Animal Venoms Targeting Cellular Mechanisms: Advances and Implications for Drug Discovery and Disease Therapy

Animal venoms are complex biochemical systems composed of proteins, peptides, and small molecules with bioactivity. Traditionally regarded as toxic agents, venom components are increasingly recognized as valuable molecular libraries that can modulate cellular processes in human disease pathophysiology. This review highlights the translational potential of venom-derived molecules, with emphasis on clinically approved venom-derived drugs such as captopril, while also discussing their therapeutic potential for diseases such as cancer, autoimmunity, cardiovascular diseases, chronic pain, neuropsychiatric disorders, and infectious diseases. Special emphasis is given to the mechanisms by which these toxins modulate ion channels, enzymes, and receptor systems. Recent advances in venomics, harnessing proteomics, transcriptomics, and high-throughput screening, are also discussed, which can accelerate the clinical translation of venom-derived therapeutics. Key challenges related to assessing the immunogenicity of the venom-derived compounds, bioavailability, and safety have also been addressed alongside emerging strategies to overcome them. Collectively, these advances can provide a logical framework for developing novel therapeutics, bridging the gap between toxinology and drug discovery.