[Application of cell-penetrating peptides in tumor therapy].
Cell-penetrating peptides (CPPs) are taking center stage in tumor therapy research. These short peptides have a unique talent: they slip through cell membranes with ease, carrying other molecules with them. That makes them valuable for delivering research compounds straight to where they're needed, bypassing the usual biological barriers that slow down or block traditional approaches.
Sheng Wu Gong Cheng Xue Bao
by Xin X, Zhang J, Ma Y et al.
“[Application of cell-penetrating peptides in tumor therapy]. [Article in Chinese; Abstract available in Chinese from the publisher] Xin X(1)(2), Zhang J(1)(2), Ma Y(3), Fan W(4)(5). Author information: (1)Qinghai Key Laboratory of Phytochemistry in the Qinghai-Xizang Plateau, Qinghai Engineering Research Center of Modern Tibetan Medicine Development, College of Pharmacy, Qinghai Minzu University, Xining 810007, Qinghai, China. (2)Beijing Key Laboratory of Drug Delivery Technology and Novel Formulation, Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100050, China. (3)Qinghai Key Laboratory of Phytochemistry in the Qinghai-Xizang Plateau, Qinghai Engineering Research Center of Modern Tibetan Medicine Development, College of Pharmacy, Qinghai Minzu University, Xining 810007, Qinghai, China. yuhuama612@163.com. (4)State Key Laboratory of Bioactive Substances and Functions of Natural Medicines, Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100050, China. fanwufa@imm.ac.cn. (5)Beijing Key Laboratory of Drug Delivery Technology and Novel Formulation, Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100050, China. fanwufa@imm.ac.cn. Cell-penetrating peptides (CPPs) represent a class of short peptides capable of efficiently traversing biological membrane barriers, demonstrating substantial potential in tumor-targeted drug delivery. Drugs modified with CPPs can enter cells through direct membrane penetration or endocytic pathways, and CPPs have been extensively investigated in various antitumor drug delivery systems. This review initially categorizes CPPs into cationic peptides, amphipathic peptides, and hydrophobic peptides according to their charge characteristics, and subsequently elucidates the molecular mechanisms underlying CPP-mediated cellular entry. Furthermore, we comprehensively summarize the latest advances in multifunctional nanoplatforms constructed through the integration of CPPs with diverse delivery systems, thereby providing insights for the development of CPP-based antitumor delivery strategies. Publisher: 细胞穿膜肽(cell-penetrating peptides, CPPs)是一类能够高效穿透生物膜屏障的短肽，在肿瘤靶向药物递送领域展现出巨大潜力。经CPPs修饰的药物可通过直接穿透或内吞方式进入细胞，并且已在多种抗肿瘤药物递送研究中得到应用。本文首先依据电荷特性将CPPs分为阳离子型肽、两亲性肽、疏水性肽，并剖析了CPPs进入细胞的分子机制。同时，详细综述了CPPs与不同递送系统结合所构建的多功能纳米平台及其最新应用进展，为CPPs抗肿瘤递送系统的研究提供了思路。. Conflict of interest statement: 作者声明没有任何可能会影响本文所报告工作的已知经济利益或个人关系。”
A new review by Xin and colleagues pulls together what’s happening in the world of CPPs for tumor-targeted delivery. The article breaks CPPs down into three main types based on their charge:
Cationic peptides: positively charged, they interact strongly with cell membranes.
Amphipathic peptides: have both water-loving and water-hating parts, making them versatile.
Hydrophobic peptides: these prefer to avoid water, helping them move through lipid-rich barriers.
Why does this matter? CPPs are being attached to anti-tumor agents, helping them get inside cancer cells more efficiently. The authors cover how CPPs can enter cells by either punching through the membrane directly or sneaking in via endocytosis. The review digs into the detailed molecular mechanisms, giving researchers a clearer roadmap for designing better delivery systems.
The paper also highlights the rise of multifunctional nanoplatforms. By combining CPPs with nanoparticles or other delivery vehicles, researchers are building smarter systems that can seek out tumors and release their payload precisely. This is more than just a theoretical advance—these hybrid systems are already being tested in preclinical settings.
Key takeaway: CPPs are pushing the boundaries of what’s possible in tumor research. Anyone interested in next-gen delivery systems should keep an eye on this field. For more on the science behind CPPs and related research, check out the peptide research index. Sourcing quality compounds for lab work? The vendor directory has options.
CPPs are opening up new strategies for researchers looking to solve the tumor delivery challenge. The momentum is real.
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