Box-Jellyfish derived cyclic-glutamic-acid effect on primary afferent neurons and mast cells.

Box Jellyfish envenomation (Chironex flecken) results in severe pain, inflammation and cardiovascular distress. Current treatment includes first aid and analgesia. The mechanism of action the venom induces on human physiology is poorly understood. Using analytical chemistry separation techniques, my lab and I have isolated small novel molecules from C.felckeri venom, cyclic-glutamic acids. Glutamate interacts with nociceptive receptors in the primary afferant neurons, and upregulates cytokines and chemokines response in immune cells. This research aims to identify if venom derived glutamic induces an immune resposne from neuronal cells and mast cells.