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Khan M, Dong Y, Ullah R, Li M, Huang Q, Hu Y, Yang L, Luo Z. Recent Advances in Bacterium-Based Therapeutic Modalities for Melanoma Treatment. Adv Healthc Mater 2024:e2401076. [PMID: 39375965 DOI: 10.1002/adhm.202401076] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/21/2024] [Revised: 07/16/2024] [Indexed: 10/09/2024]
Abstract
Melanoma is one of the most severe skin cancer indications with rapid progression and a high risk of metastasis. However, despite the accumulated advances in melanoma treatment including adjuvant radiation, chemotherapy, and immunotherapy, the overall melanoma treatment efficacy in the clinics is still not satisfactory. Interestingly, bacterial therapeutics have demonstrated unique properties for tumor-related therapeutic applications, such as tumor-targeted motility, tailorable cytotoxicity, and immunomodulatory capacity of the tumor microenvironment, which have emerged as a promising platform for melanoma therapy. Indeed, the recent advances in genetic engineering and nanotechnologies have boosted the application potential of bacterium-based therapeutics for treating melanoma by further enhancing their tumor-homing, cell-killing, drug delivery, and immunostimulatory capacities. This review provides a comprehensive summary of the state-of-the-art bacterium-based anti-melanoma modalities, which are categorized according to their unique functional merits, including tumor-specific cytotoxins, tumor-targeted drug delivery platforms, and immune-stimulatory agents. Furthermore, a perspective is provided discussing the potential challenges and breakthroughs in this area. The insights in this review may facilitate the development of more advanced bacterium-based therapeutic modalities for improved melanoma treatment efficacy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mubassir Khan
- Key Laboratory of Biorheological Science and Technology Ministry of Education College of Bioengineering Chongqing University Chongqing, Chongqing, 400044, P. R. China
| | - Yilong Dong
- Ruian People's Hospital, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, 325016, P. R. China
| | - Razi Ullah
- Key Laboratory for Biorheological Science and Technology of Ministry of Education, State and Local Joint Engineering Lab for Vascular Implants College of Bioengineering Chongqing University, Chongqing, 400030, P. R. China
| | - Menghuan Li
- School of Life Science, Chongqing University, Chongqing, 400044, P. R. China
| | - Qiping Huang
- Key Laboratory of Biorheological Science and Technology Ministry of Education College of Bioengineering Chongqing University Chongqing, Chongqing, 400044, P. R. China
| | - Yan Hu
- Key Laboratory of Biorheological Science and Technology Ministry of Education College of Bioengineering Chongqing University Chongqing, Chongqing, 400044, P. R. China
| | - Li Yang
- Key Laboratory of Biorheological Science and Technology Ministry of Education College of Bioengineering Chongqing University Chongqing, Chongqing, 400044, P. R. China
| | - Zhong Luo
- School of Life Science, Chongqing University, Chongqing, 400044, P. R. China
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Ghanbarzadeh Z, Mohagheghzadeh A, Hemmati S. The Roadmap of Plant Antimicrobial Peptides Under Environmental Stress: From Farm to Bedside. Probiotics Antimicrob Proteins 2024:10.1007/s12602-024-10354-9. [PMID: 39225894 DOI: 10.1007/s12602-024-10354-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 08/22/2024] [Indexed: 09/04/2024]
Abstract
Antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) are the most favorable alternatives in overcoming multidrug resistance, alone or synergistically with conventional antibiotics. Plant-derived AMPs, as cysteine-rich peptides, widely compensate the pharmacokinetic drawbacks of peptide therapeutics. Compared to the putative genes encrypted in the genome, AMPs that are produced under stress are active forms with the ability to combat resistant microbial species. Within this study, plant-derived AMPs, namely, defensins, nodule-specific cysteine-rich peptides, snakins, lipid transfer proteins, hevein-like proteins, α-hairpinins, and aracins, expressed under biotic and abiotic stresses, are classified. We could observe that while α-hairpinins and snakins display a helix-turn-helix structure, conserved motif patterns such as β1αβ2β3 and β1β2β3 exist in plant defensins and hevein-like proteins, respectively. According to the co-expression data, several plant AMPs are expressed together to trigger synergistic effects with membrane disruption mechanisms such as toroidal pore, barrel-stave, and carpet models. The application of AMPs as an eco-friendly strategy in maintaining agricultural productivity through the development of transgenes and bio-pesticides is discussed. These AMPs can be consumed in packaging material, wound-dressing products, coating catheters, implants, and allergology. AMPs with cell-penetrating properties are verified for the clearance of intracellular pathogens. Finally, the dominant pharmacological activities of bioactive peptides derived from the gastrointestinal digestion of plant AMPs, namely, inhibitors of renin and angiotensin-converting enzymes, dipeptidyl peptidase IV and α-glucosidase inhibitors, antioxidants, anti-inflammatory, immunomodulating, and hypolipidemic peptides, are analyzed. Conclusively, as phytopathogens and human pathogens can be affected by plant-derived AMPs, they provide a bright perspective in agriculture, breeding, food, cosmetics, and pharmaceutical industries, translated as farm to bedside.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zohreh Ghanbarzadeh
- Student Research Committee, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Abdolali Mohagheghzadeh
- Department of Phytopharmaceuticals, School of Pharmacy, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Shiva Hemmati
- Department of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, School of Pharmacy, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran.
