For the first time, European and Mexican molecular biologists have created a human antibody that can effectively neutralize alpha-latrotoxin molecules, the main protein component of black widow venom.
Frontiers in Immunology magazine indicates that this innovation will make treating the bites of this poisonous spider easier.
Professor Michael Host from the Technical University of Braunschweig in Germany says: “We have been able to demonstrate for the first time that fully human antibodies can neutralize black widow venom in cell culture. These antibodies have allowed us to take the first step towards eliminating the use of horse blood plasma to suppress symptoms.” The most dangerous are black widow bites.
According to the professor, the bites of black widow spiders lead to the development of a group of acute and chronic disorders in the functioning of the digestive system and muscles. Immediately after the bite, the person feels severe pain in the muscles, and after the venom of this spider reaches the blood, it begins to affect a large number of receptors, leading to the occurrence of Painful cramps, disturbance of consciousness, and dysfunction of the body’s organs.
It should be noted that most of these negative effects are caused by the effect of alpha-latrotoxin molecules, the main protein component of black widow venom, on motor neurons and other nerve cells. Currently, antibodies extracted from horse blood serum are used to suppress alpha-latrotoxin. These bodies are able to effectively neutralize this toxin, but they are not always compatible with the person's immune system, which sometimes leads to the development of life-threatening side effects.
Scientists were able to create a safe alternative to these molecules after monitoring the interactions of more than 10 billion randomly arranged human antibodies with parts of alpha-latrotoxin embedded in the envelope of special bacterial viruses, which allowed them to choose dozens of different forms of antibodies that can bind to the alpha compound. Latrotoxin, deciphering its structure and obtaining man-made analogues.
It became clear to the researchers that 45 antibody options can neutralize the venom of the black widow spider. They named the most effective option MRU44-4-A1, which according to them will be the main ingredient in medications to treat black widow bites.
It should be noted that black widow spiders are spread across all continents of the Earth, and according to scientists, there are more than 30 species of these poisonous spiders, most of them in North and South America.
Brilliant discovery!
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