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(Reference retrieved automatically from Web of Science through information on FAPESP grant and its corresponding number as mentioned in the publication by the authors.)

Anticomplementary Activity of Horse IgG and F(ab')(2) Antivenoms

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Author(s):
Squaiella-Baptistao, Carla Cristina [1] ; Marcelino, Jose Roberto [2] ; Ribeiro da Cunha, Luiz Eduardo [3] ; Maria Gutierrez, Jose [4] ; Tambourgi, Denise V. [1]
Total Authors: 5
Affiliation:
[1] Inst Butantan, Lab Imunoquim, Sao Paulo - Brazil
[2] Inst Butantan, Secao Proc Plasmas Hiperimunes, Sao Paulo - Brazil
[3] Inst Vital Brazil, Niteroi, RJ - Brazil
[4] Univ Costa Rica, Fac Microbiol, Inst Clodomiro Picado, San Jose - Costa Rica
Total Affiliations: 4
Document type: Journal article
Source: American Journal of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene; v. 90, n. 3, p. 574-584, MAR 2014.
Web of Science Citations: 7
Abstract

Envenomation by poisonous animals is a neglected condition according to the World Health Organization (WHO). Antivenoms are included in the WHO Essential Medicines List. It has been assumed that immunoglobulin G (IgG) antivenoms could activate the complement system through Fc and induce early adverse reactions (EARs). However, data in the literature indicate that F(ab')(2) fragments can also activate the complement system. Herein, we show that several batches of IgG and F(ab')(2) antivenoms from the Butantan, Vital Brazil, and Clodomiro Picado Institutes activated the complement classical pathway and induced the production of C3a; however, only those antivenoms from Clodomiro Picado generated C5a. Different protein profiles (IgG heavy chain, protein contaminants, and aggregates) were observed by sodium dodecyl sulfate polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (SDS-PAGE) and Western blot analyses. Our results show that various antivenoms from different producers are able to activate the classical pathway of the complement system and generate anaphylatoxins, and these findings suggest that factors, such as composition, contaminant proteins, and aggregates, may influence the anticomplementary activity of antivenoms in vitro. Therefore, there is a need to further improve antivenom production methods to reduce their anticomplementary activity and potential to cause EARs. (AU)