Crotamine is a low-molecular-weight cationic polypeptide isolated from Crotalus durissus terrificus snake venom, classified as a non-enzymatic toxin with distinctive structural and functional properties. This toxin also exhibits characteristics of a cell-penetrating peptide, owing to its ability to translocate across biological membranes in a largely non-specific manner and to deliver diverse molecular cargos into cells. Beyond its well-established internalization capacity, emerging evidence suggests that crotamine exerts immunomodulatory effects. In our mini review, we discuss current advances in understanding crotamine as a venom-derived immunomodulatory peptide, highlighting its structural similarities with host defense peptides, its interactions with immune cells, and its potential applications in immunotherapy and drug delivery.
Background Pharmacometric PK/PD models remain central to dose selection for first-in-human studies, therapeutic drug monitoring, and animal-to-human extrapolation of exposure–response relationships, but modern datasets, including digital biomarkers from continuous monitoring, omi…
Background Matrine and oxymatrine are bioactive alkaloids from Sophora species with reported anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects in ulcerative colitis (UC). However, their overall efficacy has not been systematically evaluated. Methods Databases including PubMed, EMBASE, We…
The expression of certain genes and proteins in brain tumors, particularly gliomas, presents potential therapeutic targets and biomarkers. One of such genes encodes the protein PINK1 (PTEN-induced Kinase 1), which has been primarily studied due to its mutations being linked to Pa…
Background Conventional dual antiplatelet therapy (DAPT) post percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) comprises aspirin and a P2Y 12 inhibitor. However, aspirin increases gastrointestinal and bleeding risks. Indobufen, a reversible COX-1 inhibitor, may offer a safer alternative.…
Objective This study investigates the molecular mechanisms of renal clear cell carcinoma (RCC) induced by Aristolochic acid A (AAA) using machine learning, deep learning, and molecular docking approaches. Methods To identify AAA target genes associated with RCC, differential expr…
Background Tuberculosis (TB) remains a global health crisis, with complex molecular mechanisms that are not fully understood. Traditional pathway analysis methods fail to capture the intricate non-linear relationships within biological networks. Methods We developed a novel artif…