Cobra Venom Factor

Uniform pool of Cobra Venom Factor (CVF), a non-toxic complement activating reagent.

Store at -70°C or below. Minimize freeze/thaw cycles.

Naja naja kaouthia (cobra)

Cobra Venom Factor (CVF), sometimes referred to as C3b(Cobra), is the non-toxic, complement activating component of cobra venom. Like naturally occurring C3b, CVF forms a complex 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. Unlike the naturally occurring convertase (C3bBbD), the C3b(Cobra)BbD convertase is Factor H resistant and is therefore not inactivated by Factor I or CR1. Given appropriate incubation time, CVF will convert nearly 100% of the C3 to C3 end products. Unlike CVF purified from the Naja naja haje species, CVF from Naja naja kaouthia activates the terminal pathway directly by forming a C5 convertase. This depletes C5 in a manner analogous to that described above for C3. Levels of iC3b, C3a, SC5b-9, C5a and the Factor B cleavage product Bb are all extremely high in CVF treated sera.