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13 pages, 14389 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Cell Penetrating Capacity and Internalization Mechanisms Used by the Synthetic Peptide CIGB-552 and Its Relationship with Tumor Cell Line Sensitivity

by Soledad Astrada, Julio Raúl Fernández Massó, Maribel G. Vallespí and Mariela Bollati-Fogolín

Molecules 2018, 23(4), 801; https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules23040801 - 30 Mar 2018

Cited by 10 | Viewed by 4418

Abstract

CIGB-552 is a twenty-amino-acid novel synthetic peptide that has proven to be effective in reducing tumor size and increasing lifespan in tumor-bearing mice. Such capability is conferred by its cell-penetrating peptide character, which allows it to enter cells and elicit a pro-apoptotic effect [...] Read more.

CIGB-552 is a twenty-amino-acid novel synthetic peptide that has proven to be effective in reducing tumor size and increasing lifespan in tumor-bearing mice. Such capability is conferred by its cell-penetrating peptide character, which allows it to enter cells and elicit a pro-apoptotic effect through its major mediator, COMMD1 protein. Cell-penetrating peptides are able to use different internalization mechanisms, such as endocytosis or direct transduction through the plasma membrane. Although CIGB-552 cytotoxicity has been evaluated in several non-tumor- and tumor-derived cell lines, no data regarding the relationship between cell line sensitivity, cell penetrating capacity, the internalization mechanisms involved, COMMD1 expression levels, or its subcellular localization has yet been produced. Here, we present the results obtained from a comparative analysis of CIGB-552 sensitivity, internalization capacity and the mechanisms involved in three human tumor-derived cell lines from different origins: mammary gland, colon and lung (MCF-7, HT-29 and H460, respectively). Furthermore, cell surface markers relevant for internalization processes such as phosphatidylserine, as well as CIGB-552 target COMMD1 expression/localization, were also evaluated. We found that both endocytosis and transduction are involved in CIGB-552 internalization in the three cell lines evaluated. However, CIGB-552 incorporation efficiency and contribution of each mechanism is cell-line dependent. Finally, sensitivity was directly correlated with high internalization capacity in those cell lines where endocytosis had a major contribution on CIGB-552 internalization. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Peptide Therapeutics)

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15 pages, 700 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Antioxidant Activity of Zein Hydrolysates from Zea Species and Their Cytotoxic Effects in a Hepatic Cell Culture

by Jorge L. Díaz-Gómez, Margarita Ortíz-Martínez, Oscar Aguilar, Silverio García-Lara and Fabiola Castorena-Torres

Molecules 2018, 23(2), 312; https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules23020312 - 2 Feb 2018

Cited by 27 | Viewed by 5693

Abstract

In recent years, food proteins with bioactivity have been studied for cancer treatment. Zein peptides have shown an important set of bioactivities. This work compares the cytotoxic activity of zein hydrolyzed, extracted from four Zea species: teosinte, native, hybrid, and transgenic (Teo, Nat, [...] Read more.

In recent years, food proteins with bioactivity have been studied for cancer treatment. Zein peptides have shown an important set of bioactivities. This work compares the cytotoxic activity of zein hydrolyzed, extracted from four Zea species: teosinte, native, hybrid, and transgenic (Teo, Nat, Hyb, and HT) in a hepatic cell culture. Zein fraction was extracted, quantified, and hydrolyzed. Antioxidant capacity and cytotoxicity assays were performed on HepG2 cells. The levels of expression of caspase 3, 8, and 9 were evaluated in zein-treated cell cultures. Zea parviglumis showed the highest zein content (46.0 mg/g) and antioxidant activity (673.40 TE/g) out of all native zeins. Peptides from Hyb and HT showed high antioxidant activity compared to their native counterparts (1055.45 and 724.32 TE/g, respectively). Cytotoxic activity was observed in the cell culture using peptides of the four Zea species; Teo and Nat (IC50: 1781.63 and 1546.23 ng/mL) had no significant difference between them but showed more cytotoxic activity than Hyb and HT (IC50: 1252.25 and 1155.56 ng/mL). Increased expression of caspase 3 was observed in the peptide-treated HepG2 cells (at least two-fold more with respect to the control sample). These data indicate the potential for zein peptides to prevent or treat cancer, possibly by apoptosis induction. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Peptide Therapeutics)

