Certain species of caterpillars are equipped with powerful venoms that could be valuable in developing new drugs.
While snakes, scorpions, and spiders often come to mind as venomous creatures, the surprising truth is that there are potentially hundreds, if not thousands, of venomous caterpillar species worldwide. Some of these caterpillars possess toxins potent enough to cause fatalities or severe injuries in humans. Beyond the immediate interest for scientists to study them, these caterpillars also offer a wealth of potentially beneficial compounds within their toxic secretions.
Exploring venoms as a source for new drug discoveries can prove more fruitful than creating compounds from scratch. These natural molecules have evolved over millions of years to precisely target biological processes in victims. As mentioned by Holford, "They've evolved over millions of years, they've been tested in nature, and we know they work." In comparison, synthesizing such compounds in a lab often yields lower success rates.
For example, the venom of certain caterpillars within the South American genus Lonomia mimics that of snakes by interfering with blood clotting. Additionally, some caterpillar venoms elicit chronic inflammatory conditions while a few can induce miscarriages in horses.
Despite not causing frequent fatalities like snakes or scorpions, the health implications of venomous caterpillars are significant in specific regions, as articulated by Walker. This concern has motivated researchers to investigate the effects of Lonomia venom and develop antivenom treatments for those affected.
While a select few caterpillar venoms have been minimally researched, the majority remain largely unexplored, representing a missed opportunity for medicine. For instance, most lepidopteran venoms provoke intense pain, potentially serving as valuable tools for understanding pain pathways and receptors in laboratory settings and even in humans, paving the way for novel pain-relief medications.
Advancements in molecular biology and bioinformatics have simplified the investigation of animal venoms, including those of caterpillars. This progress holds promise for significant breakthroughs in the near future, as highlighted by Casewell: "It's like a treasure trove that's still sitting out there for us to understand."