A systematic review of the bioprospecting potential of Lonomia spp. (Lepidoptera: Saturniidae)

Toxins from venomous animals are proteins used for their defense or to hunt. Lonomia (Lepidoptera: Saturniidae) caterpillars can be lethal, and accidental inoculation of the venom from its bristles into human skin causes systemic blood coagulation disorders. Several reviews have investigated the pathophysiology of lonomic poisoning; however, considering the potential of venoms for bioprospecting, this review focuses on the different applications of substances derived from Lonomia spp. Following PRISMA guidelines, 39 articles were selected from 1032 papers published from 1996 to 2019. Nine different applications of substances derived from Lonomia spp. were identified: lonomic antivenom, use in cell culture, thrombosis treatment, wound healing, antiviral and antibiotic treatment, Lonomia population control, platelet adhesion research and cancer treatment. The most-reported application (38%) involved using lonomic components as cell survival promoters in cell culture. This review also notes the current knowledge gaps that block the practical use of these molecules. Several additional applications, including thrombosis treatment, wound healing, antiviral and antibiotic treatment, Lonomia population control, platelet adhesion research and cancer treatment, are limited by similar knowledge gaps related to the shortage or absence of in vivo studies. Finally, antiviral treatment and thrombosis treatment are two applications that require recombinant production of the molecule studied.