Abstract
Snake venom is a complex phenotype composed of secretory bioactive proteinaceous mixtures, including snake venom PLA2s (svPLA2) which are structurally versatile and functionally diverse. svPLA2s are thought to be universally present in all snake venoms, while emerging proteomic findings indicate the depletion of this classical group of snake toxin in a number of species, especially the African non-spitting cobras from the subgenus of Uraeus. This chapters aims to introduce the origin, classification and functions of svPLA2s in the context of toxicity and impact on snakebite envenoming. Investigating the diversity of svPLA2s and their distribution in various snakes is therefore crucial in order to better understand the pathophysiology of envenoming and to devise appropriate management for snakebite. Accordingly, svPLA2s have been identified as the target of antivenom neutralization, and new antidotes such as varespladib, a synthetic small molecule inhibitor, has shown promising inhibitory activity against a variety of toxicity induced by svPLA2. It is anticipated that the next-generation antivenoms are produced from antibodies with higher neutralizing efficacy against specific toxins such as svPLA2, and the use of varespladib either at the pre-hospital or clinical setting will greatly improve the outcome of snakebite treatment.