- Biotechnology Research Center, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran.
- Department of Pharmaceutical Biology, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, UCSI University, Cheras, 56000, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.
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Behzadipour Y, Hemmati S. Covalent conjugation and non-covalent complexation strategies for intracellular delivery of proteins using cell-penetrating peptides. Biomed Pharmacother 2024; 176:116910. [PMID: 38852512 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2024.116910] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/03/2024] [Revised: 06/03/2024] [Accepted: 06/06/2024] [Indexed: 06/11/2024] Open
Abstract
Therapeutic proteins provided new opportunities for patients and high sales volumes. However, they are formulated for extracellular targets. The lipophilic barrier of the plasma membrane renders the vast array of intracellular targets out of reach. Peptide-based delivery systems, namely cell-penetrating peptides (CPPs), have few safety concerns, and low immunogenicity, with control over administered doses. This study investigates CPP-based protein delivery systems by classifying them into CPP-protein "covalent conjugation" and CPP: protein "non-covalent complexation" categories. Covalent conjugates ensure the proximity of the CPP to the cargo, which can improve cellular uptake and endosomal escape. We will discuss various aspects of covalent conjugates through non-cleavable (stable) or cleavable bonds. Non-cleavable CPP-protein conjugates are produced by recombinant DNA technology to express the complete fusion protein in a host cell or by chemical ligation of CPP and protein, which ensures stability during the delivery process. CPP-protein cleavable bonds are classified into pH-sensitive and redox-sensitive bonds, enzyme-cleavable bonds, and physical stimuli cleavable linkers (light radiation, ultrasonic waves, and thermo-responsive). We have highlighted the key characteristics of non-covalent complexes through electrostatic and hydrophobic interactions to preserve the conformational integrity of the CPP and cargo. CPP-mediated protein delivery by non-covalent complexation, such as zippers, CPP adaptor methods, and avidin-biotin technology, are featured. Conclusively, non-covalent complexation methods are appropriate when a high number of CPP or protein samples are to be screened. In contrast, when the high biological activity of the protein is critical in the intracellular compartment, conjugation protocols are preferred.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yasaman Behzadipour
- Student Research Committee, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Islamic Republic of Iran; Department of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, School of Pharmacy, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Islamic Republic of Iran
| | - Shiva Hemmati
- Department of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, School of Pharmacy, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Islamic Republic of Iran; Biotechnology Research Center, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Islamic Republic of Iran.
