Peptides for tumor-specific drug targeting: state of the art and beyond. Issue 23 (6th March 2017)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Roveri, Maurizio; Bernasconi, Michele; Leroux, Jean-Christophe; Luciani, Paola
• Is Part Of: Journal of materials chemistry. Volume 5:Issue 23(2017)
• Page Start: 4348
• Page End: 4364
• Publication Date: 2017-03-06
• Subjects: Materials -- Periodicals; Chemistry, Analytic -- Periodicals; Biomedical materials -- Research -- Periodicals; 543.0284
• DOI: 10.1039/c7tb00318h
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 2050-750X

Abstract

Abstract : This review outlines the most recent advances in peptide-mediated tumor-targeting and gives insight into the direction of the field. Abstract : Important elements for an efficient tumor targeted delivery are cancer-specific de novo - or over-expression of target receptors and their availability on the tumor cell surface. Peptides can be designed to selectively bind to such receptors and act as tumor-targeting ligands, as has been revealed in several preclinical studies. Notably, the amino acid sequences of these peptides can be chemically modified to prevent enzymatic degradation and improve the stability of the peptide. Furthermore, tumor-targeting peptides can be conjugated to the surface of nanosized drug carriers for the selective delivery of anticancer drugs to tumors. In this review, tumor receptors for which targeting peptides have been identified are described, and their targeting potential is considered. Various chemical modifications of peptides are thoroughly described, and targeting peptides as well as peptide-functionalized nanocarriers are critically discussed. The limitations of active targeting nanocarriers are evaluated in detail, and an outlook on the potential of tumor-targeting peptides and their clinical applications is provided.