Sakthi Vaiyapuri

Venomous snakebites are a major public health concern, particularly in rural areas of developing countries, where access to medical treatment is limited. The development of new, effective treatments and improved awareness and understanding of snakebites have the potential to save countless lives, reduce disabilities, and improve the socioeconomic outcomes for communities affected by this devastating condition. Our primary focus in research is on creating novel approaches to substantially decrease deaths, disabilities, and socioeconomic effects caused by snakebites in rural communities worldwide. To achieve this, we use a strong multidisciplinary approach by collaborating with different groups and combining laboratory studies, clinical investigation of snakebite victims, public outreach to raise awareness about snakes and snakebites, and policy development. So far, our efforts have produced significant results in saving lives and influencing policy development. Our research also involves studying how snake venom toxins affect the body under different conditions and improving diagnostic and treatment methods for snakebites. For instance, we are exploring the connection between viper venoms, which are haemotoxic, and the blood coagulation system. Our team has identified and studied several haemotoxic venom proteins, including a molecule called snaclec from the venom of the Bitis gabonica rhinoceros that blocks a specific protein on platelets and endothelial cells to induce bleeding. We are now focusing on understanding the molecular makeup of snake venom toxins and how they interact with the blood, muscles, and nervous system as well as other tissues, and developing next-generation antivenoms to treat snakebites. Additionally, we are researching the medical uses of venoms from various invertebrates, many of which have never been studied before. Our ultimate goal is to greatly reduce the impact of snakebites in rural communities living in poverty by improving scientific research on venoms and public knowledge about snakes/snakebites.

In addition to our venom research, we are also investigating the mechanisms behind thromboinflammatory processes and creating better strategies to address them in various disease situations. Understanding how various biomolecules work together to control cellular interactions and responses during inflammatory diseases is crucial. Platelets, small blood cells, help control bleeding by causing the blood to clot (haemostasis). However, their unwarranted activation in disease conditions can cause blood clots (thrombosis) within the blood vessels that lead to dangerous conditions like heart attacks and strokes. Although platelets are important in both maintaining healthy blood flow and causing thrombosis, they also play a role in inflammation by interacting with other cells. Our research group is mainly focusing on the interplay of different circulating molecules and receptors involved in inflammation, such as formyl peptide and toll-like receptors, on the surface of platelets, monocytes, and neutrophils, and how they control multicellular interactions and complex functions during the inflammatory responses. Understanding the role of platelets in human health and disease is critical for the development of new treatments for a range of conditions, including heart disease, stroke, and inflammatory disorders. Indeed, we are determining the therapeutic potential of numerous natural, synthetic, and venom-derived molecules to control thromboinflammatory responses under various disease settings.