Vanillotoxins (VaTxs, subtypes VaTx1, VaTx2, and VaTx3) are neurotoxins found in the venom of the tarantula Psalmopoeus cambridgei.

They act as agonists for the transient receptor potential cation channel subfamily V member 1 (TRPV1), activating the pain sensory system.

VaTx1 and 2 also act as antagonists for the Kv2-type voltage-gated potassium channel (Kv2), inducing paralytic behavior in small animals.

In general, the venom of P. cambridgei is known to produce pain, but the amount of toxin that is present in a bite is too low to cause serious health problems[1] .

[3] By doing so, they increase the action potential threshold in the neuromuscular junction, eliciting paralytic behavior.