Current insight on the mechanisms of Cobra venom cytotoxins can help anti-venom therapy

Source: The post is based on the article “Current insight on the mechanisms of Cobra venom cytotoxins can help anti-venom therapy” published in PIB on 3rd February 2023

What is the News?

Scientists have traced the mechanisms of the toxic action of cobra venom paving a path towards developing strategies for application of antivenom which can help mitigate the local toxic effects of cobra venom retained at the bite site.

What is Cobra?

Cobra is a species of highly venomous snake. It is widely distributed over Asia and Africa.

Cobra bites are responsible for large mortality and morbidity on these continents, including the Indian sub-continent. 

Like other elapid venoms, cobra venoms are neurotoxic in nature. However, they also exhibit local cytotoxic effects at the envenomed site and the extent of cytotoxicity may vary from species to species.

What have the scientists developed against cobra venom?

Cytotoxins (CTXs), non-enzymatic three-finger toxin is present in cobra venoms. It is contributing to about 40 to 60% of the cobra venom proteome and plays a significant role in cobra venom-induced toxicity.

Scientists have traced the mechanism of cobra venom CTXs. This will help in developing strategies for application of antivenom or small molecule inhibitors which can help mitigate the local toxic effects of cobra venom retained at the bite site.