Keneth Iceland Kasozi1,2*
Gniewko Niedbała3*
Mohammed Alqarni4
Gerald Zirintunda5
Fred Ssempijja6
Simon Peter Musinguzi2
Ibe Michael Usman6
Kevin Matama7
Helal F. Hetta8
Ngala Elvis Mbiydzenyuy9
Gaber El-Saber Batiha10*Amany Magdy Beshbishy11
Susan Christina Welburn1,12*- 1Infection Medicine, Deanery of Biomedical Sciences, College of Medicine and Veterinary Medicine, The University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
- 2School of Medicine, Kabale University, Kabale, Uganda
- 3Department of Biosystems Engineering, Faculty of Environmental Engineering and Mechanical Engineering, Poznan University of Life Sciences, Poznan, Poland
- 4Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, College of Pharmacy, Taif University, Taif, Saudi Arabia
- 5Faculty of Agriculture and Animal Sciences, Busitema University Arapai Campus, Soroti, Uganda
- 6Faculty of Biomedical Sciences, Kampala International University Western Campus, Bushenyi, Uganda
- 7Department of Clinical Pharmacy and Pharmacy Practice, School of Pharmacy, Kampala International University Western Campus, Bushenyi, Uganda
- 8Department of Medical Microbiology and Immunology, Faculty of Medicine, Assiut University, Assiut, Egypt
- 9Department of Basic Medical Sciences, Michael Chilufya Sata School of Medicine, Copperbelt University, Ndola, Zambia
- 10Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Damanhour University, Damanhour, Egypt
- 11National Research Center for Protozoan Diseases, Obihiro University of Agriculture and Veterinary Medicine, Obihiro, Japan
- 12Zhejiang University-University of Edinburgh Institute, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Haining, China
Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) is characterized by severe cytokine storm syndrome following inflammation. SARS-CoV-2 directly interacts with angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE-2) receptors in the human body. Complementary therapies that impact on expression of IgE and IgG antibodies, including administration of bee venom (BV), have efficacy in the management of arthritis, and Parkinson's disease. A recent epidemiological study in China showed that local beekeepers have a level of immunity against SARS-CoV-2 with and without previous exposure to virus. BV anti-inflammatory properties are associated with melittin and phospholipase A2 (PLA2), both of which show activity against enveloped and non-enveloped viruses, including H1N1 and HIV, with activity mediated through antagonist activity against interleukin-6 (IL-6), IL-8, interferon-γ (IFN-γ), and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α). Melittin is associated with the underexpression of proinflammatory cytokines, including nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-κB), extracellular signal-regulated kinases (ERK1/2), and protein kinase Akt. BV therapy also involves group III secretory phospholipase A2 in the management of respiratory and neurological diseases. BV activation of the cellular and humoral immune systems should be explored for the application of complementary medicine for the management of SARS-CoV-2 infections. BV “vaccination” is used to immunize against cytomegalovirus and can suppress metastases through the PLA2 and phosphatidylinositol-(3,4)-bisphosphate pathways. That BV shows efficacy for HIV and H1NI offers opportunity as a candidate for complementary therapy for protection against SARS-CoV-2.
Introduction
Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) is the causal agent of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), a respiratory infection that emerged in Wuhan province of China in late 2019 (1, 2), becoming a global pandemic in 2020. By April 1, 2020, global mortality rates were reaching 5% (3). Within weeks, global mortality rates increased to 6.7% (5% for the African region, 4.4% for the Americas, 5% in the Eastern Mediterranean region, 4.4% for Southeast Asia, 8.9% for the European region, 4.4% in the Western Pacific region) (4). The public health challenges imposed by COVID-19 are immense, including management of the high number of asymptomatic cases (5). The disease has exacerbated existing socioeconomic disparities, especially in vulnerable communities in developing countries, including Africa, that have disproportionately been affected by the consequences of extreme preventative measures (6).
