Molecular cloning and characterization of a complement-depleting factor from king cobra, Ophiophagus hannah

► A cobra venom factor was firstly cloned and purified to homogenous from Ophiophagus hannah and termed as OVF. ► OVF can consume complement components of guinea pig serum in vitro. ► OVF shows high identity with other known CVFs. Phylogenetic analysis indicated OVF is closer to CVF from Naja. Kaouthia. ► The determined N-terminal amino acid sequence of purified OVF γ chain is different from that of other known CVFs. ► OVF have an additional cysteine residue in its γ chain when comparing with that of other CVFs.