A Review on NLRP3 Inflammasome Modulation by Animal Venom Proteins/peptides: Mechanisms and Therapeutic Insights

Overview

Journal Inflammopharmacology

Specialty Pharmacology

Date 2025 Feb 11

PMID 39934538

Authors

Akshad Balde

Soottawat Benjakul

Rasool Abdul Nazeer

Affiliations

Soon will be listed here.

Abstract

The venom peptides from terrestrial as well as aquatic species have demonstrated potential in regulating the NOD-like receptor family pyrin domain-containing 3 (NLRP3) inflammasome, a sophisticated assemblage present in immune cells responsible for detecting and responding to external mediators. The NLRP3 inflammasome plays a role in several pathological conditions such as type 2 diabetes, hyperglycemia, Alzheimer's disease, obesity, autoimmune disorders, and cardiovascular disorders. Venom peptides derived from animal venoms have been discovered to selectively induce certain signalling pathways, such as the NLRP3 inflammasome, mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK), and nuclear factor kappa-light-chain-enhancer of activated B cells (NF-κB). Experimental evidence has demonstrated that venom peptides can regulate the expression and activation of the NLRP3 inflammasome, resulting in the secretion of pro-inflammatory cytokines including interleukin (IL)-1β and IL-18. Furthermore, these peptides have been discovered to impede the activation of the NLRP3 inflammasome, therefore diminishing inflammation and tissue injury. The functional properties of venom proteins and peptides obtained from snakes, bees, wasps, and scorpions have been thoroughly investigated, specifically targeting the NLRP3 inflammasome pathway, venom proteins and peptides have shown promise as therapeutic agents for the treatment of certain inflammatory disorders. This review discusses the pathophysiology of NLRP3 inflammasome in the onset of various diseases, role of venom as therapeutics. Further, various venom components and their role in the modulation of NLRP3 inflammasome are discoursed. A substantial number of venomous animals and their toxins are yet unexplored, and to comprehensively grasp the mechanisms of action of them and their potential as therapeutic agents, additional research is required which can lead to the development of novel therapeutics.

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