Severe SARS-CoV-2 infections are characterized by cytokine storm syndrome, hyperinflammation, and multiorgan failure (2, 7). Host cells are infected through the angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE-2) receptor (8, 9), associated with both innate and acquired immunity (10). ACE2 is considered to enhance viral replication and potentiate host cell invasion (10) and is a major component of the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system (RAAS), interacting with enzymes of the CVS to cascade cardiovascular disease (11, 12). ACE2 may be the reason SARS-CoV-2 patients require pharmacological thrombosis prophylaxis (13, 14); the pathogenesis of SARS-CoV-2 involves viral binding to epithelial cells and local propagation with minimal innate immune response (15). The second stage of infection exhibits increased viral propagation, an active immune response, viral spread to the lower respiratory system, and may include cardiovascular and digestive systems (16). The third stage involves hypoxia, infiltration of the entire respiratory system, and finally acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS), which is potentially fatal (15). SARS-CoV-2 is associated with coagulopathies, thrombotic events (17) and lymphocyte exhaustion (18).
At present, there is no globally accepted alternative medical treatment protocol against SARS-CoV-2, although administration of polyclonal antibodies shows some promise (19). The efficacy of chloroquine and its derivatives continue to be explored for prevention of COVID-19 (20, 21) as well as Famotidine, an antiulcer drug, administered at high dosage (10× normal) for 14 days for control of SARS-CoV-2 infection (7). Remdesivir, which has previously been used to manage the Middle East Respiratory Syndrome-Cronavirus (MERS-CoV) has been explored as a candidate drug against SARS-CoV-2 (22–24). Combinations of Lopinavir/ritonavir, commonly used to prevent HIV/AIDS are also under investigation for efficacy against SARS-CoV-2 (25, 26). Neutrophil extracellular traps (NETs), common in snakes, insects, arachnids and myriapods have also been considered for SARS-CoV-2 (27, 28). Bee venoms (BVs) can act as ACE2 inhibitors or angiotensin-receptor blockers (ARBs), although studies on BVs and SARS-CoV-2 are sparse. Snake venom is known to act through phospholipase A2 (PLA2) to produce arachidonic acid, which induces hypotension (29). In humans, hymenoptera venom lowered key parameters in the RAAS (30). A combination of BV and propolis has been associated with hypotension in laboratory animals through a reduction in serum angiotensin levels (31), demonstrating a close relationship between BV and the ACE2 pathway.
Bee Venom Therapy
Bee venom (BV) therapy dates back to the era of Hippocrates, where it was deployed to alleviate joint pain and arthritis (32). In contemporary medicine, BV is deployed for treatment of multiple sclerosis (33), arthritis and Parkinson's disease (34). Activity is based on anaphylactic reaction benefits on metabolism and on organelles, especially those of the respiratory system (35). Allergens may offer benefits against COVID-19 (36, 37); BV can induce elevation of specific IgE and IgG antibodies (38) and leads to production of IgE antibodies, which can respond to a variety of antigens (39) (Table 1). Although IgE are responsible for allergic outbursts, they also offer host protective roles over a wide range of allergens (39). BV can act as an adjuvant when combined with Toll-like receptor (TLR) ligands (40) and modulate the immune system, enhance the differentiation of foxP3-expressing cells and increase circulating regulatory T cells (41, 42). BV triggers an increase in CD25, CD4+ T cells and foxP3 mRNA, resulting in a shift in the BV-specific IgG4/IgE ratio (43). BV regulates the immune response and phsiopathological changes (44) and supports clinical observations in Apitherapy, where beekeepers were shown to mount immunity against COVID-19 in Wuhan province, PR China (45).
Table 1. Bee venom enzymes and peptides and their functions in mammalian systems.
The bvPLA2 can trigger mast cell maturation (46), is important in cell signaling and for production of key lipids and may act as a receptor ligand (47). PLA2 can inhibit the flow of inflammatory cells to targets (48). BVs may lead to lasting induced tolerance to related allergens (49), as a function of reducing IgG4 and activating IL-10, modulating the immune system and inducing deviation from TH2 to TH1(50–52). Melittin (APi M 1) can be used to develop mimotopes (49). APi M 10 (icarapin), a BV component, activates effector cells of honey bee venom allergic patients (53). Since IgE possesses an epitope for APi M 10, this may offer opportunity for adjuvant development. BV antigens can be used as adjuvants in the treatment of pain (54) and the action of melittin on cell membrane pore formation (54, 55), leading to apoptosis serves to strengthen adjuvant properties. BV also has antiviral properties (56). BV can desensitize mast cells and basophils (57) and suppress innate lymphoid cells. BV materials can inhibit proteinsynthesis, induce angiogenesis (58) and activate caspase-3-8-9 (59) (Table 1).
