VOLUME 19 NUMBER 2 (July to December 2026)

Conus venom peptides that bind to ligandgated ion channels and other molecular targets: Bioactivity, pharmacology, and therapeutic potential

Conus venom peptides are classified under various pharmacological families. This review describes the diversity, physiological targets (subtypes and subunits), structure–activity relationships, peptide engineering, and potential therapeutic applications of selected conotoxins and their analogs. It covers conotoxins that bind to ligand-gated ion channels (nicotinic acetylcholine receptor and N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor); G protein-coupled receptors (neurotensin receptor, vasopressin receptor, adrenoceptor, and somatostatin receptor); norepinephrine transporter; insulin receptor; and includes a conotoxin that acts as a protease inhibitor. Conotoxins have drawn interest in drug design because they act on pharmacologically significant molecular targets with remarkable specificity and potency, making them valuable tools for examining neurological pathways. The review covers conotoxins characterized within the last two decades, including those that could be developed as therapeutic leads or pharmaceutical tools for neurological disorders, cancer, and other illnesses. A new generation of drugs with an enhanced benefit–risk ratio, improved mode of delivery, greater stability, and minimal adverse effects is needed. Natural resources such as Conus venom peptides and their analogs deserve further studies as sources of novel therapies.