Organophosphate-Hydrolyzing Enzymes as First-Line of Defence Against Nerve Agent-Poisoning: Perspectives and the Road Ahead.
Nerve agents (NAs) are extremely neurotoxic synthetic organophosphate (OP) compounds exploited as weapons of mass destruction in terrorist attacks and chemical warfare. Considering the current world scenario, there is a persistent threat of NA-exposure to military personals and civilians. Various prophylactic and post-exposure treatments (such as atropine and oximes) available currently for NA-poisoning are inadequate and unsatisfactory and suffer from severe limitations. Hence, developing safe and effective treatment(s) against NA-poisoning is a critical necessity. With regards to counteracting NA-toxicity, the OP-hydrolyzing enzymes (OPHEs), which can hydrolyze and inactivate a variety of NAs, have emerged as promising candidates for the development of prophylactic therapy against NA-poisoning. However, there are many hurdles to be crossed before these enzymes can be brought to therapeutic use in humans. In this article, we have reviewed the various advancements in the field of development of OPHEs as prophylactic against NA-poisoning. The article majorly focuses on the toxic effects of NAs, various available therapies to counteract NA poisoning, the current status of OPHEs and attempts made to improve the various properties of these enzymes. Further, we have also briefly discussed about the prospective work that is needed to be undertaken for developing these OPHEs into those suitable for use in humans.
Department of Biotechnology, National Institute of Pharmaceutical Education and Research (NIPER), Sector 67, S.A.S. Nagar (Mohali), 160062, Punjab, India.|School of Biomedical Sciences and Pharmacy, Faculty of Health and Medicine, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, 2308, Australia.
A R Satvik
AR
Iyengar
Department of Biotechnology, National Institute of Pharmaceutical Education and Research (NIPER), Sector 67, S.A.S. Nagar (Mohali), 160062, Punjab, India. apande@niper.ac.in.
Abhay H
http://orcid.org/0000-0002-4145-539X
AH
Pande
D000931:Antidotes / Q000494:pharmacology*; D001285:Atropine / Q000494:pharmacology; D002618:Chemical Warfare; D003000:Clonidine / Q000494:pharmacology; D003975:Diazepam / Q000494:pharmacology; D018691:Excitatory Amino Acid Antagonists / Q000494:pharmacology; D006801:Humans; D006867:Hydrolases / Q000494:pharmacology*; D006868:Hydrolysis; D000067397:Nerve Agents / Q000378:metabolism* / Q000493:pharmacokinetics / Q000633:toxicity; D010755:Organophosphates / Q000378:metabolism* / Q000493:pharmacokinetics / Q000633:toxicity; D010091:Oximes / Q000494:pharmacology; D058906:Purinergic P1 Receptor Agonists / Q000494:pharmacology; D011729:Pyridostigmine Bromide / Q000494:pharmacology; D006435:Renal Dialysis
D000931:Antidotes; D018691:Excitatory Amino Acid Antagonists; D000067397:Nerve Agents; D010755:Organophosphates; D010091:Oximes; D058906:Purinergic P1 Receptor Agonists; D001285:Atropine; D006867:Hydrolases; D011729:Pyridostigmine Bromide; D003000:Clonidine; D003975:Diazepam
Efficacy; Production yield; Recombinant enzymes; Stability; Therapeutic use