Conditions That Allow Bee Venom Use Despite Its Toxicity
Bee venom is cytotoxic at high doses, however, non-cytotoxic concentrations of BV range from 1 to 3 μg/ml, show significant therapeutic potential (60). Low doses, controlled concentrations, and diluted BVs trigger a range of anti-inflammatory responses (61, 62), and have been deployed for management of diabetes, rheumatoid arthritis (RA), heart disease, obesity, asthma, skin diseases, and central nervous system-associated diseases, such as Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, and sclerosis (61–64). At low doses, BV can suppress inflammatory cytokines such as interleukin-6 (IL-6), IL-8, interferon-γ (IFN-γ), and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α). A decrease in the signaling pathways responsible for the activation of inflammatory cytokines, such as nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-κB), extracellular signal-regulated kinases (ERK1/2) and protein kinase Akt, and porphyromonas gingivalis lipopolysaccharide (PgLPS)-treated human keratinocytes has been associated with treatments involving BV (65).
BV has been used as an anti-inflammatory agent by combining compounds in BV, i.e., secretory phospholipase A2, with phosphatidylinositol-(3,4)-bisphosphate or cells, mainly dendritic cells (DCs), or combining BV with DCs (66). Conjugation of hormone receptors and gene therapy transporters to BV peptides as a useful novel targeted therapy to positively modulate immune responses has been applied in anticancer and anti-inflammatory therapy (67).
BV immune reactions are toxic at high doses but when controlled or diluted (controlled concentrations) these immune reactions can serve as immune modulators. Controlled allergic immunity can be advantageous for host defense against antigens and pathogens including RNA viruses. BV can stimulate type 2 immune responses, type 2 immunity is initiated by T-cell (T-helper type 2) and immunoglobulin (Ig) antibodies (IgE and IgG1) and the action of the innate immune system, such as the epithelium and white blood cells and serves as a barrier defenses to eliminate antigens (68). BV group III sPLA2 shows in vitro and in vivo effects on the immune system. Modulated immune reactions from BV can alleviate immunological illnesses such as rheumatoid arthritis, inflammatory illnesses, asthma, and Parkinson's disease (69). The innate immune system induces a defensive immune response against BV antigens through pattern-recognition receptors (PRRs), including Toll-like receptors found on pathogen-associated molecular patterns (PAMPs) (70). BV in therapeutic disease, is anti-inflammatory (44) decreasing numbers of infiltrated inflammatory cells, and the expression of tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α, interleukin (IL)-1β, inhibition Toll-like receptor (TLR)2 and CD14. BVs also suppress the binding potential of nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB) and activator protein (AP)-1 (71). Human IL-1 receptor (anakinra) also shows anti-inflammatory activity (72), however information linking this receptor and Bee venom remain sparse.
Bee venom phospholipase 2 (bvPLA2) is the main allergen in BV and stimulates the innate immune system by binding to pattern-recognition receptors (PRRs), e.g., Toll-like receptors that recognize pathogen-associated molecular patterns (PAMPs), triggering a type 2 immune response. bvPLA2 induces T-helper cell-type reactions and group 2 innate lymphoid cells (ILC2s) facilitated through the enzyme-aided cleavage of membrane phospholipids and secretion of IL-33. bvPLA2 also induces the production of IgE shown to be protective in mice from future allergic/immunologic reactions [in the case of a lethal dose of BV (70)]. PLA2 plays a vital role in host defense in Th2 differentiation, ILC2 activation, immunoglobulin production, membrane remodeling, and anti-inflammatory reactions (44, 70).
