems to be one of the main reasons for the lower activation of effector cells. Long-term tolerance is reached after at least three years of venom immunotherapy. A decrease in basophil responsiveness correlates with tolerated sting challenge. Furthermore, the persistent decline in IgE levels and, by monitoring the cytokine profiles, a shift from a Th2 to Th1 immune response, can be observed. In addition, the generation of regulatory T and B cells has proven to be essential for inducing allergen tolerance. Most studies on the mechanisms and effectiveness data have been obtained during venom immunotherapy (VIT). Despite the high success rate of VIT, allergen tolerance may not persist for a prolonged time. There is not much known about immune mechanisms that assure long-term tolerance post-therapy.
Topics: Animals; Arthropod Venoms; Desensitization, Immunologic; Humans; Immune Tolerance; Models, Biological; Models, Immunological; Time Factors
PubMed: 34206562
DOI: 10.3390/cells10071575 -
Toxins Feb 2024Among the various natural compounds used in alternative and Oriental medicine, toxins isolated from different organisms have had their application for many years, and... (Review)
Review
Among the various natural compounds used in alternative and Oriental medicine, toxins isolated from different organisms have had their application for many years, and venom has been studied the most extensively. Numerous studies dealing with the positive assets of bee venom (BV) indicated its beneficial properties. The usage of bee products to prevent the occurrence of diseases and for their treatment is often referred to as apitherapy and is based mainly on the experience of the traditional system of medical practice in diverse ethnic communities. Today, a large number of studies are focused on the antitumor effects of BV, which are mainly attributed to its basic polypeptide melittin (MEL). Previous studies have indicated that BV and its major constituent MEL cause a strong toxic effect on different cancer cells, such as liver, lung, bladder, kidney, prostate, breast, and leukemia cells, while a less pronounced effect was observed in normal non-target cells. Their proposed mechanisms of action, such as the effect on proliferation and growth inhibition, cell cycle alterations, and induction of cell death through several cancer cell death mechanisms, are associated with the activation of phospholipase A (PLA), caspases, and matrix metalloproteinases that destroy cancer cells. Numerous cellular effects of BV and MEL need to be elucidated on the molecular level, while the key issue has to do with the trigger of the apoptotic cascade. Apoptosis could be either a consequence of the plasmatic membrane fenestration or the result of the direct interaction of the BV components with pro-apoptotic and anti-apoptotic factors. The interaction of BV peptides and enzymes with the plasma membrane is a crucial step in the whole process. However, before its possible application as a remedy, it is crucial to identify the correct route of exposure and dosage of BV and MEL for potential therapeutic use as well as potential side effects on normal cells and tissues to avoid any possible adverse event.
Topics: Male; Animals; Bees; Bee Venoms; Melitten; Cell Membrane; Apoptosis; Cell Death
PubMed: 38535786
DOI: 10.3390/toxins16030117 -
Toxins Mar 2012Over 10,000 arthropod species are currently considered to be pest organisms. They are estimated to contribute to the destruction of ~14% of the world's annual crop... (Review)
Review
Over 10,000 arthropod species are currently considered to be pest organisms. They are estimated to contribute to the destruction of ~14% of the world's annual crop production and transmit many pathogens. Presently, arthropod pests of agricultural and health significance are controlled predominantly through the use of chemical insecticides. Unfortunately, the widespread use of these agrochemicals has resulted in genetic selection pressure that has led to the development of insecticide-resistant arthropods, as well as concerns over human health and the environment. Bioinsecticides represent a new generation of insecticides that utilise organisms or their derivatives (e.g., transgenic plants, recombinant baculoviruses, toxin-fusion proteins and peptidomimetics) and show promise as environmentally-friendly alternatives to conventional agrochemicals. Spider-venom peptides are now being investigated as potential sources of bioinsecticides. With an estimated 100,000 species, spiders are one of the most successful arthropod predators. Their venom has proven to be a rich source of hyperstable insecticidal mini-proteins that cause insect paralysis or lethality through the modulation of ion channels, receptors and enzymes. Many newly characterized insecticidal spider toxins target novel sites in insects. Here we review the structure and pharmacology of these toxins and discuss the potential of this vast peptide library for the discovery of novel bioinsecticides.
Topics: Animals; Humans; Insecticides; Peptides; Protein Conformation; Spider Venoms
PubMed: 22741062
DOI: 10.3390/toxins4030191 -
The Journal of Venomous Animals and... 2015Hyaluronidases are enzymes that mainly degrade hyaluronan, the major glycosaminoglycan of the interstitial matrix. They are involved in several pathological and...
