Comparative Biochemical, Structural, and Functional Analysis of Recombinant Phospholipases D from Three Spider Venoms.

Spiders of genus are widely distributed and their venoms contain phospholipases D (PLDs), which degrade phospholipids and trigger inflammatory responses, dermonecrosis, hematological changes, and renal injuries. Biochemical, functional, and structural properties of three recombinant PLDs from , and , the principal species clinically relevant in South America, were analyzed. Sera against and PLDs strongly cross-reacted with other PLDs, but sera against PLD mostly reacted with homologous molecules, suggesting underlying structural and functional differences.