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13 pages, 11465 KiB

Open AccessArticle

A Cyclic Altered Peptide Analogue Based on Myelin Basic Protein 87–99 Provides Lasting Prophylactic and Therapeutic Protection Against Acute Experimental Autoimmune Encephalomyelitis

by Mary Emmanouil, Vivian Tseveleki, Iro Triantafyllakou, Agathi Nteli, Theodore Tselios and Lesley Probert

Molecules 2018, 23(2), 304; https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules23020304 - 31 Jan 2018

Cited by 6 | Viewed by 4052

Abstract

In this report, amide-linked cyclic peptide analogues of the 87–99 myelin basic protein (MBP) epitope, a candidate autoantigen in multiple sclerosis (MS), are tested for therapeutic efficacy in experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE). Cyclic altered peptide analogues of MBP_87–99 with substitutions at positions [...] Read more.

In this report, amide-linked cyclic peptide analogues of the 87–99 myelin basic protein (MBP) epitope, a candidate autoantigen in multiple sclerosis (MS), are tested for therapeutic efficacy in experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE). Cyclic altered peptide analogues of MBP_87–99 with substitutions at positions 91 and/or 96 were tested for protective effects when administered using prophylactic or early therapeutic protocols in MBP_72–85-induced EAE in Lewis rats. The Lys⁹¹ and Pro⁹⁶ of MBP_87–99 are crucial T-cell receptor (TCR) anchors and participate in the formation of trimolecular complex between the TCR-antigen (peptide)-MHC (major histocompability complex) for the stimulation of encephalitogenic T cells that are necessary for EAE induction and are implicated in MS. The cyclic peptides were synthesized using Solid Phase Peptide Synthesis (SPPS) applied on the 9-fluorenylmethyloxycarboxyl/tert-butyl Fmoc/tBu methodology and combined with the 2-chlorotrityl chloride resin (CLTR-Cl). Cyclo(91–99)[Ala⁹⁶]MBP_87–99, cyclo(87–99)[Ala^91,96]MBP_87–99 and cyclo(87–99)[Arg⁹¹, Ala⁹⁶]MBP_87–99, but not wild-type linear MBP_87–99, strongly inhibited MBP_72–85-induced EAE in Lewis rats when administered using prophylactic and early therapeutic vaccination protocols. In particular, cyclo(87–99)[Arg⁹¹, Ala⁹⁶]MBP_87–99 was highly effective in preventing the onset and development of clinical symptoms and spinal cord pathology and providing lasting protection against EAE induction. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Peptide Therapeutics)

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3265 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Adding an Artificial Tail—Anchor to a Peptide-Based HIV-1 Fusion Inhibitor for Improvement of Its Potency and Resistance Profile

by Shan Su, Zhenxuan Ma, Chen Hua, Weihua Li, Lu Lu and Shibo Jiang

Molecules 2017, 22(11), 1996; https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules22111996 - 20 Nov 2017

Cited by 15 | Viewed by 4912

Abstract

Peptides derived from the C-terminal heptad repeat (CHR) of human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) envelope protein transmembrane subunit gp41, such as T20 (enfuvirtide), can bind to the N-terminal heptad repeat (NHR) of gp41 and block six-helix bundle (6-HB) formation, thus inhibiting HIV-1 [...] Read more.

Peptides derived from the C-terminal heptad repeat (CHR) of human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) envelope protein transmembrane subunit gp41, such as T20 (enfuvirtide), can bind to the N-terminal heptad repeat (NHR) of gp41 and block six-helix bundle (6-HB) formation, thus inhibiting HIV-1 fusion with the target cell. However, clinical application of T20 is limited because of its low potency and genetic barrier to resistance. HP23, the shortest CHR peptide, exhibits better anti-HIV-1 activity than T20, but the HIV-1 strains with E49K mutations in gp41 will become resistant to it. Here, we modified HP23 by extending its C-terminal sequence using six amino acid residues (E6) and adding IDL (Ile-Asp-Leu) to the C-terminus of E6, which is expected to bind to the shallow pocket in the gp41 NHR N-terminal region. The newly designed peptide, designated HP23-E6-IDL, was about 2- to 16-fold more potent than HP23 against a broad spectrum of HIV-1 strains and more than 12-fold more effective against HIV-1 mutants resistant to HP23. These findings suggest that addition of an anchor–tail to the C-terminus of a CHR peptide will allow binding with the pocket in the gp41 NHR that may increase the peptide’s antiviral efficacy and its genetic barrier to resistance. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Peptide Therapeutics)

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2661 KiB

Open AccessArticle

NeoBOMB1, a GRPR-Antagonist for Breast Cancer Theragnostics: First Results of a Preclinical Study with [⁶⁷Ga]NeoBOMB1 in T-47D Cells and Tumor-Bearing Mice

by Aikaterini Kaloudi, Emmanouil Lymperis, Athina Giarika, Simone Dalm, Francesca Orlandi, Donato Barbato, Mattia Tedesco, Theodosia Maina, Marion De Jong and Berthold A. Nock

Molecules 2017, 22(11), 1950; https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules22111950 - 11 Nov 2017

Cited by 30 | Viewed by 6428

Abstract

Background: The GRPR-antagonist-based radioligands [^67/68Ga/¹¹¹In/¹⁷⁷Lu]NeoBOMB1 have shown excellent theragnostic profiles in preclinical prostate cancer models, while [⁶⁸Ga]NeoBOMB1 effectively visualized prostate cancer lesions in patients. We were further interested to explore the theragnostic potential of NeoBOMB1 [...] Read more.

Background: The GRPR-antagonist-based radioligands [^67/68Ga/¹¹¹In/¹⁷⁷Lu]NeoBOMB1 have shown excellent theragnostic profiles in preclinical prostate cancer models, while [⁶⁸Ga]NeoBOMB1 effectively visualized prostate cancer lesions in patients. We were further interested to explore the theragnostic potential of NeoBOMB1 in GRPR-positive mammary carcinoma, by first studying [⁶⁷Ga]NeoBOMB1 in breast cancer models; Methods: We investigated the profile of [⁶⁷Ga]NeoBOMB1, a [⁶⁸Ga]NeoBOMB1 surrogate, in GRPR-expressing T-47D cells and animal models; Results: NeoBOMB1 (IC₅₀s of 2.2 ± 0.2 nM) and [^natGa]NeoBOMB1 (IC₅₀s of 2.5 ± 0.2 nM) exhibited high affinity for the GRPR. At 37 °C [⁶⁷Ga]NeoBOMB1 strongly bound to the T-47D cell-membrane (45.8 ± 0.4% at 2 h), internalizing poorly, as was expected for a radioantagonist. [⁶⁷Ga]NeoBOMB1 was detected >90% intact in peripheral mouse blood at 30 min pi. In mice bearing T-47D xenografts, [⁶⁷Ga]NeoBOMB1 specifically localized in the tumor (8.68 ± 2.9% ID/g vs. 0.6 ± 0.1% ID/g during GRPR-blockade at 4 h pi). The unfavorably high pancreatic uptake could be considerably reduced (206.29 ± 17.35% ID/g to 42.46 ± 1.31% ID/g at 4 h pi) by increasing the NeoBOMB1 dose from 10 pmol to 200 pmol, whereas tumor uptake remained unaffected. Notably, tumor values did not decline from 1 to 24 h pi; Conclusions: [⁶⁷Ga]NeoBOMB1 can successfully target GRPR-positive breast cancer in animals with excellent prospects for clinical translation. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Peptide Therapeutics)