Hyaluronidases are enzymes that mainly degrade hyaluronan, the major glycosaminoglycan of the interstitial matrix. They are involved in several pathological and physiological activities including fertilization, wound healing, embryogenesis, angiogenesis, diffusion of toxins and drugs, metastasis, pneumonia, sepsis, bacteremia, meningitis, inflammation and allergy, among others. Hyaluronidases are widely distributed in nature and the enzymes from mammalian spermatozoa, lysosomes and animal venoms belong to the subclass EC 3.2.1.35. To date, only five three-dimensional structures for arthropod venom hyaluronidases (Apis mellifera and Vespula vulgaris) were determined. Additionally, there are four molecular models for hyaluronidases from Mesobuthus martensii, Polybia paulista and Tityus serrulatus venoms. These enzymes are employed as adjuvants to increase the absorption and dispersion of other drugs and have been used in various off-label clinical conditions to reduce tissue edema. Moreover, a PEGylated form of a recombinant human hyaluronidase is currently under clinical trials for the treatment of metastatic pancreatic cancer. This review focuses on the arthropod venom hyaluronidases and provides an overview of their biochemical properties, role in the envenoming, structure/activity relationship, and potential medical and biotechnological applications.
PubMed: 26500679
DOI: 10.1186/s40409-015-0042-7 -
Toxins Nov 2021As a tribute to Butantan Institute in its 120th anniversary, this review describes some of the scientific research efforts carried out in the study of envenoming in... (Review)
Review
As a tribute to Butantan Institute in its 120th anniversary, this review describes some of the scientific research efforts carried out in the study of envenoming in Brazil, a country where accidents with caterpillars reach over 42,000 individuals per year (especially in South and Southeast Brazil). Thus, the promising data regarding the studies with 's toxins contributed to the creation of new research centers specialized in toxinology based at Butantan Institute, as well as to the production of the antilonomic serum (ALS), actions which are in line with the Butantan Institute mission "to research, develop, manufacture, and provide products and services for the health of the population". In addition, the study of the components of the bristle extract led to the discovery of new molecules with peculiar properties, opening a field of knowledge that could lead to the development and innovation of new drugs aimed at cell regeneration and inflammatory diseases.
Topics: Animals; Arthropod Venoms; Brazil; Butterflies; Humans; Insect Bites and Stings; Larva
PubMed: 34941670
DOI: 10.3390/toxins13120832 -
Journal of Investigational Allergology... 2014Mastocytosis is a clonal disorder characterized by proliferation and accumulation of mast cells in various tissues, mainly skin and bone marrow. It can cause a wide... (Review)
Review
Mastocytosis is a clonal disorder characterized by proliferation and accumulation of mast cells in various tissues, mainly skin and bone marrow. It can cause a wide variety of clinical manifestations-other than urticaria pigmentosa-that can lead to inappropriate release of mediators by mast cells. The most severe manifestation is anaphylaxis. The triggers of anaphylaxis in adults with mastocytosis are numerous, but Hymenoptera stings seem to be the most frequent, followed by foods and drugs. Therefore, to prevent severe reactions, it is very important to recognize and avoid potential triggers; in addition, venom-allergic patients must receive lifelong immunotherapy, which has proven very effective. Given that published data on drug anaphylaxis in patients with mast cell disorders are scarce, it is not currently possible to provide clear recommendations. The risk of systemic reactions during general anesthesia can be reduced by assessing risk on an individual basis (previous reaction to a drug or reaction during surgery) and by avoiding specific trigger factors (patient temperature changes, infusion of cold solution, tissue trauma, friction, and other mechanical factors).
Topics: Anaphylaxis; Animals; Arthropod Venoms; Drug Hypersensitivity; Humans; Hymenoptera; Mastocytosis; Tryptases
PubMed: 25345299
DOI: No ID Found -
Scientific Reports Dec 2022Most species of bee are capable of delivering a defensive sting which is often painful. A solitary lifestyle is the ancestral state of bees and most extant species are...
Most species of bee are capable of delivering a defensive sting which is often painful. A solitary lifestyle is the ancestral state of bees and most extant species are solitary, but information on bee venoms comes predominantly from studies on eusocial species. In this study we investigated the venom composition of the Australian great carpenter bee, Xylocopa aruana Ritsema, 1876. We show that the venom is relatively simple, composed mainly of one small amphipathic peptide (XYTX-Xa1a), with lesser amounts of an apamin homologue (XYTX-Xa2a) and a venom phospholipase-A (PLA). XYTX-Xa1a is homologous to, and shares a similar mode-of-action to melittin and the bombilitins, the major components of the venoms of the eusocial Apis mellifera (Western honeybee) and Bombus spp. (bumblebee), respectively. XYTX-Xa1a and melittin directly activate mammalian sensory neurons and cause spontaneous pain behaviours in vivo, effects which are potentiated in the presence of venom PLA. The apamin-like peptide XYTX-Xa2a was a relatively weak blocker of small conductance calcium-activated potassium (K) channels and, like A. mellifera apamin and mast cell-degranulating peptide, did not contribute to pain behaviours in mice. While the composition and mode-of-action of the venom of X. aruana are similar to that of A. mellifera, the greater potency, on mammalian sensory neurons, of the major pain-causing component in A. mellifera venom may represent an adaptation to the distinct defensive pressures on eusocial Apidae.
