Estudo da toxina Ts1 nativa e recombinante de Tityus serrulatus na produção de soro neutralizante

Abstract

High morbidity and mortality rates due to scorpion envenomation are notified in many countries, especially involving children. Tityus serrulatus is considered the most dangerous scorpion in Brazil. It produces a powerful venom and its sting represents a grave threat to public health. Ts1 is the main venom toxin and it is very important in the process of envenomation. Our group is engaged in the research of new T. serrulatus venom immunogens, aiming towards a better understanding of neutralizing antibodies production to develop a more specific and effective antiscorpionic serum. In this context, the present study proposes to evaluate the immunogenic potential of Ts1 toxin from T. serrulatus venom through the production of neutralizing serum from its native and recombinant form (four copies in tandem, Ts1-4). Therefore the native Ts1 toxin was purified from the crude venom using a cation exchange liquid chromatography process. Ts1-4 recombinant toxin was expressed in the pET system, forming inclusion bodies. Rabbits immunized with the cited immunogens and the neutralizing power of the obtained serum was evaluated against crude venom. The anti-native Ts1 serum has neutralizing antibodies capable of protecting 25% of animals challenged with 2 DL50 of T. serrulatus crude venom. The anti-Ts1-4 serum has neutralizing antibodies capable of protecting 100% of animals challenged with 2 DL50 of native Ts1 and 12,5% of animals challenged with 2 DL50 of T. serrulatus crude venom. The most important progress was the information about the production of serum containing neutralizing antibodies against native Ts1, which had not been acessed yet. The results of this work reinforce the importance of yielding new immunogens to improve antiscorpionic serum production.