Proteomic tools against the neglected pathology of snake bite envenoming

Abstract

This article covers the application of proteomic tools ('venomics', 'antivenomics' and 'venom phenotyping') to study the composition and natural history of snake venoms, and the cross-reactivity of antivenoms with homologous and heterologous venoms, to help address the neglected pathology of snake bite envenoming. The identification of evolutionary and immunological trends may help to replace the traditional geographic- and phylogenetic-driven hypotheses for antivenom production strategies with a more rational approach based on proteome phenotype and immunological profile similarities. Antivenomics and venom phenotyping may also contribute to expand the clinical range of currently existing antidotes.