BV shows positive immune-modulating roles; reducing the progression of tumors and activating the immune system by combining bvPLA2 with phosphatidylinositol-(3,4)-bisphosphate or cells, mainly dendritic cells (DC) (66). DCs prepared with BV in vivo have both anticancer and antiviral properties. DCs combined with antigens from a tumor or virus produce major histocompatibility complex (MHC) class I and II peptides epitopes to CD8 and CD4 T lymphocytes (Figure 1).
Figure 1. Cellular and microbial targets relevant to bee venom components and targets for future research. Bee venom acts through dendritic cells to stimulate the immune system through which it activates cellular immunity. Its antioxidant activity is associated with a reduction in reactive oxygen species (ROS) and elevation in antioxidant enzymes (e.g., GSH and PON1), which leads to protection against cell death.
PLA2 (bvPLA2-H34Q) is membrane-binding and in vivo combines antigens with the human DC cell membrane, causing stimulation of CD8 T cells and antiviral and antitumor vaccines (DC vaccine) can be obtained from BV using DCs. These cell-based antiviral/antitumor vaccines are used during immunization against viruses including cytomegalovirus and for tumor suppression (73, 74). BV is a known adjuvant-potentiated antimicrobial and antitumor vaccine. Melittin, bvPLA2 and phosphatidylinositol-(3,4)-bisphosphate are effective adjuvants for anti-leishmania, anti-tumor and anti-cytomegalovirus vaccines (73–75). Conjugation of BV peptides with hormone receptors and gene therapy offer to positively modulate immune responses applied offer targeted anticancer and anti-inflammatory therapies (67).
BV can be used as an analgesic at controlled dose concentrations; inhibiting cyclooxygenase activity and blocking the prostaglandin synthetase system, leading to antipyretic, anti-inflammatory, and anti-nociceptive/analgesic cascades (76–78). In diluted form BV can induce anti-nociceptive effects via the α-adrenergic receptor (activation of the spinal α-adrenergic receptor) (61, 62). Conjugation of BV peptides to protein receptors such as hormones and genes transporting the peptides provides an innovative BV controlled anti-inflammatory, anti-nociceptive, and immune-modulatory therapy (67).
Pharmacodynamics of Bee Venom Constituents
Bee venom (BV) contains enzymes [phospholipase A2 (PLA2), phospholipase B, hyaluronidases, acid phosphatases, acid phosphomonesterases, α-D-glucosidases, and lysophospholipases]; peptides [lytic peptide melittin, apamin, mastocyte (mast cell) degranulating peptide, secapine, pamine, minimine, procamine A, B, protease inhibitor, tertiapine, cardiopep, and adolapin] (30–33); and amino acids include g-aminobutyric acid and a-amino acids. Non-peptide components include amines (dopamine, histamine, norepinephrine, neurotransmitters), carbohydrates (glucose, fructose), pheromones (iso-pentyl acetate; n-butyl acetate; iso-pentanol; n-hexyl acetate; n-octyl acetate; 2-nonanol; n-decyl acetate; benzyl acetate; benzyl alcohol; and (2)-11-eicosen-1-ol) (79, 80) (Table 1).
BV has been shown to have anti-inflammatory, antinociceptive, antioxidant, and anti-apoptotic properties and has been shown to alter gene expression and fibrosis (81–84). Side effects include proinflammation [higher doses of PLA2, mast cell degranulating peptides, hemolytic compounds (melittin)], allergic reactions to protease inhibitors and peptides, anaphylactic responses and death (76).
Multiple protein allergens in bee venom are responsible for the allergic response (85). Allergic reactions can take place in the respiratory system, gastrointestinal system, cardiovascular system, skin and stings and can result in severe anaphylactic shock, sometimes leading to cerebral or myocardial ischemia (86, 87). A non-immune-mediated mechanism of allergy to BV involves the production of bradykinin (BK) mediators, leading to anaphylaxis (88) from melittin activation of PLA2 (mimicking BKs).
