Antibodies as Snakebite Antivenoms: Past and Future

Area of Science:

• Tropical Medicine
• Immunology
• Pharmacology

Background:

• Snakebite envenomation is a significant global health issue, classified as a neglected tropical disease.
• Current antivenoms, derived from hyperimmunized animal plasma (whole IgGs or F(ab')2 fragments), are the primary treatment.
• Focus is on medically important snakes from sub-Saharan Africa and Latin America.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review advancements in improving existing snake antivenoms.
• To explore the development of new antivenoms for neglected tropical diseases.
• To discuss novel strategies for enhanced antivenom effectiveness.

Main Methods:

• Review of existing literature on antivenom production and improvement strategies.
• Analysis of classic antivenom manufacturing methods.
• Exploration of new approaches, including modifications in immunization protocols and cross-reactivity utilization.

Main Results:

• Improvements in antivenom efficacy have been achieved through refined immunization protocols and leveraging venom cross-reactivity.
• Identification of key toxins allows for targeted antivenom development.
• Monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) and their fragments show promise as a new generation of antivenoms.

Conclusions:

• Advances in antivenom technology offer improved treatment options for snakebite envenomation.
• Monoclonal antibodies represent a viable alternative for developing next-generation antivenoms.
• Challenges in the development and accessibility of new antivenoms require further attention.