Enzymes capable of degrading highly toxic organophosphate (OP) esters are emerging as safe and efficient means for destruction of nerve agent stockpiles, remediation of contaminated areas, decontamination of materials. Stoichiometric and catalytic biological scavengers are also promising alternative medical countermeasures against poisoning by nerve agents. Different OP-degrading enzymes are potential candidates for pretreatment, decontamination of skin, mucosa and open wounds or for treatment as supplement to current therapy. Here we will focus on human butyrylcholinesterase (BuChE, EC.3.1.1.8). Our goal is to engineer cholinesterase-based enzymes, having high OP-hydrolyzing activity, stable on storage and, stable in the bloodstream and immunologically compatible tobe injected in humans...

Keywords: Butyrylcholinesterase; organophosphate; toxicology