A Review of the Chemical Properties, Mechanisms of Action, and Structure–Activity Relationships of Jellyfish Toxins

Jellyfish, as representatives of the phylum Cnidaria, possess venoms characterized by structurally diverse and functionally complex toxins, rendering them a central focus in cnidarian toxin research. This article presents a systematic review of the physicochemical properties of jellyfish toxins, examines their mechanisms of action from a molecular biology perspective, investigates the patterns of toxin transformation in organisms, elucidates the structure–activity relationships between structure and toxicity, introduces advancements in research on novel jellyfish toxins, and offers an outlook on future developments in this field. By integrating modern proteomic techniques, such as liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry, this review provides comprehensive theoretical support for the foundational research and application development of jellyfish toxins, as well as a scientific basis for practical applications, including antivenom serum development and novel marine drug design.