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5077 KiB

Open AccessCommunication

Non-Covalent Loading of Anti-Cancer Doxorubicin by Modularizable Peptide Self-Assemblies for a Nanoscale Drug Carrier

by Kin-ya Tomizaki, Kohei Kishioka, Shunsuke Kataoka, Makoto Miyatani, Takuya Ikeda, Mami Komada, Takahito Imai and Kenji Usui

Molecules 2017, 22(11), 1916; https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules22111916 - 6 Nov 2017

Cited by 9 | Viewed by 5279

Abstract

We prepared nanoscale, modularizable, self-assembled peptide nanoarchitectures with diameters less of than 20 nm by combining β-sheet-forming peptides tethering a cell-penetrating peptide or a nuclear localization signal sequence. We also found that doxorubicin (Dox), an anti-cancer drug, was non-covalently accommodated by the assemblies [...] Read more.

We prepared nanoscale, modularizable, self-assembled peptide nanoarchitectures with diameters less of than 20 nm by combining β-sheet-forming peptides tethering a cell-penetrating peptide or a nuclear localization signal sequence. We also found that doxorubicin (Dox), an anti-cancer drug, was non-covalently accommodated by the assemblies at a ratio of one Dox molecule per ten peptides. The Dox-loaded peptide assemblies facilitated cellular uptake and subsequent nuclear localization in HeLa cells, and induced cell death even at low Dox concentrations. This peptide nanocarrier motif is a promising platform for a biocompatible drug delivery system by altering the targeting head groups of the carrier peptides. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Peptide Therapeutics)

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2051 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Antibacterial Activity of the Non-Cytotoxic Peptide (p-BthTX-I)₂ and Its Serum Degradation Product against Multidrug-Resistant Bacteria

by Norival A. Santos-Filho, Rafaela S. Fernandes, Bruna F. Sgardioli, Matheus A. S. Ramos, Julia P. Piccoli, Ilana L. B. C. Camargo, Tais M. Bauab and Eduardo M. Cilli

Molecules 2017, 22(11), 1898; https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules22111898 - 4 Nov 2017

Cited by 26 | Viewed by 5193

Abstract

Antimicrobial peptides can be used systemically, however, their susceptibility to proteases is a major obstacle in peptide-based therapeutic development. In the present study, the serum stability of p-BthTX-I (KKYRYHLKPFCKK) and (p-BthTX-I)₂, a p-BthTX-I disulfide-linked dimer, were analyzed by mass spectrometry and [...] Read more.

Antimicrobial peptides can be used systemically, however, their susceptibility to proteases is a major obstacle in peptide-based therapeutic development. In the present study, the serum stability of p-BthTX-I (KKYRYHLKPFCKK) and (p-BthTX-I)₂, a p-BthTX-I disulfide-linked dimer, were analyzed by mass spectrometry and analytical high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). Antimicrobial activities were assessed by determining their minimum inhibitory concentrations (MIC) using cation-adjusted Mueller–Hinton broth. Furthermore, biofilm eradication and time-kill kinetics were performed. Our results showed that p-BthTX-I and (p-BthTX-I)₂ were completely degraded after 25 min. Mass spectrometry showed that the primary degradation product was a peptide that had lost four lysine residues on its C-terminus region (des-Lys¹²/Lys¹³-(p-BthTX-I)₂), which was stable after 24 h of incubation. The antibacterial activities of the peptides p-BthTX-I, (p-BthTX-I)₂, and des-Lys¹²/Lys¹³-(p-BthTX-I)₂ were evaluated against a variety of bacteria, including multidrug-resistant strains. Des-Lys¹²/Lys¹³-(p-BthTX-I)₂ and (p-BthTX-I)₂ degraded Staphylococcus epidermidis biofilms. Additionally, both the peptides exhibited bactericidal activities against planktonic S. epidermidis in time-kill assays. The emergence of bacterial resistance to a variety of antibiotics used in clinics is the ultimate challenge for microbial infection control. Therefore, our results demonstrated that both peptides analyzed and the product of proteolysis obtained from (p-BthTX-I)₂ are promising prototypes as novel drugs to treat multidrug-resistant bacterial infections. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Peptide Therapeutics)

