Reagents Complement Analysis

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.

Specifications:
Volume: 1.0 ml
Activity: ≥ 350 units/vial
Form: liquid
Species: Naja naja kaouthia
Storage: at or below -70°C
Purity: > 95% by SDS-Page
Protein Concentration: approximately 1.0 mg/ml

Applications:
This product has been used in an experimental setting to deplete complement activity in vitro and in vivo.

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).

Cobra Venom, CVF