Biological Variability of Bee Venom Composition Among Bee Variants for Biotoxin Administration in Complementary Medicine
Bees and wasps belong to the insect order Hymenoptera (89, 90). In bees, venom production is highest for queen bees on emergence. Hymenoptera venom causes toxic or allergic reactions mostly caused by biochemical compounds associated with local inflammatory action (91, 92). Stings defend the colony in all insects of the order Hymenoptera (93, 94). Melittin is the most prominent compound responsible for these allergic reactions (95, 96); although a combination of mastocytes with IgE invokes activity of leucotrienes, histamines and platelet activating factors during allergic reactions (93, 94, 97).
Hymenoptera venoms contain dopamine, adrenaline, hyaluronidase, noradrenaline, serotonin, histamine, phospholipases A and B (85) but only BV contains mast cell-degranulating peptide, melittin and apamin (57). Different bee species bees; Apis mellifera mellifera and Apis mellifera ligustica (in Europe) and Apis mellifera scutellate (in Africa) are responsible for human envenoming (57). The median lethal dose of BV ranges from 2.8 to 3.5 mg/kg body weight, and on average, 140–150 μg of BV is injected in a stinging episode (57). The chances of death from only a few bee stings is minimal in non-allergic persons (98) and the severity of the envenomation is duly influenced by the body weight, age and immune status of the victim (99, 100). Sting number and any previous sensitization to BV affect envenoming severity (99, 100).
BV is a clear, odorless, colorless watery liquid with a pH of 4.5–5.5 with a bitter taste and in some cases an ornamental pungent smell (101, 102). BV composition is affected by extraction methods due to its volatility (101). Apis mellifera venom is arguably the best characterized venom in Hymenoptera (103). Venom from all Apis species is similar in composition and quality. A. florea, a honey bee is smallest in its family, while A. dorsata is the largest (101). Apis cerana venom is twice as tocic as that of Apis mellifera (104). Differences in the composition of venom gland and venom sac secretion and the concentration of lipids, proteins, activity of acid phosphatase and hexokinase have been observed in the venom glands of A. dorsata > A. cerana > A. mellifera > A. florea. Lipid, protein, carbohydrate and alkaline phosphatase compositions have been found to be in the order of A. cerana > A. mellifera > A. florea. Glycogen was absent in both the venom gland and venom sac of Apis species (101).
Variability in bee venom composition is related to species, age, geographic localization and social condition (96). Young worker bees have lower concentrations of melittin and histamine and higher concentrations of apamin than older worker bees (57). Queen bees have low concentrations of melittin and apamin and high concentrations of histamine (57). APi M reaches its peak when the bee is ~28 days old and declines with age (105). Levels of PLA2 reach a maximum at around day 10 of hatching (101). African bees release small quantities of venom in stinging episodes, with high concentrations of PLA2 and reduced concentrations of melittin and hyaluronidase (57). Seasonal variations in the composition of the BV have been reported (106); for example, during winter, APi M production increases but decreases during summer (107, 108).
Current Therapeutic Advances of Bee Venom
Antiviral and Antibacterial Properties
Melittin and PLA2 exhibit antimicrobial activities and have been used as complementary antibacterial agents (103); inducing pore formation and destruction of bacteria (109). APi M shows antiviral properties against some enveloped viruses and non-enveloped viruses in vitro (110). Protection has been observed in mice following exposure to influenza A H1N1 virus but BV can also interact directly the viral surface (110) (Figure 2).
Figure 2. Antimicrobial and immunomodulatory actions of various bee venom components. BV inhibits bacterial, antifungal and viral growth while stimulating dendritic cell activity through major anti-inflammatory cytokines. This offers a rationale for its use in complementary medicine to control the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic.
Management of Cancer
BV has been explored in cancer (111, 112); melittin is considered cytolytic but non-specific. Melittin can break down the membrane lipid bilayer and exhibits toxicity when injected intravenously (113). APi M has the ability to suppress tumor growth in breast, liver, prostate, and lung cancer cells (111, 112). In vitro and in vivo studies show that melittin can suppress growth of cancerous cells by inhibiting NF-κB signaling and activating caspase 3 and 9 pathways. Inhibition of hepatocellular carcinoma cell motility was observed in vitro and in vivo by suppression of Rac1-dependent pathways (114).
