ABSTRACT
Cobra venom factor (CVF) has intrigued investigators for almost one century. Early studies were performed with whole cobra venom to describe its various effects on blood functions such as its hemolytic activities and bactericidal activities or on blood components such as complement and the anaphylatoxins. Cobra venom factor may serve as an example for a venom component with multiple effects. Activation of complement by CVF generates anaphylatoxins and causes hemolysis. Furthermore, continuous activation by CVF will cause complement depletion. Therefore, CVF has also anti-complementary activity, inhibiting complement-dependent functions of serum, such as its bactericidal or hemolytic activities. For a more detailed description of early complement and venom research the reader is referred to the reviews by Alper and Götze and Müller-Eberhard. Cobra venom factor from the Asian cobra is a three-chain glycoprotein. The Mr of CVF is 136,000 as determined by equilibrium sedimentation.
