Abstract
The snake venom thrombin-like enzymes (SVTLEs) comprise a number of serine proteases functionally and structurally related to thrombin. Until recently, only nine complete sequences of this subgroup of the serine protease family were known. Over the past 5 years, the primary structure of several SVTLEs has been characterized, and now this family includes several members. Of particular interest is their possible use in pathologies such as thrombosis. The aim of the present review is to summarize the state of the art concerning the evolutionary, structural and biological features of the SVTLEs.
Keywords: Snake venom, thrombin, fibrinogen, platelets, primary sequence, serine protease
Footnotes
Received 16 August 2003; received after revision 26 September 2003; accepted 1 October 2003