A Paradigm Shift in Snakebite Envenoming Therapy: From Conventional Antivenoms to Rationally Designed, Broadly Neutralizing Combination Therapies

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  A Paradigm Shift in Snakebite Envenoming Therapy: From Conventional Antivenoms to Rationally Designed, Broadly Neutralizing Combination Therapies Abstract For over a century, polyclonal antivenom has been the cornerstone of snakebite therapy, saving countless lives. However, the current production method, based on immunizing large animals, has inherent limitations in terms of safety, stability, and supply reliability, thereby creating a pressing need for alternative technologies. This review charts the rise of next-generation antivenoms built on recombinant antibody engineering. We systematically survey the strategies for discovering and developing these molecules, from humanized monoclonal antibodies and VHHs to computationally designed proteins. Our central thesis is that achieving broad-spectrum neutralization against complex venoms requires a shift from single-agent approaches to rationally designed, oligoclonal “cocktail” therapies (defined mixtures of a few select therapeut...

Paranita, a new genus of spiders from northeastern Argentina (Araneae, Trachelidae)

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Paranita, a new genus of spiders from northeastern Argentina (Araneae, Trachelidae)

Abstract


Paranita, a new spider genus in the family Trachelidae, is described with two new species, Paranita paulae sp. n. and Paranita inesae sp. n., both from grasslands and marshes of the Paraná and Uruguay Rivers in northeastern Argentina. Paranita species are similar to those of the genera Orthobula and Capobula in having abundant spines on the tibia, metatarsus and tarsus of the two pairs of anterior legs, as well as large pores on the surface of the carapace and a peculiar morphology of the claw lever of the legs. Phylogenetic analysis of molecular sequences and morphological data suggests that Paranita is not closely related to those genera and, therefore, these similarities would be evolutionary convergences.

RAMÍREZ, Martín J.; GRISMADO, Cristian. Paranita, a new genus of spiders from northeastern Argentina (Araneae, Trachelidae). Revista del Museo Argentino de Ciencias Naturales nueva serie, [S.l.], v. 26, n. 1, p. 47-68, may. 2024. ISSN 1853-0400. Available at: <http://revista.macn.gob.ar/ojs/index.php/RevMus/article/view/824>. Date accessed: 28 May. 2024.