title: Endogenous phospholipase A2inhibitors in snakes: a brief overview.
abstract: The blood plasma of numerous snake species naturally comprises endogenous phospholipase A2inhibitors, which primarily neutralize toxic phospholipases A2that may eventually reach their circulation. This inhibitor type is generally known as snake blood phospholipase A2inhibitors (sbPLIs). Most, if not all sbPLIs are oligomeric glycosylated proteins, although the carbohydrate moiety may not be essential for PLA2inhibition in every case. The presently known sbPLIs belong to one of three structural classes - namely sbαPLI, sbβPLI or sbγPLI - depending on the presence of characteristic C-type lectin-like domains, leucine-rich repeats or three-finger motifs, respectively. Currently, the most numerous inhibitors described in the literature are sbαPLIs and sbγPLIs, whereas sbβPLIs are rare. When the target PLA2is a Lys49 homolog or an Asp49 myotoxin, the sbPLI is denominated a myotoxin inhibitor protein (MIP). In this brief overview, the most relevant data on sbPLIs will be presented. Representative examples of sbαPLIs and sbγPLIs from two Old World -Gloydius brevicaudusandMalayopython reticulatus- and two New World -Bothrops alternatusandCrotalus durissus terrificus- snake species will be emphasized.
authors.affiliation: Laboratory of Enzymology, Center of Research and Development, Ezequiel Dias Foundation (FUNED), Rua Conde Pereira Carneiro, 80, Gameleira, Belo Horizonte, MG CEP 30510-010 Brazil.
authors.forename: Patrícia Cota
authors.initials: PC
authors.lastname: Campos
authors.affiliation: Laboratory of Enzymology, Center of Research and Development, Ezequiel Dias Foundation (FUNED), Rua Conde Pereira Carneiro, 80, Gameleira, Belo Horizonte, MG CEP 30510-010 Brazil.
authors.forename: Lutiana Amaral
authors.initials: LA
authors.lastname: de Melo
authors.affiliation: Laboratory of Enzymology, Center of Research and Development, Ezequiel Dias Foundation (FUNED), Rua Conde Pereira Carneiro, 80, Gameleira, Belo Horizonte, MG CEP 30510-010 Brazil.
authors.forename: Gabriel Latorre Fortes
authors.initials: GLF
authors.lastname: Dias
authors.affiliation: Laboratory of Enzymology, Center of Research and Development, Ezequiel Dias Foundation (FUNED), Rua Conde Pereira Carneiro, 80, Gameleira, Belo Horizonte, MG CEP 30510-010 Brazil.
authors.forename: Consuelo Latorre
authors.initials: CL
authors.lastname: Fortes-Dias
keywords: Natural resistance; PLA2 inhibitor; Phospholipase A2; Snake blood; Snakes