A peptide toxin in ant venom mimics vertebrate EGF-like hormones to cause long-lasting hypersensitivity in mammals
David A. Eagles, Natalie J. Saez, Bankala Krishnarjuna, Julia J. Bradford, Yanni K.‐Y. Chin, Hana Starobova, Alexander Mueller, Melissa E. Reichelt, Eivind A. B. Undheim, Raymond S. Norton, Walter G. Thomas, Irina Vetter, Glenn F. King, Samuel D. Robinson
Abstract
and has evolved to mimic, both structurally and functionally, vertebrate epidermal growth factor (EGF) peptide hormones. We show that Mg1a is a potent agonist of the mammalian EGF receptor ErbB1, and that intraplantar injection in mice causes long-lasting hypersensitivity of the injected paw. These data reveal a previously undescribed venom mode of action, highlight a role for ErbB receptors in mammalian pain signaling, and provide an example of molecular mimicry driven by defensive selection pressure.