Spider venom peptides Ht1a and Gg1a are toxic to honeybee parasite Varroa destructor by topical application

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  Spider venom peptides Ht1a and Gg1a are toxic to honeybee parasite Varroa destructor by topical application Abstract Global food supply strongly depends on honeybee pollination services, which are threatened by insecticides and pests such as parasitic Varroa destructor mites. Chemical varroacides/acaricides are hampered by resistance development, necessitating the development of sustainable and environmentally friendly alternatives, with arthropod venom peptides being considered promising sources of acaricidal toxins. With only a few acaricidal venom peptides being reported, we performed a systematic topical screening of 50 arthropod venoms against V. destructor , with 78% of the venoms causing 100% mortality after 24 h. Deconvolution of the venoms from the Tasmanian cave spider Hickmania troglodytes and the Giant Japanese funnel-web spider Gigathele gigas led to identification of the varroacidal peptides Ht1a and Gg1a. Topical application of Ht1a and Gg1a reduced varroa mite ...

Therapeutic Potentials of Cerastes cerastes Venom: A Comprehensive Review of Bioactive Molecules and Biomedical Applications

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By Holger Krisp - Own work, CC BY 3.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=17570143

Therapeutic Potentials of Cerastes cerastes Venom: A Comprehensive Review of Bioactive Molecules and Biomedical Applications

Abstract

Snake venoms represent a vast reservoir of bioactive molecules with both toxic and therapeutic potential. The Saharan horned viper (Cerastes cerastes), distributed across North Africa and the Middle East, produces a venom rich in proteins and peptides that modulate key physiological processes. This review synthesizes current knowledge on the pharmacological activities of Cerastes cerastes venom and its purified components, emphasizing their potential applications in medicine. Enzymes such as phospholipases A2, serine proteinases, metalloproteinases, L-amino acid oxidases, and disintegrins have been isolated and characterized, displaying diverse biological effects. These include pro- and anticoagulant activities relevant to hemostasis, cytotoxic and anti-angiogenic properties with implications in cancer therapy, and antiparasitic effects against Leishmania and Schistosoma species. Furthermore, venom-derived LAAOs exhibit strong antibacterial activity, particularly against resistant pathogens such as MRSA, while emerging evidence highlights immunomodulatory and radioprotective roles. Despite their promise, challenges related to toxicity, stability, delivery, and potential immunogenicity must be addressed for successful clinical translation. Collectively, Cerastes cerastes venom exemplifies the therapeutic versatility of natural toxins and offers a valuable platform for the discovery and development of novel agents targeting cancer, infectious diseases, hemostatic disorders, and immune-mediated conditions.
Khelfi, A. (2026). Therapeutic Potentials of Cerastes cerastes Venom: A Comprehensive Review of Bioactive Molecules and Biomedical Applications. Toxicon, 109023. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.toxicon.2026.109023