A Quest for a Universal Plasma-Derived Antivenom Against All Elapid Neurotoxic Snake Venoms.

ABSTRACT: This review describes the research aimed at the development of universal antivenom against elapid neurotoxic snake venoms. The antivenoms produced in Thailand in the 1980s were of low potency, especially against the elapid venoms. This was thought to be due to the low immunogenicity of the α-neurotoxins, which are the most lethal toxins in these venoms. Comparisons of various α-neurotoxin conjugates and polymers, and also different immunological adjuvants, showed that the adjuvant used is the major determinant in the antibody response in horses. The potent Freund's adjuvant was not used due to its severe local side-effect in horses. Therefore, a novel immunization protocol termed 'low dose, low volume multi-site' was developed for use in horses. This immunization protocol has led to the pr

SUBMITTER: Ratanabanangkoon K 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC8102826 | biostudies-literature | 2021

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature