Reversible self-assembly: a key feature for a new class of autodelivering therapeutic peptides.
Effective delivery is a critical issue in the use of conventional free drugs. Studies on the structure-function relationship of a therapeutic antibody-derived candidacidal decapeptide (killer peptide, KP) revealed its ability to spontaneously and reversibly self-assemble in an organized network of fibril-like structures. This process is catalyzed by 1,3-beta-glucans. While the self-assembled state may provide protection against proteases and the slow kinetic of dissociation assures a release of the active dimeric form over time, the beta-glucan affinity is responsible for targeted delivery. Thus, KP represents a novel paradigm of targeted autodelivering drugs.
Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Parma, Parma, Italy.
Thelma A
TA
Pertinhez
Stefania
S
Conti
Elena
E
Ferrari
Walter
W
Magliani
Alberto
A
Spisni
Luciano
L
Polonelli
D000595:Amino Acid Sequence; D002176:Candida albicans / Q000187:drug effects / Q000648:ultrastructure; D002942:Circular Dichroism; D055646:Killer Factors, Yeast / Q000138:chemical synthesis / Q000737:chemistry* / Q000494:pharmacology; D008854:Microscopy, Electron; D009842:Oligopeptides / Q000138:chemical synthesis / Q000737:chemistry* / Q000494:pharmacology / Q000627:therapeutic use
C524619:KP killer peptide; D055646:Killer Factors, Yeast; D009842:Oligopeptides