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4
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Sadeghian I, Akbarpour M, Chafjiri FMA, Chafjiri PMA, Heidari R, Morowvat MH, Sadeghian R, Raee MJ, Negahdaripour M. Potential of oligonucleotide- and protein/peptide-based therapeutics in the management of toxicant/stressor-induced diseases. NAUNYN-SCHMIEDEBERG'S ARCHIVES OF PHARMACOLOGY 2024; 397:1275-1310. [PMID: 37688622 DOI: 10.1007/s00210-023-02683-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/10/2023] [Accepted: 08/21/2023] [Indexed: 09/11/2023]
Abstract
Exposure to toxicants/stressors has been linked to the development of many human diseases. They could affect various cellular components, such as DNA, proteins, lipids, and non-coding RNAs (ncRNA), thereby triggering various cellular pathways, particularly oxidative stress, inflammatory responses, and apoptosis, which can contribute to pathophysiological states. Accordingly, modulation of these pathways has been the focus of numerous investigations for managing related diseases. The involvement of various ncRNAs, such as small interfering RNA (siRNA), microRNAs (miRNA), and long non-coding RNAs (lncRNA), as well as various proteins and peptides in mediating these pathways, provides many target sites for pharmaceutical intervention. In this regard, various oligonucleotide- and protein/peptide-based therapies have been developed to treat toxicity-induced diseases, which have shown promising results in vitro and in vivo. This comprehensive review provides information about various aspects of toxicity-related diseases including their causing factors, main underlying mechanisms and intermediates, and their roles in pathophysiological states. Particularly, it highlights the principles and mechanisms of oligonucleotide- and protein/peptide-based therapies in the treatment of toxicity-related diseases. Furthermore, various issues of oligonucleotides and proteins/peptides for clinical usage and potential solutions are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Issa Sadeghian
- Pharmaceutical Sciences Research Center, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
- Biotechnology Incubator, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Mina Akbarpour
- Ahvaz Jundishapur University of Medical Sciences, Ahvaz, Iran
| | | | | | - Reza Heidari
- Pharmaceutical Sciences Research Center, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Mohammad Hossein Morowvat
- Pharmaceutical Sciences Research Center, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
- Department of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, School of Pharmacy, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
| | | | - Mohammad Javad Raee
- Center for Nanotechnology in Drug Delivery, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Manica Negahdaripour
- Pharmaceutical Sciences Research Center, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran.
- Department of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, School of Pharmacy, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran.
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Hemmati S, Saeidikia Z, Seradj H, Mohagheghzadeh A. Immunomodulatory Peptides as Vaccine Adjuvants and Antimicrobial Agents. Pharmaceuticals (Basel) 2024; 17:201. [PMID: 38399416 PMCID: PMC10892805 DOI: 10.3390/ph17020201] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/06/2024] [Revised: 01/26/2024] [Accepted: 01/28/2024] [Indexed: 02/25/2024] Open
Abstract
The underdevelopment of adjuvant discovery and diversity, compared to core vaccine technology, is evident. On the other hand, antibiotic resistance is on the list of the top ten threats to global health. Immunomodulatory peptides that target a pathogen and modulate the immune system simultaneously are promising for the development of preventive and therapeutic molecules. Since investigating innate immunity in insects has led to prominent achievements in human immunology, such as toll-like receptor (TLR) discovery, we used the capacity of the immunomodulatory peptides of arthropods with concomitant antimicrobial or antitumor activity. An SVM-based machine learning classifier identified short immunomodulatory sequences encrypted in 643 antimicrobial peptides from 55 foe-to-friend arthropods. The critical features involved in efficacy and safety were calculated. Finally, 76 safe immunomodulators were identified. Then, molecular docking and simulation studies defined the target of the most optimal peptide ligands among all human cell-surface TLRs. SPalf2-453 from a crab is a cell-penetrating immunoadjuvant with antiviral properties. The peptide interacts with the TLR1/2 heterodimer. SBsib-711 from a blackfly is a TLR4/MD2 ligand used as a cancer vaccine immunoadjuvant. In addition, SBsib-711 binds CD47 and PD-L1 on tumor cells, which is applicable in cancer immunotherapy as a checkpoint inhibitor. MRh4-679 from a shrimp is a broad-spectrum or universal immunoadjuvant with a putative Th1/Th2-balanced response. We also implemented a pathway enrichment analysis to define fingerprints or immunological signatures for further in vitro and in vivo immunogenicity and reactogenicity measurements. Conclusively, combinatorial machine learning, molecular docking, and simulation studies, as well as systems biology, open a new opportunity for the discovery and development of multifunctional prophylactic and therapeutic lead peptides.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shiva Hemmati
