Peptide-functionalized, -assembled and -loaded nanoparticles in cancer therapy

Drug Discov Today. 2024 Jul;29(7):103981. doi: 10.1016/j.drudis.2024.103981. Epub 2024 Apr 16.

Abstract

The combination of peptides and nanoparticles in cancer therapy has shown synergistic results. Nanoparticle functionalization with peptides can increase their targeting ability towards tumor cells. In some cases, the peptides can develop self-assembled nanoparticles, in combination with drugs, for targeted cancer therapy. The peptides can be loaded into nanoparticles and can be delivered by other drugs for synergistic cancer removal. Multifunctional types of peptide-based nanoparticles, including pH- and redox-sensitive classes, have been introduced in cancer therapy. The tumor microenvironment remolds, and the acceleration of immunotherapy and vaccines can be provided by peptide nanoparticles. Moreover, the bioimaging and labeling of cancers can be mediated by peptide nanoparticles. Therefore, peptides can functionalize nanoparticles in targeted cancer therapy.

Keywords: drug delivery; nanoparticles; peptides; self-assembled nanoparticles; targeted delivery.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Antineoplastic Agents / administration & dosage
  • Antineoplastic Agents / chemistry
  • Antineoplastic Agents / therapeutic use
  • Drug Delivery Systems / methods
  • Humans
  • Immunotherapy / methods
  • Nanoparticles*
  • Neoplasms* / drug therapy
  • Neoplasms* / therapy
  • Peptides* / administration & dosage
  • Peptides* / chemistry
  • Peptides* / therapeutic use
  • Tumor Microenvironment

Substances

  • Peptides
  • Antineoplastic Agents