Efficient expression and purification of two recombinant toxins from Lonomia obliqua bristle extract in leídopteran larvae as candidates for antiserum production

BIRENBAUM, JOAQUÍN MANUEL; MOURA, LUCIA; SMITH, IGNACIO; MONTERO, LUCIANO; POODTS, JOAQUÍN; RODRIGUEZ, MARÍA SOL; TARGOVNIK, ALEXANDRA MARISA; SCAZZIOTA, ALEJANDRA; HERRERA, LOURDES; PONS, SILVINA; CASCONE, OSVALDO; DE ROODT, ADOLFO; FINGERMANN, MATÍAS; MIRANDA, MARÍA VICTORIA

Abu Dhabi

Congreso; 21 World Congress of the International Society on Toxinology; 2022

International Society on Toxinology

Caterpillars of the genus Lonomia (Saturniidae) are highly dangerous when skin contact occurs. Lonomia obliqua is a very poisonous species found mainly in the South region of Brazil and northeastern Argentina (Misiones Province), Uruguay and Paraguay. The components of the poison can cause blood coagulation disorders (bleeding), bruising, headaches, malaise, kidney failure and even death. The most effective treatment for a poisoned person is the application of specific Lonomia obliqua antiserum but its availability is limited. Two major components of the venom are: L. obliqua Stuart Factor Activator (Losac) and L. obliqua Prothrombin Activator Protein (Lopap). Both are proteases partially responsible for the procoagulant activity of L. obliqua venom. The baculovirus system based on Autographa californica (AcMNPV) allows the expression of recombinant proteins in insect cells. In this work, we studied the expression and purification ofrecombinant Losac and Lopap (rLosac and rLopap) in baculovirus-infected lepidopteran larvae asbiofactories (4). The process based on Rachiplusia nu and Spodoptera frugiperda larvae could be an interesting approach to use these toxins as alternative of venom in antisera production.