Cobra Venom Factor

For Research Use Only. Not for use in diagnostic procedures.

Cobra Venom Factor (CVF), sometimes referred to as C3b (Cobra), is the non-toxic, complement-activating component of cobra venom. Like naturally occurring human C3b, CVF forms a complex, or convertase, with complement components Factor B and Factor D. This CVFBbD convertase is capable of activating C3 in a wide variety of species via the alternative complement pathway. CVFBbD convertase is Factor H resistant and is therefore not blocked through the activity of Factor I or CR1 and can convert nearly 100% of the C3 to C3 and C5 fragments. Levels of iC3b, C3a, SC5b-9, C5a and the Factor B cleavage product Bb are all extremely high in CVF treated sera.

This product has been used in an experimental setting to deplete complement activity in vitro and in vivo. For more information contact Quidel Technical Support.

References

Agarwal, Szalai, A. The Arthus Reaction in Rodents: Species Specific Requirement of Complement, J. Immunol 164:463-468, 2000.

Vandenberg, C.W., et al. In Vivo Anti-complementary activities of the cobra venom factros form Naja and Naja haje, J. Immunol. Methods. 13(6):2870294, 1991.

Rajasinghe, H. et al. Key role of the alternative pathway in hyperacute rejection of rat hearts transplanted into fetal sheep, Transplantation. 63(3), 407-426, 1996.

Koymada, N. Bach, F. Transient complement inhibition plus T Cell immuno-suppression induces long term survival of mouse to rat cardiac xenografts, Transplantation. 6(9)1210-1215, 1998.