Black widows are found all over the world. In the Mediterranean region, for example, harvest workers are at risk of being bitten by the female black widow. The bite can lead to persistent pain, muscle stiffness, respiratory complications and even heart problems. This is why they have taken a serum in advance, although this is produced by horses and is associated with considerable side effects, ranging from allergic reactions to anaphylactic shock. In addition, only a few people are treated with the drug. The new, recombinant antibodies against the venom of the European black widow, on the other hand, are produced by human cell lines. The human antibodies have proven to be effective in neutralizing the venom.

The antibodies produced in this way are candidates for future development as potential therapeutics and diagnostic tools. They enable an unlimited supply of a chemically fully defined drug of consistent quality and efficacy and are also produced without the use of animals.

The Department of Medical Biotechnology, where the antibodies were developed, is headed by Professor Michael Hust. The department researches new treatment options for infectious diseases and autoimmune diseases. Part of the research into antibody production against the spider venom was co-funded by PETA.

Original publication:
Ruschig M, Nerlich J, Becker M, Meier D, Polten S, Cervantes-Luevano K, Kuhn P, Licea-Navarro AF, Hallermann S, Dübel S, Schubert M, Brown J and Hust M (2024). Human antibodies neutralizing the alphalatrotoxin of the European black widow. Front. Immunol. 15:1407398.
doi: 10.3389/fimmu.2024.1407398

Further information:
https://magazin.tu-braunschweig.de/en/pi-post/in-case-of-a-black-widow-bite-what-can-you-do/