Calcium-independent membrane damage by venom phospholipases A2

Many snake venom phospholipase A2s (vPLA2s) present biological effects that are independent of hydrolytic activity. Here we review the evidence for the calcium-independent membrane damaging activity of vPLA 2s, the possible relevance of this activity on their biological effects, and models for the mechanism of membrane permeabilization by these proteins. © 2009 Bentham Science Publishers Ltd.