Cryptic protein fragments as an emerging source of peptide drugs.
This commentary evaluates the newly proposed concept of crypteins - peptides with embedded cryptic activity - as a source of peptide drugs. Although several crypteins are undergoing advanced clinical trials, and one cryptein, adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH), is already widely used as a therapeutic, crypteins remain an underappreciated class of biopharmaceuticals. The systematic exploitation of crypteins provides a novel source of peptide drugs, and may also provide templates for developing peptidomimetic compounds. In addition, crypteins appear to offer several advantages over synthetic protein libraries and other protein scaffolds.
Ng
Jocelyn H
JH
Bioprojex, 2/6 Jurang Street, Balwyn, VIC 3103, Australia. j.ng@bigpond.net.au
Ilag
Leodevico L
LL