Pesticidal Proteins

Protein Families

The pesticidal protein families described below represent a variety of different structural forms. They are classified based upon their structure, with each class often corresponding to specific pfam group. A detailed description of the structure-based nomenclature is described in Crickmore et al., 2020

App

Largely alpha-helical pesticidal proteins. This group was initially populated with the Cry6 proteins, then supplemented with others including Pax, Yax, and Xax.

Cry

Originally isolated from crystals of Bacillus thuringiensis. Consisting of three-domains in the activated proteins, many of the pro-forms have additional C-terminal domains.

Cyt

Primarily dipteran-active proteins, but with non-specific cytolytic activity.

Gpp

Aegerolysin-related pesticidal proteins.

Mcf

Named based on their ability to make caterpillars floppy.

Mpf

Part of a larger group of membrane attack complex/ perforin (MACPF) toxins.

Mpp

Etx/Mtx2-related pesticidal proteins, part of a larger group of beta pore-forming toxins.

Mtx

After the mosquitocidal Mtx1 protein derived from Lysinibacillus sphaericus.

Pra

PirA-related proteins.

Prb

PirB-related proteins.

Spp

Sphaericolysin-related pesticidal proteins.

Tpp

Toxin-10 pesticidal proteins. Examples include proteins previously known as the Bin toxins from Lysinibacillus sphaericus. Predominantly beta pore-forming proteins.

Vip

The Vegetative Insecticidal Protein class, previously known as Vip3.

Vpa

Previously known as Vip2- the active component of the Vpa/Vpb binary pesticidal protein.

Vpb

Previously known as Vip1 - the binding component of the Vpa/Vpb binary pesticidal protein. Includes proteins previously known as Vip4.

Xpp

Holding class for pesticidal proteins for which structure has yet to be determined.