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3964 KiB

Open AccessArticle

A Large Size Chimeric Highly Immunogenic Peptide Presents Multistage Plasmodium Antigens as a Vaccine Candidate System against Malaria

by José Manuel Lozano, Yahson Varela, Yolanda Silva, Karen Ardila, Martha Forero, Laura Guasca, Yuly Guerrero, Adriana Bermudez, Patricia Alba, Magnolia Vanegas and Manuel Elkin Patarroyo

Molecules 2017, 22(11), 1837; https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules22111837 - 1 Nov 2017

Cited by 4 | Viewed by 4916

Abstract

Rational strategies for obtaining malaria vaccine candidates should include not only a proper selection of target antigens for antibody stimulation, but also a versatile molecular design based on ordering the right pieces from the complex pathogen molecular puzzle towards more active and functional [...] Read more.

Rational strategies for obtaining malaria vaccine candidates should include not only a proper selection of target antigens for antibody stimulation, but also a versatile molecular design based on ordering the right pieces from the complex pathogen molecular puzzle towards more active and functional immunogens. Classical Plasmodium falciparum antigens regarded as vaccine candidates have been selected as model targets in this study. Among all possibilities we have chosen epitopes of PfCSP, STARP; MSA1 and Pf155/RESA from pre- and erythrocyte stages respectively for designing a large 82-residue chimeric immunogen. A number of options aimed at diminishing steric hindrance for synthetic procedures were assessed based on standard Fmoc chemistry such as building block orthogonal ligation; pseudo-proline and microwave-assisted procedures, therefore the large-chimeric target was produced, characterized and immunologically tested. Antigenicity and functional in vivo efficacy tests of the large-chimera formulations administered alone or as antigen mixtures have proven the stimulation of high antibody titers, showing strong correlation with protection and parasite clearance of vaccinated BALB/c mice after being lethally challenged with both P. berghei-ANKA and P. yoelii 17XL malaria strains. Besides, 3D structure features shown by the large-chimera encouraged as to propose using these rational designed large synthetic molecules as reliable vaccine candidate-presenting systems. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Peptide Therapeutics)

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888 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Disrupting VEGF–VEGFR1 Interaction: De Novo Designed Linear Helical Peptides to Mimic the VEGF_13-25 Fragment

by Beatriz Balsera, M. Ángeles Bonache, Marie Reille-Seroussi, Nathalie Gagey-Eilstein, Michel Vidal, Rosario González-Muñiz and María Jesús Pérez de Vega

Molecules 2017, 22(11), 1846; https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules22111846 - 28 Oct 2017

Cited by 7 | Viewed by 4345

Abstract

The interaction between vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and its receptors (VEGFR) has important implications in angiogenesis and cancer, which moved us to search for peptide derivatives able to block this protein–protein interaction. In a previous work we had described a collection of [...] Read more.