Anti-inflammatory Potential
Low doses of BV trigger a range of anti-inflammatory responses that have been explored in diabetes, rheumatoid arthritis (RA), heart diseases, obesity, asthma, skin diseases, and central nervous system-associated diseases (Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis) (63, 64). BV suppresses inflammatory cytokines, including interleukin-6 (IL-6), IL-8, interferon-γ (IFN-γ), and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α). A decrease in the signaling pathways responsible for the activation of inflammatory cytokines, nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-κB), extracellular signal-regulated kinases (ERK1/2) and protein kinase Akt, and Porphyromonas gingivalis lipopolysaccharide (PgLPS)-treated human keratinocytes are associated with melittin treatment(65) (Figure 2).
Host Responses to Bee Venom
BV therapy can alleviate immune-related illnesses. Group III secretory phospholipase A2 from BV (BV group III sPLA2) shows in vitro and in vivo activity on the immune system and has been used to manage asthma, Parkinson's disease, and drug-induced organ inflammation (69). BV immune reactions can be dangerous when highly elevated, but when controlled, allergic immunity can be advantageous in host defense to stimulate type 2 immune responses. Type 2 immunity is mainly based on barrier defenses, and these responses are initiated by T helper type 2 (TH2) cells, immunoglobulins E and G1 (IgE and IgG1) antibodies, and other components of the innate immune system (epithelial barriers, innate lymphoid cells-ILCs, eosinophils, mast cells, basophils, and activated macrophages) (68). The innate immune system senses components of venom, inducing a defensive immune response against antigens through pattern-recognition receptors (PRRs), e.g., Toll-like receptors found on pathogen-associated molecular patterns (PAMPs) (70). BV anti-inflammatory properties (44) may inhibit the activity of inflammatory antigens, reduce the number of infiltrated inflammatory cells, and inhibit the expression of (TNF)-α, IL-1β, Toll-like receptor (TLR)2 and CD14 expression, suppressing the binding activity of nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB) and activator protein (AP)-1 (71). The main Bet V 1 allergen, PLA2, stimulates the innate immune system, binding to PRRs, e.g., Toll-like receptors that recognize PAMPs, triggering a type 2 immune response in mice. PLA2 in BV induces T helper type 2 (Th2) cell-type reactions and group 2 innate lymphoid cell (ILC2) activation via the enzymatic cleavage of membrane phospholipids and secretion of IL-33. PLA2 induces the production of IgE, protecting mice from future allergic/immunologic reactions in the case of a lethal dose of BV (70); PLA2 plays a critical role in host defense by improving Th2 differentiation, ILC2 activation, immunoglobulin production, membrane remodeling, and anti-inflammatory reactions (44, 70).
Bee Venom Vaccines
BV can suppress the progression of tumors and activate the immune system by combining secretory phospholipase A2 in BV with compounds including phosphatidylinositol-(3,4)-bisphosphate or dendritic cells (DCs) (66). DCs treated with BV in vivo show anticancer and antiviral properties. DCs combined with antigens from a tumor or virus can produce major histocompatibility complex (MHC) class I and class II peptide epitopes to CD8 and CD4 T lymphocytes, leading to a series of immune reactions in response to the antigens. BV phospholipase A2 (bvPLA2-H34Q) is membrane-binding and links antigens within the cell membrane of human DCs in vivo. This induces recognition by and activation of CD8 T cells with the implication that antiviral and antitumor vaccines may be derived from BV (DC vaccine). Vaccines from BV and DCs (cell-based antiviral/antitumor vaccines) are used for immunization against viruses such as cytomegalovirus and for suppression of tumors (73, 74). BV can be used as a potent adjuvant-potentiated antimicrobial and antitumor vaccine and shows potential in vaccines where melittin. sPLA2 and phosphatidylinositol-(3,4)-bisphosphate are effective adjuvants (anti-leishmania, antitumor and anti-cytomegalovirus vaccines) (73–75).
