Immunological responses to envenomation

Journal Contribution ResearchOnline@JCU
Ryan, Rachael Y.M.;Seymour, Jamie;Loukas, Alex;Lopez, J. Alejandro;Ikonomopoulou, Maria P.;Miles, John J.
Abstract

Venoms are complex mixtures of toxic compounds delivered by bite or sting. In humans, the consequences of envenomation range from self-limiting to lethal. Critical host defence against envenomation comprises innate and adaptive immune strategies targeted towards venom detection, neutralisation, detoxification, and symptom resolution. In some instances, venoms mediate immune dysregulation that contributes to symptom severity. This review details the involvement of immune cell subtypes and mediators, particularly of the dermis, in host resistance and venom-induced immunopathology. We further discuss established venom-associated immunopathology, including allergy and systemic inflammation, and investigate Irukandji syndrome as a potential systemic inflammatory response. Finally, this review characterises venom-derived compounds as a source of immune modulating drugs for treatment of disease.

Journal

Frontiers in Immunology

Publication Name

N/A

Volume

12

ISBN/ISSN

1664-3224

Edition

N/A

Issue

N/A

Pages Count

20

Location

N/A

Publisher

Frontiers Research Foundation

Publisher Url

N/A

Publisher Location

N/A

Publish Date

N/A

Url

N/A

Date

N/A

EISSN

N/A

DOI

10.3389/fimmu.2021.661082