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B and T lymphocyte mitogenic properties in a snake venom
Biomedica Biochimica Acta
|January 1, 1986
Summary
Snake venom from Agkistrodon rhodostoma contains two powerful immune-stimulating compounds: a T-lymphocyte lectin and a B-lymphocyte mitogen. These factors show significantly higher activity than previously identified mitogens.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Biochemistry
- Toxicology
Background:
- Snake venom contains various bioactive compounds.
- Mitogens stimulate cell proliferation, particularly lymphocytes.
Purpose of the Study:
- To identify and characterize mitogenic principles in Agkistrodon rhodostoma snake venom.
- To compare the potency of these venom-derived mitogens with known mitogens.
Main Methods:
- Crude snake venom extraction.
- Affinity chromatography for lectin purification.
- Lymphocyte stimulation assays to detect mitogenic activity.
Main Results:
- Two mitogenic principles were detected: a T-lymphocyte stimulating lectin and a potent B-lymphocyte mitogenic factor.
- The lectin, specific for anti-beta-D-galactose, has a molecular mass of approximately 18 kD and exhibits cell agglutinating properties.
- The B-lymphocyte mitogen was separated but not fully characterized.
- Both identified factors demonstrated significantly higher mitogenic potency compared to known mitogens.
Conclusions:
- Agkistrodon rhodostoma venom harbors potent T- and B-lymphocyte mitogens.
- The characterized lectin is a novel T-lymphocyte stimulator.
- The B-lymphocyte mitogen represents a new class of highly potent immune modulators from snake venom.