Figure 2.
Structures of selected toxins discussed in this review. Note the diversity of primary amino acid sequences and the disulfide scaffolds. α-Conotoxins target nicotinic acetylcholine receptors, whereas χ-conotoxin MrIA (currently in the human clinical trials) is an inhibitor of norepinephrine transporter. µ-Conotoxin KIIIA almost irreversibly blocks neuronal sodium channel Nav1.2 and exhibits potent analgesic activity in the animal model of inflammatory pain. ShK toxin derived from sea anemone blocks potassium channel subtypes Kv1.1 and Kv1.3 and has a therapeutic potential for the treatment of multiple sclerosis.