Por trás do ferrão: identificação de componentes presentes em peçonha de vespas sociais amazônicas (Hymenoptera: Vespidae)

Abstract

Social wasps, such as hornets and paper wasps, are a diverse group with over 1,000 species, 381 of which are found in Brazil, mainly in the Amazon. They are ecologically important as predators of pest insects, pollinators, and environmental bioindicators. Their repeated stings release venom, which acts as an alarm pheromone and contains biologically active substances, including peptides with pharmaceutical potential. Research on these peptides is outdated and mainly focused in Europe and the USA, with little attention given to neotropical species from the Brazilian Amazon. In light of this scenario, this study proposed, in Chapter I, a comprehensive review of peptides isolated from the venom of social wasps worldwide. In Chapter II, the focus was on characterizing the venom of two understudied species in the Brazilian Amazon context, Polistes canadensis and Polybia rejecta. The research concentrated on the chemical and biochemical analysis of the venoms, fractioning the samples using HPLC and analyzing them by MS/MS to characterize their components.

The results of Chapter I gathered 124 peptides isolated from the venom of social wasps around the world. These peptides exhibit a wide range of bioactive properties, including antimicrobial, analgesic, neuroactive, and other activities, and are grouped according to their functions. This systematic study not only expanded knowledge about the molecular diversity of social wasps but also opened doors for the development of innovative therapies and biomaterials based on biotechnology. In Chapter II, a complex mixture of components was observed in the venom of Polistes canadensis, while in Polybia rejecta, a specific peptide named "Rejectin" was isolated and characterized. These results provide valuable insights into the diversity of venoms in these social wasps, highlighting the potential for future research in the field of natural toxins and their potential applications.