Biological and Pharmacological Properties of Botulinum Neurotoxins

Dear Colleagues,

In light of the recent approval of a fifth botulinum neurotoxin (BoNT) brand in the United States and the introduction and development of several others around the world, there has been growing interest in furthering the knowledge of toxin serotypes and brand-specific biological and pharmacological properties. This is especially relevant considering the growing momentum of marketing claims of unique biological properties that distinguish brands from one another. Properties such as the precise mechanisms of action, diffusion, spread, and migration of BoNTs are of particular interest.

A little over a decade ago, a seminal review, the first of its kind, addressed the importance of this topic¹, and in the decade that followed, it has become clear that more work is needed to address this important area of study. A recent update to the original review² revealed that a substantial body of work has been carried out since, prompting greater research efforts in this particular field of study. Hence, we decided to update and expand on our previous work, devoting a Special Issue specifically to the biological and pharmacological properties of botulinum neurotoxins.

Submissions on the following topics are welcome:

1. The biochemical and physical properties of BoNTs in human applications;
2. The presence and future of designed BoNT libraries;
3. An update on diffusion, spread, and migration of BoNTs;
4. The potential impact of injected tissue on BoNTs’ behavior;
5. A review and analysis of clinical evidence;
6. Priorities and strategies for future BoNT research efforts;
7. Other clinical applications of BoNTs.

References:

1. Ramirez-Castaneda J, Jankovic J, Comella C, Dashtipour K, Fernandez HH, Mari Z. Diffusion, spread, and migration of botulinum toxin. Mov Disord. 2013 Nov;28(13):1775-83. doi: 10.1002/mds.25582. Epub 2013 Jul 18. PMID: 23868503
2. Mari Z. Diffusion, Spread, and Migration of Botulinum Toxin: An Update. TOXICON Volume 214, Supplement 1, Page S66, ISSN 0041-0101, 2022

Dr. Zoltan Mari
Guest Editor

Manuscript Submission Information

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Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a double-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Toxins is an international peer-reviewed open access monthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 2700 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

• botulinum neurotoxins
• biochemical and physical properties
• clinical applications