Synergistic strategies of predominant toxins in snake venoms.

Authors :: Xiong S
Huang C
Source :: Toxicology letters [Toxicol Lett] 2018 May 01; Vol. 287, pp. 142-154. Date of Electronic Publication: 2018 Feb 08.
Publication Year :: 2018
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 phospholipaseA <subscript>2</subscript> s (PLA <subscript>2</subscript> s) (toxins or subunits) the main enablers. The predominant toxins, snake venom PLA <subscript>2</subscript> 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.<br /> (Copyright © 2018 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.)