A leading adjuvant of SARS-CoV-2 therapies currently being promoted is aluminum hydroxide due to its slow release and increased interaction with antigen presenting cells (115). Bee venom offers a candidate for control SARS-CoV-2 infections and could offer advantages against COVID-19. PLA2 has been associated with a level of success against SARS-CoV-2 infections (116, 117). Conjugation of BV peptides could offer a new approach in the development of the BV vaccine.
Potential Relationship Between Bee Venom Proteins and COVID-19 Proteins
SARS-CoV-2 belongs to the β-coronavirus genus. SARS-CoV-2 has four obvious structural proteins: membrane, spike, nucleocapsid proteins, and envelope. The structural integrity of the SARS-CoV-2 virus is maintained by structural proteins and forms a protective coat around its RNA. The coronavirus membrane contains 3 or 4 viral proteins (118, 119), the membrane glycoprotein is the most abundant structural protein and spans the membrane bilayer three times, with a long COOH terminus inside the virion and a short NH2-terminal domain outside the virus (120). The SARS-CoV-2 genome encodes several reading frames (ORFs); ORF1a/b codes for 16 non-structural proteins and translates two polyproteins (pp1a and pp1ab) accounting for up to 2/3 of the viral RNA. The remaining ORFs code for structural proteins (spike glycoprotein, matrix protein, nucleocapsid protein, and small envelope protein) (118, 119). SARS-CoV-2 has accessory proteins that interfere with the innate immune response of the host (118).
The spike protein is usually a Type I membrane glycoprotein and constitutes the peplomers, known for involvement in antibody interaction. The membrane plays a significant role in the intracellular formation of virus particles independent of the viral spike. Coronaviruses grow and produce spikeless forms in the presence of tunicamycin, thereby resulting in the production of non-infectious virions that contain membranes but without spikes (118).
Melittin can puncture the protective membrane envelopes surrounding viruses, including human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) (119). Many viruses, including SARS-CoV-2, rely on their protective envelope and may be vulnerable in melittin-guided bee venom therapy (Table 1).
The phospholipase A2 components of bee venom have the potential for antiviral activities (121). Melittin-loaded nanoparticles delivered a significant amount of melittin intravenously, targeting and killing precancerous lesions in K14-HPV16 mice with squamous dysplasia and carcinoma containing human papillomavirus (HPV) transgenic elements (E6 and E7 oncogenes) (122, 123).
In Hubei Province, the epicenter of the SARS-CoV-2 outbreak in China, the local beekeeper association surveyed 5,115 beekeepers between 23rd February and 8th March (including 723 in Wuhan) and showed that none developed any symptoms observed for COVID-19 patients (124). Five apitherapists in Wuhan and 121 of their patients who had received apitherapy between October and December 2019 were interviewed; two apitherapists were exposed to suspected and/or confirmed COVID-19 victims without protection. None of the apitherapists developed symptoms associated with SARS-CoV-2 and none of their 121 patients contracted COVID 19, despite 3 having been exposed to SARS-CoV-2-infected relatives (124).
Apitherapy employs honeybees and their products (BV, honey, royal jelly, pollen, propolis, beeswax). BV therapy uses venom to modulate the body's immune system and improve/facilitate healing and includes either the use of live bee stings or injectable venom for the management of arthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, multiple sclerosis (MS), lupus, sciatica, low back pain, and tennis elbow (125, 126). Hymenopteran products are potent accelerators of wound healing (127). Insect venoms are less complex and less variable in composition and physiological activity compared to snake venoms (125, 126). BV can be administered to induce allergic immune responses, stimulating the innate immune system of the host (68), due to the presence of allergens that promote the type 2 immune responses (44, 68–71). BV antiviral and antitumor action when BV secretory phospholipase A2 is mixed with other compounds, such as phosphatidylinositol-(3,4)-bisphosphate or dendritic cells, and/or bee proteins, such as melittin, is advantageous (66) and employed in the production of cell-based antiviral/antitumor vaccines (73–75). The immunological properties of BV are also found in natural products that mimic bee venom (127, 128), and further studies regarding the role of bee venom as a potential candidate for use in complementary medicine for the management of viruses such as SARS-CoV-2 could consider other natural products that mimick BV activity.
