Abstract
Spiders and scorpions are notorious for their fearful dispositions and their ability to inject venom into prey and predators, causing symptoms such as necrosis, paralysis, and excruciating pain. Information on venom composition and the toxins present in these species is growing due to an interest in using bioactive toxins from spiders and scorpions for drug discovery purposes and for solving crystal structures of membrane-embedded receptors. Additionally, the identification and isolation of a myriad of spider and scorpion toxins has allowed research within next generation antivenoms to progress at an increasingly faster pace. In this review, the current knowledge of spider and scorpion venoms is presented, followed by a discussion of all published biotechnological efforts within development of spider and scorpion antitoxins based on small molecules, antibodies and fragments thereof, and next generation immunization strategies. The increasing number of discovery and development efforts within this field may point towards an upcoming transition from serum-based antivenoms towards therapeutic solutions based on modern biotechnology.
Highlights
Scorpion stings and spider bites are a major public health concern in developing parts of the world, yet envenomation from these creatures still remains a neglected tropical disease [1]
The use of recombinant and synthetic toxins obtained through the use of biotechnological approaches is discussed, as well as the potential for including small molecules in future spider and scorpion antivenoms
Within the annotated toxin dataset previously discussed, we find that 3D structures have been solved for a total of 63 spider toxins and 93 scorpion toxins
Summary
Scorpion stings and spider bites are a major public health concern in developing parts of the world, yet envenomation from these creatures still remains a neglected tropical disease [1]. Due to the very minute amounts of venom that can be extracted from scorpions and spiders, production of antisera against scorpion stings and spider bites is dependent on a highly laborious venom collection process, where large numbers of spiders and scorpions need to be milked (under microscope for spiders) in order to procure enough venom for immunization [12] These challenges warrant technological innovation, to obtain safer and more effective antivenoms, and to establish more sustainable productions processes that are independent of both venoms and animals [9]. The use of recombinant and synthetic toxins obtained through the use of biotechnological approaches is discussed, as well as the potential for including small molecules in future spider and scorpion antivenoms
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