Topics: Bees; Mice; Animals; Melitten; Apamin; Australia; Bee Venoms; Phospholipases A2; Toxins, Biological; Peptides; Pain; Mammals
PubMed: 36550366
DOI: 10.1038/s41598-022-26867-8 -
Journal of Investigational Allergology... Oct 2022Hymenoptera venom immunotherapy (VIT) is effective for protecting individuals with systemic allergic reactions caused by Hymenoptera stings. The need for a tool that... (Review)
Review
Hymenoptera venom immunotherapy (VIT) is effective for protecting individuals with systemic allergic reactions caused by Hymenoptera stings. The need for a tool that shows the degree of protection afforded by VIT and the lack of useful biomarkers have made the sting challenge test (SCT) the gold standard for this disorder, although its use has both lights and shadows. SCT with Hymenoptera involves causing a real sting in a patient diagnosed with allergy to the venom of the stinging insect and who is undergoing treatment with specific immunotherapy. In Spain, SCT is included in the list of services offered by some hospitals and forms part of their daily clinical practice. This review aims to analyze the strengths and weaknesses of this test and to describe the standardized procedure and necessary resources, based on the experience of a group of Spanish experts and a review of the literature.
Topics: Animals; Arthropod Venoms; Bee Venoms; Biomarkers; Desensitization, Immunologic; Humans; Hymenoptera; Hypersensitivity; Insect Bites and Stings
PubMed: 35735250
DOI: 10.18176/jiaci.0838 -
Cellular and Molecular Life Sciences :... Dec 2015Arthropod venoms feature the presence of cytolytic peptides believed to act synergetically with neurotoxins to paralyze prey or deter aggressors. Many of them are... (Review)
Review
Arthropod venoms feature the presence of cytolytic peptides believed to act synergetically with neurotoxins to paralyze prey or deter aggressors. Many of them are linear, i.e., lack disulfide bonds. When isolated from the venom, or obtained by other means, these peptides exhibit common properties. They are cationic; being mostly disordered in aqueous solution, assume amphiphilic α-helical structure in contact with lipid membranes; and exhibit general cytotoxicity, including antifungal, antimicrobial, hemolytic, and anticancer activities. To suit the pharmacological needs, the activity spectrum of these peptides should be modified by rational engineering. As an example, we provide a detailed review on latarcins (Ltc), linear cytolytic peptides from Lachesana tarabaevi spider venom. Diverse experimental and computational techniques were used to investigate the spatial structure of Ltc in membrane-mimicking environments and their effects on model lipid bilayers. The antibacterial activity of Ltc was studied against a panel of Gram-negative and Gram-positive bacteria. In addition, the action of Ltc on erythrocytes and cancer cells was investigated in detail with confocal laser scanning microscopy. In the present review, we give a critical account of the progress in the research of Ltc. We explore the relationship between Ltc structure and their biological activity and derive molecular characteristics, which can be used for optimization of other linear peptides. Current applications of Ltc and prospective use of similar membrane-active peptides are outlined.
Topics: Amino Acid Sequence; Animals; Anti-Bacterial Agents; Antimicrobial Cationic Peptides; Antineoplastic Agents; Cell Membrane; Hemolytic Agents; Humans; Microbial Sensitivity Tests; Molecular Sequence Data; Peptides; Protein Structure, Secondary; Spider Venoms; Structure-Activity Relationship
PubMed: 26286896
DOI: 10.1007/s00018-015-2016-x -
Cells Feb 2022Allergen Immunotherapy (AIT) is a well-established, efficient, and safe way to treat respiratory and insect-venom allergies. After determining the diagnosis of the... (Review)
Review
Allergen Immunotherapy (AIT) is a well-established, efficient, and safe way to treat respiratory and insect-venom allergies. After determining the diagnosis of the clinically relevant culprit allergen, AIT can be prescribed. However, not all patients are eligible for AIT, since some diseases/conditions represent contraindications to AIT use, as described in several guidelines. Allergists are often preoccupied on whether an extensive workup should be ordered in apparently healthy AIT candidates in order to detect contra-indicated diseases and conditions. These preoccupations often arise from clinical, ethical and legal issues. The aim of this article is to suggest an approach to the workup and assessment of the presence of any underlying diseases/conditions in patients with no case history before the start of AIT. Notably, there is a lack of published studies on the appropriate evaluation of AIT candidates, with no globally accepted guidelines. It appears that Allergists are mostly deciding based on their AIT training, as well as their clinical experience. Guidance is based mainly on experts' opinions; the suggested preliminary workup can be divided into mandatory and optional testing. The evaluation for possible underlying neoplastic, autoimmune, and cardiovascular diseases, primary and acquired immunodeficiencies and pregnancy, might be helpful but only in subjects for whom the history and clinical examination raise suspicion of these conditions. A workup without any reasonable correlation with potential contraindications is useless. In conclusion, the evaluation of each individual candidate for possible medical conditions should be determined on a case-by-case basis.
Topics: Allergens; Arthropod Venoms; Desensitization, Immunologic; Humans; Hypersensitivity
PubMed: 35203303
DOI: 10.3390/cells11040653