Synergistic strategies of predominant toxins in snake venoms. (1st May 2018)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Xiong, Shengwei; Huang, Chunhong
• Is Part Of: Toxicology letters. Volume 287(2018)
• Page Start: 142
• Page End: 154
• Publication Date: 2018-05-01
• Subjects: Synergism -- Predominant toxins -- Synergistic mechanisms -- Antivenom development; Toxicology -- Periodicals; 363.179
• DOI: 10.1016/j.toxlet.2018.02.004
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0378-4274

Abstract

Highlights: SvPLA2 s, 3FTxs, SVMPs and SVSPs are the predominant toxins in snake venoms. The predominant toxins play essential roles in synergistic processes. The synergistic mechanisms can be generalized under the effect of amplification and chaperoning. Abstract: Synergism is a significant phenomenon present in snake venoms that may be an evolving strategy to potentiate toxicities. Synergism exists between different toxins or toxin complexes in various snake venoms, with phospholipaseA2 s (PLA2 s) (toxins or subunits) the main enablers. The predominant toxins, snake venom PLA2 s, metalloproteases (SVMPs), serine proteases (SVSPs) and three-finger toxins (3FTxs), play essential roles in synergistic processes. The hypothetical mechanisms of synergistic effect can be generalized under the effects of amplification and chaperoning. The Toxicity Score is among the few quantitative methods to assess synergism. Selection of toxins involved in synergistically enhanced toxicity as the targets are important for development of novel antivenoms or inhibitors.