The interaction between vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and its receptors (VEGFR) has important implications in angiogenesis and cancer, which moved us to search for peptide derivatives able to block this protein–protein interaction. In a previous work we had described a collection of linear 13-mer peptides specially designed to adopt helical conformations (Ac-SSEEX⁵ARNX⁹AAX¹²N-NH₂), as well as the evaluation of seven library components for the inhibition of the interaction of VEGF with its Receptor 1 (VEGFR1). This study led to the discovery of some new, quite potent inhibitors of this protein–protein system. The results we found prompted us to extend the study to other peptides of the library. We describe here the evaluation of a new selection of peptides from the initial library that allow us to identify new VEGF-VEGFR1 inhibitors. Among them, the peptide sequence containing F, W, and I residues at the 5, 9, and 12 positions, show a very significant nanomolar IC₅₀ value, competing with VEGF for its receptor 1, VEGFR1 (Flt-1), which could represent a new tool within the therapeutic arsenal for cancer detection and therapy. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Peptide Therapeutics)

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1049 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Antibacterial Synthetic Peptides Derived from Bovine Lactoferricin Exhibit Cytotoxic Effect against MDA-MB-468 and MDA-MB-231 Breast Cancer Cell Lines

by Yerly Vargas Casanova, Jorge Antonio Rodríguez Guerra, Yadi Adriana Umaña Pérez, Aura Lucía Leal Castro, Giovanni Almanzar Reina, Javier Eduardo García Castañeda and Zuly Jenny Rivera Monroy

Molecules 2017, 22(10), 1641; https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules22101641 - 29 Sep 2017

Cited by 38 | Viewed by 6598

Abstract

Linear, dimeric, tetrameric, and cyclic peptides derived from lactoferricin B, containing the RRWQWR motif, were designed, synthesized, purified, and characterized using RP-HPLC chromatography and MALDI-TOF mass spectrometry. The antibacterial activity of the designed peptides against E. coli (ATCC 11775 and 25922) and their [...] Read more.

Linear, dimeric, tetrameric, and cyclic peptides derived from lactoferricin B, containing the RRWQWR motif, were designed, synthesized, purified, and characterized using RP-HPLC chromatography and MALDI-TOF mass spectrometry. The antibacterial activity of the designed peptides against E. coli (ATCC 11775 and 25922) and their cytotoxic effect against MDA-MB-468 and MDA-MB-231 breast cancer cell lines were evaluated. Dimeric and tetrameric peptides showed higher antibacterial activity in both bacteria strains than linear peptides. The dimeric peptide (RRWQWR)₂K-Ahx exhibited the highest antibacterial activity against the tested bacterial strains. Furthermore, the peptides with high antibacterial activity exhibited significant cytotoxic effect against the tested breast cancer cell lines. This cytotoxic effect was fast and dependent on the peptide concentration. The tetrameric molecule containing RRWQWR motif has an optimal cytotoxic effect at a concentration of 22 µM. The evaluated dimeric and tetrameric peptides could be considered as candidates for developing new therapeutic agents against breast cancer. Polyvalence of linear sequences could be considered as a novel and versatile strategy for obtaining molecules with high anticancer activity. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Peptide Therapeutics)

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712 KiB

Open AccessCommunication

Investigation of the N-Terminus Amino Function of Arg₁₀-Teixobactin

by Shimaa A. H. Abdel Monaim, Sikabwe Noki, Estelle J. Ramchuran, Ayman El-Faham, Fernando Albericio and Beatriz G. de la Torre

Molecules 2017, 22(10), 1632; https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules22101632 - 28 Sep 2017

Cited by 22 | Viewed by 5746

Abstract

Teixobactin is a recently described antimicrobial peptide that shows high activity against gram-positive bacteria as well as mycobacterium tuberculosis. Due to both its structure as a head-to-side chain cyclodepsipeptide and its activity, it has attracted the attention of several research groups. In [...] Read more.

