Molecular cloning and characterization of two peptide toxins from the spider Araneus ventricosus

► Two peptide toxin genes were cloned from the spider Araneus ventricosus ► AvT-39 consists of a 39-amino acid mature peptide including six cysteine residues ► AvT-48 consists of a 48-amino acid mature peptide including six cysteine residues ► AvT-39 and AvT-48 expression in insect cells decreased cell viability ► Recombinant AcNPV expressing AvT-48 reduced LT50 by approximately 25%