Pathogenesis, drug development, pharmacological relevance, clinical efficacy and future of three-finger toxins of elapids: a mechanistic review

The review focuses on one of the main toxins of elapid venom, the three-finger toxins (3FTXs) that represent a diverse and biologically significant class of molecules. It provides an in-depth exploration of their diversity, molecular targets, and biological activities, which makes them a strong candidate for pharmacological research. With 800+ subtypes, 3FTXs make up the largest toxin family within snake venom, defined by their conserved stable structure and broad recognition of various receptors, ion channels, and cellular components. This review provides a comprehensive understanding of mechanisms underlying 3FTX-induced pathology and their therapeutic potential. Emerging applications of 3FTX-derived molecules in drug development and biomedical research are explored. Furthermore, the pharmacological roles of 3FTXs in analgesia, cardiovascular disorders, hypertension, and cancer are explained. Recent trends and challenges in 3FTXs research are also discussed. The aim is to understand the pharmacological potential of 3FTXs for developing novel therapeutics targeting critical disease pathways.