mRNA platform technology, which has become known for vaccines against Covid-19, could gain a new role in treating snake bites.
A study published Monday (11/24) in the journal Trends in Biotechnology showed that mRNA can help prevent part of the muscle damage caused by toxin. bowthrops Asper, Common species in Central and South America responsible for serious and disabling infections.
The venom of this snake quickly destroys muscle tissue, and even with standard treatment, many victims end up with permanent sequelae. The team of scientists from the University of Reading and the Technical University of Denmark tested a strategy that involves mRNA molecules wrapped in small fatty molecules.
When injected into muscles, these particles stimulate cells to produce antibodies capable of blocking toxins in the venom.
Professor Sakthi Vayapuri, lead author of the study from the University of Reading, said in a statement: “For the first time, we have demonstrated that mRNA technology can protect muscle tissue from damage caused by snake venom. This opens a new possibility for treating snake bites, especially localized lesions that current antivenoms have difficulty preventing.”
How does the treatment protect the muscles?
Conventional antivenoms are effective against toxins circulating in the blood, but have limited effect on the tissue surrounding the bite, which tends to suffer most of the destruction.
In laboratory tests on human muscle cells, treatment with mRNA reduced damage from the isolated toxin and the whole organism’s toxin. Bothrops asper.
Production of protective antibodies occurred 12 to 24 hours after application. In mice, a single injection two days before exposure to the toxin was enough to prevent muscle damage.
The treated animals had lower levels of markers of muscle damage, such as creatine kinase and lactate dehydrogenase, as well as maintaining healthy tissue structure.
The researchers highlight that this approach could be combined with existing antivenoms. While conventional treatments neutralize toxins that reach the bloodstream, antibodies produced from mRNA can protect the area of the bite, where the venom usually causes faster destruction.
Challenges of transforming technology into treatment
Despite the promising results, the team says there are still hurdles before the technology reaches patients. It takes hours for antibodies to develop, limiting immediate use after a bite.
Furthermore, the current strategy targets only one toxin, whereas a real toxin consists of several components that should be blocked.
There are also important logistical issues. Storage in remote locations without refrigeration is a problem, as many bites occur in rural areas far from hospitals.
Going forward, the researchers plan to create versions that protect against multiple venoms and evaluate whether the treatment also works when applied after a sting.
“We now need to expand this approach to target multiple toxins and solve storage challenges in rural areas, as well as ensuring faster production of antibodies in tissues,” Vayapuri concludes.
The next steps are expected to include broader testing and adapting the technology for use in real conditions.
Follow our Health & Science Editor on Instagram and stay up to date with everything new on the topic!