Teixobactin is a recently described antimicrobial peptide that shows high activity against gram-positive bacteria as well as mycobacterium tuberculosis. Due to both its structure as a head-to-side chain cyclodepsipeptide and its activity, it has attracted the attention of several research groups. In this regard, a large number of analogs with substitutions in both the cycle and the tail has been described. Here, we report the contribution of the N-terminus residue, N-Me-d-Phe, to the activity of Arg₁₀-teixobactin. On the basis of our findings, we conclude that the N-terminus accepts minimum changes but not the presence of long alkyl chains. The presence of a positive charge is a requirement for the activity of the peptide. Furthermore, acylation of the N-terminus leads to total loss of activity. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Peptide Therapeutics)

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Review

Jump to: Research

28 pages, 1386 KiB

Open AccessReview

Cell Penetrating Peptides as Molecular Carriers for Anti-Cancer Agents

by Antonella Borrelli, Anna Lucia Tornesello, Maria Lina Tornesello and Franco M. Buonaguro

Molecules 2018, 23(2), 295; https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules23020295 - 31 Jan 2018

Cited by 218 | Viewed by 15598

Abstract

Cell membranes with their selective permeability play important functions in the tight control of molecular exchanges between the cytosol and the extracellular environment as the intracellular membranes do within the internal compartments. For this reason the plasma membranes often represent a challenging obstacle [...] Read more.

Cell membranes with their selective permeability play important functions in the tight control of molecular exchanges between the cytosol and the extracellular environment as the intracellular membranes do within the internal compartments. For this reason the plasma membranes often represent a challenging obstacle to the intracellular delivery of many anti-cancer molecules. The active transport of drugs through such barrier often requires specific carriers able to cross the lipid bilayer. Cell penetrating peptides (CPPs) are generally 5–30 amino acids long which, for their ability to cross cell membranes, are widely used to deliver proteins, plasmid DNA, RNA, oligonucleotides, liposomes and anti-cancer drugs inside the cells. In this review, we describe the several types of CPPs, the chemical modifications to improve their cellular uptake, the different mechanisms to cross cell membranes and their biological properties upon conjugation with specific molecules. Special emphasis has been given to those with promising application in cancer therapy. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Peptide Therapeutics)

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31 pages, 605 KiB

Open AccessReview

Peptides as Potential Therapeutics for Alzheimer’s Disease

by Samo Ribarič

Molecules 2018, 23(2), 283; https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules23020283 - 30 Jan 2018

Cited by 54 | Viewed by 7403

Abstract

Intracellular synthesis, folding, trafficking and degradation of proteins are controlled and integrated by proteostasis. The frequency of protein misfolding disorders in the human population, e.g., in Alzheimer’s disease (AD), is increasing due to the aging population. AD treatment options are limited to symptomatic [...] Read more.

Intracellular synthesis, folding, trafficking and degradation of proteins are controlled and integrated by proteostasis. The frequency of protein misfolding disorders in the human population, e.g., in Alzheimer’s disease (AD), is increasing due to the aging population. AD treatment options are limited to symptomatic interventions that at best slow-down disease progression. The key biochemical change in AD is the excessive accumulation of per-se non-toxic and soluble amyloid peptides (Aβ(1-37/44), in the intracellular and extracellular space, that alters proteostasis and triggers Aβ modification (e.g., by reactive oxygen species (ROS)) into toxic intermediate, misfolded soluble Aβ peptides, Aβ dimers and Aβ oligomers. The toxic intermediate Aβ products aggregate into progressively less toxic and less soluble protofibrils, fibrils and senile plaques. This review focuses on peptides that inhibit toxic Aβ oligomerization, Aβ aggregation into fibrils, or stabilize Aβ peptides in non-toxic oligomers, and discusses their potential for AD treatment. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Peptide Therapeutics)

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Open AccessReview

The Potential of Frog Skin-Derived Peptides for Development into Therapeutically-Valuable Immunomodulatory Agents

by Jelena M. Pantic, Ivan P. Jovanovic, Gordana D. Radosavljevic, Nebojsa N. Arsenijevic, J. Michael Conlon and Miodrag L. Lukic

Molecules 2017, 22(12), 2071; https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules22122071 - 13 Dec 2017

Cited by 32 | Viewed by 6515

Abstract

The aim of this article is to review the immunoregulatory actions of frog skin-derived peptides in order to assess their potential as candidates for immunomodulatory or anti-inflammatory therapy. Frog skin peptides with demonstrable immunomodulatory properties have been isolated from skin secretions of a [...] Read more.

