Stonefish venom study sparks hope for new immunosuppressive drugs
Researchers from James Cook University (JCU) have uncovered powerful immunosuppressive properties in the venoms of two stonefish species, marking a potential breakthrough in the search for new anti-inflammatory medicines. The work, conducted at JCU’s Australian Institute of Tropical Health and Medicine, suggests that components of these venoms can dampen inflammatory responses in human cells, a key step in treating autoimmune conditions and other diseases driven by chronic inflammation.
Lead author Dr Silvia Luiza Saggiomo explained the rationale behind the study: “We know animal venoms can modulate immune processes which are typically associated with inflammation, so we wanted to investigate what uses we could find for stonefish.” The team investigated venoms from the reef stonefish and the estuarine stonefish using a range of immunological assays to see how they interact with human inflammatory pathways.
What the team found
The results showed that both venoms could reduce the activity of key inflammatory proteins involved in inflammation signaling in human cells. Notably, the reef stonefish venom appeared more potent, working at very low doses compared with the venom from the estuarine species. Dr Saggiomo highlighted the significance: “We found the venoms reduced the activity of key inflammatory proteins linked to inflammation signalling in human cells, with the venom of the reef stonefish more potent and working at very low doses, when compared to the estuarine stonefish.”
The researchers also discovered resilience in the venom’s activity: it remained effective even after freezing or drying, suggesting it could be stored long-term for future therapeutic use. This finding is encouraging for drug development, as stable, store-ready compounds are essential for translational research and potential commercialization.
From venom fractions to drug discovery
Another striking observation was that the most powerful effects came from specific fractions of the venom, indicating that particular molecules are driving the immunosuppressive activity. Dr Saggiomo noted this points to concrete targets for drug development: “The most powerful effects came from specific fractions of the venom, this indicates there are particular molecules in there that could be developed into drugs.” The team plans to isolate and characterize these molecules to understand precisely how they modulate immune signals and to evaluate their safety and efficacy in preclinical models.
Implications for autoimmune and inflammatory diseases
Inflammation is a common thread in a range of serious conditions, including autoimmune diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis and multiple sclerosis, as well as certain cancers and neurodegenerative disorders. The prospect of new immunosuppressive drugs derived from stonefish venom offers a potential alternative to existing therapies, which can have significant side effects or limited effectiveness for some patients. The researchers emphasize that the goal is to translate these venom-derived molecules into medicines that can modulate immune responses more precisely and safely.
Next steps for the research
The immediate next phase involves isolating the exact molecular components responsible for the observed effects and conducting detailed investigations into their mechanisms of action. If successful, these compounds could progress to preclinical studies to assess their therapeutic potential, dosing, safety, and long-term effects. Dr Saggiomo underscored the long road ahead: the discovery is a foundational step toward developing new drugs that could one day help patients with autoimmune or other inflammatory diseases, not only offering relief but potentially transforming standard treatment paradigms.
About the researchers and setting
The work was conducted at James Cook University, a center known for tropical health and medicine research in Australia. The Australian Institute of Tropical Health and Medicine supports scientists exploring how natural products, including animal venoms, can contribute to human health. While the findings are early, they illuminate a promising avenue for drug discovery rooted in the natural world.
