Abstract:Venom proteins from parasitoid wasps are with the capability of regulating the hosts by affecting their hemocyte immunity, development and reproduction involving impacts on their endocrine system of providing a suitable environment for the offspring of parasitoids successfully fulfilling their life history, while their components are little known. In recent years, the biochemical properties of parasitoid wasp venom proteins are being actively investigated and their nature is gradually uncovered by purification, enzymatic assays, gene cloning, etc. According to their biochemical characterizations and physiological functions, venom proteins can be divided into toxins, antibacterial substances, enzymes, enzyme inhibitors and the others, which are potential sources of biological control, medical and physiological agents. In this article, the research progresses on the biochemical and molecular characteristics of the parasitoid wasp venom proteins are reviewed and the prospects of their potential use are discussed.