Literature Review on Crotalus durissus terrificus Toxins: From a Perspective of Structural Biology and Therapeutic Applications

Abstract

Background: The venom of Crotalus durissus terrificus, as well as its fractions, has intrigued research groups worldwide who are working to isolate, characterize, and find possible biotechnological applications. A number of studies have elucidated that these fractions and their derivatives possess pharmacological properties, which can enable the development of new drug prototypes with anti-inflammatory, antinociceptive, antitumor, antiviral, and antiparasitic applications. Objective: aspects, and applications of the main venom toxins (convulxin, gyroxin, crotamine, crotoxin, and their subunits). Conclusion: The authors have found that research on this snake and its toxins is still an area of focus, despite that almost a century has passed since the isolation of crotoxin. Several applications of these proteins in the development of novel drugs and bioactive substances have also been demonstrated.