Future Research on Bee Venom
The development of adjuvant therapies (using APi M and PLA2) to use against SARS-CoV-2 infections offers a unique approach to viral therapy. Bee venom vaccine development using DCs using APi M and bvPLA2 offers a new opportunity for complementary medicine interventions against SARS-CoV-2 infections. Studies to examine cellular signaling between BV proteins, Janus Kinase (JAK) and activator of transcription (JAK-STAT) would help strengthen its adoption in complementary medicine against SARS-CoV-2. Inhibitors of JAK are associated with improved prognosis in COVID-19 patients (72, 129) but studies are needed to elucidate the cellular mechanisms. Synergistic activity through combinations in alternative and complementary medicine would help combat side effects associated with current monotherapies for the management of SARS-CoV-2 infections. SARS-CoV-2 is a novel virus and novel therapies may be needed to support management over time and may be of value in supporting the immune response in patients suffering from so called long-COVID.
Conclusion
SARS-CoV-2 effects on the ACE2 receptors have been associated with severe inflammatory activity and a poor prognosis, depending on the co-morbities of the patient and other associated risk factors. Even if patient recover from initial infection, they may be faced with a long and complicated convalescence and/ or so called, long-COVID. It is unlikey that there will be a magic bullet therapy for COVID-19 soon, and complimentary therapies should be explored that compliment conventional therapy and support healthy recovery. BV melittin and phospholipase A2 activity have strong anti-inflammatory action and could be deployed to support recovery. That BV has successfully been used to manage neurological and immunological diseases strengthens the case for exploration of its use in complimentary medicine for SARS-CoV-2 infections. BV is a potential adjuvant against COVID-19 which should be added to the list of major therapies.
Author Contributions
All authors listed have made a substantial, direct and intellectual contribution to the work, and approved it for publication.
Funding
This work was supported by Zhejiang University Education Foundation Emergency Research Fund (SCW); Global Challenges Research Fund and the University of Edinburgh.
Conflict of Interest
The authors declare that the research was conducted in the absence of any commercial or financial relationships that could be construed as a potential conflict of interest.
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Keywords: bee venom, complementary medicine and alternative medicine, SARS-CoV-2 (2019-nCoV), pharmokinetics of bee poison, COVID-19 and complementary medicine, bee venom in clinical trials
Citation: Kasozi KI, Niedbała G, Alqarni M, Zirintunda G, Ssempijja F, Musinguzi SP, Usman IM, Matama K, Hetta HF, Mbiydzenyuy NE, Batiha GE-S, Beshbishy AM and Welburn SC (2020) Bee Venom—A Potential Complementary Medicine Candidate for SARS-CoV-2 Infections. Front. Public Health 8:594458. doi: 10.3389/fpubh.2020.594458
Received: 13 August 2020; Accepted: 19 October 2020;
Published: 10 December 2020.
Edited by:
Zisis Kozlakidis, International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC), FranceReviewed by:
Tamas Zakar, The University of Newcastle, AustraliaCarl J. Lavie, Ochsner Medical Center, United States
Copyright © 2020 Kasozi, Niedbała, Alqarni, Zirintunda, Ssempijja, Musinguzi, Usman, Matama, Hetta, Mbiydzenyuy, Batiha, Beshbishy and Welburn. This is an open-access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License (CC BY). The use, distribution or reproduction in other forums is permitted, provided the original author(s) and the copyright owner(s) are credited and that the original publication in this journal is cited, in accordance with accepted academic practice. No use, distribution or reproduction is permitted which does not comply with these terms.
*Correspondence: Keneth Iceland Kasozi, a2ljZWxhbmR5JiN4MDAwNDA7Z21haWwuY29t; Gniewko Niedbała, Z25pZXdrbyYjeDAwMDQwO3VwLnBvem5hbi5wbA==; Gaber El-Saber Batiha, Z2FiZXJiYXRpaGEmI3gwMDA0MDtnbWFpbC5jb20=; Susan Christina Welburn, c3VlLndlbGJ1cm4mI3gwMDA0MDtlZC5hYy51aw==