Pore-Forming Peptides from Spiders

Abstract

Spider pore-forming peptides are cationic amphipathic molecules that make lipid membranes permeable by formation of pores. Their mechanism of binding to lipid membranes differs from each other depending on their size and molecular surface. The purpose of pore-forming peptides found in the venom of spiders is to depolarize the cell membrane and tissues of their prey. The cytolytic activity of spider pore-forming peptides is a bona fide activity of these molecules that have potential applications in the treatment of skin infections.

Keywords:

• Pore-forming peptides
• Charge distribution
• Phospholipid composition.