The aim of this article is to review the immunoregulatory actions of frog skin-derived peptides in order to assess their potential as candidates for immunomodulatory or anti-inflammatory therapy. Frog skin peptides with demonstrable immunomodulatory properties have been isolated from skin secretions of a range of species belonging to the families Alytidae, Ascaphidae, Discoglossidae, Leptodactylidae, Pipidae and Ranidae. Their effects upon production of inflammatory and immunoregulatory cytokines by target cells have been evaluated ex vivo and effects upon cytokine expression and immune cell activity have been studied in vivo by flow cytometry after injection into mice. The naturally-occurring peptides and/or their synthetic analogues show complex and variable actions on the production of proinflammatory (TNF-α, IL-1β, IL-12, IL-23, IL-8, IFN-γ and IL-17), pleiotropic (IL-4 and IL-6) and immunosuppressive (IL-10 and TGF-β) cytokines by peripheral and spleen cells, peritoneal cells and/or isolated macrophages. The effects of frenatin 2.1S include enhancement of the activation state and homing capacity of Th1-type lymphocytes and NK cells in the mouse peritoneal cavity, as well as the promotion of their tumoricidal capacities. Overall, the diverse effects of frog skin-derived peptides on the immune system indicate their potential for development into therapeutic agents. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Peptide Therapeutics)

6522 KiB

Open AccessReview

Conserved Binding Regions Provide the Clue for Peptide-Based Vaccine Development: A Chemical Perspective

by Hernando Curtidor, César Reyes, Adriana Bermúdez, Magnolia Vanegas, Yahson Varela and Manuel E. Patarroyo

Molecules 2017, 22(12), 2199; https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules22122199 - 12 Dec 2017

Cited by 11 | Viewed by 7116

Abstract

Synthetic peptides have become invaluable biomedical research and medicinal chemistry tools for studying functional roles, i.e., binding or proteolytic activity, naturally-occurring regions’ immunogenicity in proteins and developing therapeutic agents and vaccines. Synthetic peptides can mimic protein sites; their structure and function can be [...] Read more.

Synthetic peptides have become invaluable biomedical research and medicinal chemistry tools for studying functional roles, i.e., binding or proteolytic activity, naturally-occurring regions’ immunogenicity in proteins and developing therapeutic agents and vaccines. Synthetic peptides can mimic protein sites; their structure and function can be easily modulated by specific amino acid replacement. They have major advantages, i.e., they are cheap, easily-produced and chemically stable, lack infectious and secondary adverse reactions and can induce immune responses via T- and B-cell epitopes. Our group has previously shown that using synthetic peptides and adopting a functional approach has led to identifying Plasmodium falciparum conserved regions binding to host cells. Conserved high activity binding peptides’ (cHABPs) physicochemical, structural and immunological characteristics have been taken into account for properly modifying and converting them into highly immunogenic, protection-inducing peptides (mHABPs) in the experimental Aotus monkey model. This article describes stereo–electron and topochemical characteristics regarding major histocompatibility complex (MHC)-mHABP-T-cell receptor (TCR) complex formation. Some mHABPs in this complex inducing long-lasting, protective immunity have been named immune protection-inducing protein structures (IMPIPS), forming the subunit components in chemically synthesized vaccines. This manuscript summarizes this particular field and adds our recent findings concerning intramolecular interactions (H-bonds or π-interactions) enabling proper IMPIPS structure as well as the peripheral flanking residues (PFR) to stabilize the MHCII-IMPIPS-TCR interaction, aimed at inducing long-lasting, protective immunological memory. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Peptide Therapeutics)

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