Viper Venom Basic Phospholipase A2 Targets Cardiolipin and Phosphatidylserine While Sparing Sphingomyelin in Model Membranes: Pharmacological Implications

This study characterizes the substrate specificity and membrane interactions of heterodimeric phospholipase A₂ (HDP-2) from Vipera nikolskii venom through combined biochemical and computational approaches. Using model membrane systems comprising pure phospholipids (phosphatidylcholine, cardiolipin, phosphatidylserine, and sphingomyelin) and physiologically relevant mixed membranes, we demonstrate that HDP-2 exhibits distinct hydrolytic preferences.