Venom Immunology

Venom immunology explores how our immune system responds to venom from animals like snakes, spiders, and scorpions. When venom enters the body, the immune system recognizes its components as foreign and activates defenses, producing antibodies. These antibodies can neutralize future venom exposures, offering protection. For some venoms, this process is harnessed in venom immunotherapy, where controlled exposure trains the immune system to reduce allergic reactions and improve safety during bites or stings. Understanding this process helps develop better treatments and vaccines to prevent severe reactions to venomous animals.