.webp "New Antibody Offers Hope for Universal Snakebite Antivenom")
Scientists at Scripps Research have taken a major leap towards a universal snakebite antivenom. Their newly developed antibody, 95Mat5, effectively blocks toxins in a wide range of snakes, including deadly species like black mambas and king cobras.
The Problem: Current Antivenoms Have Limitations
Snakebites cause over 100,000 deaths annually, particularly in Africa and Asia. Traditional antivenoms are made by injecting animals with snake venom, but this method has drawbacks:
- Each antivenom usually only works against a single snake species.
- Many different antivenoms are needed in various regions.
A New Approach: Targeting Universal Toxins
The Scripps Research team focused on a common toxin called a "three-finger toxin" (3FTx) found in numerous venomous snakes. This toxin is highly dangerous, causing paralysis.
Researchers created a platform to produce various 3FTx proteins in the lab and screened billions of human antibodies against them. This search identified 95Mat5, an antibody that effectively binds to and neutralizes 3FTx from multiple snake species.
Promising Results in Mice
Experiments showed that 95Mat5 protected mice injected with venom from various deadly snakes, including complete prevention of death and paralysis.
Mimicking Nature's Defense
Interestingly, 95Mat5 mimics a human protein that 3FTx usually binds to. This approach aligns with the team's previous work on HIV antibodies, suggesting a common strategy for combating different toxins.
The Road to a Universal Antivenom
While 95Mat5 tackles elapid snakes (mambas, cobras, etc.), further research is ongoing:
- Targeting additional toxins from elapids and vipers (another venomous snake group).
- Developing a cocktail combining 95Mat5 with other antibodies for broader coverage.
The Future: A World Without Snakebite Deaths?
The researchers envision a future where a combination of antibodies, including 95Mat5, could create a universal antivenom effective against most or all snakebites. This could significantly reduce snakebite deaths, particularly in regions lacking access to effective treatments.
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