A Paradigm Shift in Snakebite Envenoming Therapy: From Conventional Antivenoms to Rationally Designed, Broadly Neutralizing Combination Therapies

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  A Paradigm Shift in Snakebite Envenoming Therapy: From Conventional Antivenoms to Rationally Designed, Broadly Neutralizing Combination Therapies Abstract For over a century, polyclonal antivenom has been the cornerstone of snakebite therapy, saving countless lives. However, the current production method, based on immunizing large animals, has inherent limitations in terms of safety, stability, and supply reliability, thereby creating a pressing need for alternative technologies. This review charts the rise of next-generation antivenoms built on recombinant antibody engineering. We systematically survey the strategies for discovering and developing these molecules, from humanized monoclonal antibodies and VHHs to computationally designed proteins. Our central thesis is that achieving broad-spectrum neutralization against complex venoms requires a shift from single-agent approaches to rationally designed, oligoclonal “cocktail” therapies (defined mixtures of a few select therapeut...

On six poorly known species of Thomisidae (Arachnida: Araneae) described by Ludovico di Caporiacco

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On six poorly known species of Thomisidae (Arachnida: Araneae) described by Ludovico di Caporiacco

Abstract

Illustrations are provided for the type material of six species described by Caporiacco: Heriaesynaema flavipes Caporiacco, 1939; Oxytate jannonei (Caporiacco, 1940); and Synema variabile Caporiacco, 1939 from Ethiopia; Misumenoides rubrithorax Caporiacco, 1947; and Misumenops candidoi (Caporiacco, 1948) from Guyana; and Synema bishopi Caporiacco, 1955 from Venezuela. Synema bishopi is misplaced in this genus, but its correct placement is left for a future revision.

Marusik, Y.M. (2025) On six poorly known species of Thomisidae (Arachnida: Araneae) described by Ludovico di Caporiacco. Zootaxa, 5723 (3), 437–443. https://doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5723.3.8