Research progress of ant venom system

Ants represent one of the most diverse and abundant eusocial insects. Ants possess specific venom apparatuses that secrete venom for defense, predation, and social communication. The venom is a complex mixture containing a rich array of peptides and proteins, as well as volatile or non-volatile compounds. These venom components exhibit various biological activities, including cell lysis, hemolysis, sensitization, insecticidal effects, and antimicrobial properties. With the evolution of ant species, their venom systems have diverged into two structural morphotypes: stinging and stingless. The variations in venom apparatus may impact the composition, function, and ecological adaptation of venom. Consequently, the venom system of ants serves as an excellent model for investigating adaptive evolution and constitutes a significant repository of bioactive chemicals. This review summarizes current knowledge of ant venom systems, encompassing their morphological architecture, biochemical composition, functional diversity, and evolution. It aims to deepen the understanding of the diversity of ant venom systems, serving as a reference for the exploration of novel bioactive compounds in biomedicine and agrochemical development.