- Department of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, School of Pharmacy, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz 71345-1583, Iran
- Biotechnology Research Center, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz 71345-1583, Iran
- Department of Pharmaceutical Biology, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, UCSI University, Cheras, Kuala Lumpur 56000, Malaysia
| | - Zahra Saeidikia
- Student Research Committee, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz 71345-1583, Iran;
| | - Hassan Seradj
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Pharmacy, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz 71345-1583, Iran;
| | - Abdolali Mohagheghzadeh
- Department of Phytopharmaceuticals, School of Pharmacy, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz 71345-1583, Iran;
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Moradbeygi F, Ghasemi Y, Farmani AR, Hemmati S. Glucarpidase (carboxypeptidase G2): Biotechnological production, clinical application as a methotrexate antidote, and placement in targeted cancer therapy. Biomed Pharmacother 2023; 166:115292. [PMID: 37579696 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2023.115292] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/23/2023] [Revised: 07/30/2023] [Accepted: 08/04/2023] [Indexed: 08/16/2023] Open
Abstract
Patients receiving high-dose methotrexate (HDMTX) for malignancies are exposed to diverse complications, including nephrotoxicity, hepatotoxicity, mucositis, myelotoxicity, neurological symptoms, and death. Glucarpidase is a recombinant carboxypeptidase G2 (CPG2) that converts MTX into nontoxic metabolites. In this study, the role of vector type, gene optimization, orientation, and host on the expression of CPG2 is investigated. The effectiveness of various therapeutic regimens containing glucarpidase is classified and perspectives on the dose adjustment based on precision medicine are provided. Conjugation with cell-penetrating peptides, human serum albumin, and polymers such as PEG and dextran for delivery, higher stability, and production of the biobetter variants of CPG2 is highlighted. Conjugation of CPG2 to F(ab՜)2 or scFv antibody fragments against tumor-specific antigens and the corresponding prodrugs for tumor-targeted drug delivery using the antibody-directed enzyme prodrug therapy (ADEPT) is communicated. Trials to reduce the off-target effects and the possibility of repeated ADEPT cycles by adding pro-domains sensitive to tumor-overexpressed proteases, antiCPG2 antibodies, CPG2 mutants with immune-system-unrecognizable epitopes, and protective polymers are reported. Intracellular cpg2 gene expression by gene-directed enzyme prodrug therapy (GDEPT) and the concerns regarding the safety and transfection efficacy of the GDEPT vectors are described. A novel bifunctional platform using engineered CAR-T cell micropharmacies, known as Synthetic Enzyme-Armed KillER (SEAKER) cells, expressing CPG2 to activate prodrugs at the tumor niche is introduced. Taken together, integrated data in this review and recruiting combinatorial strategies in novel drug delivery systems define the future directions of ADEPT, GDEPT, and SEAKER cell therapy and the placement of CPG2 therein.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fatemeh Moradbeygi
- Department of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, School of Pharmacy, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Younes Ghasemi
- Department of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, School of Pharmacy, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran; Pharmaceutical Sciences Research Center, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Ahmad Reza Farmani
- Tissue Engineering Department, School of Advanced Technologies in Medicine, Fasa University of Medical Sciences, Fasa, Iran
| | - Shiva Hemmati
- Department of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, School of Pharmacy, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran; Biotechnology Research Center, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran.
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Liu H, Tang Y, Deng Z, Yang J, Gan D. Boosting the Antioxidant Potential of Polymeric Proanthocyanidins in Litchi ( Litchi chinensis Sonn.) Pericarp via Biotransformation of Utilizing Lactobacillus Plantarum. Foods 2023; 12:2384. [PMID: 37372595 DOI: 10.3390/foods12122384] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/17/2023] [Revised: 06/04/2023] [Accepted: 06/11/2023] [Indexed: 06/29/2023] Open
Abstract
In order to enhance the efficient utilization of polymeric proanthocyanidins from litchi pericarp, a process for transforming litchis' polymeric proanthocyanidins (LPPCs) by using Lactobacilli has been established for products with highly antioxidative properties. Lactobacillus plantarum was selected to enhance the transformation effect. The transformation rate of LPPCs reached 78.36%. The content of litchis' oligomeric proanthocyanidins (LOPCs) in the products achieved 302.84 μg grape seed proanthocyanidins (GPS)/mg DW, while that of total phenols was 1077.93 gallic acid equivalents (GAE) μg/mg DW. Seven kinds of substances have been identified in the products by using the HPLC-QTOF-MS/MS method, among which 4-hydroxycinnamic acid, 3,4-dihydroxy-cinnamic acid, and proanthocyanidin A2 were major components. The in vitro antioxidative activity of the products after transformation was significantly (p < 0.05) higher than those of LOPCs and LPPCs. The scavenging activity of the transformed products for DPPH free radicals was 1.71 times that of LOPCs. The rate of inhibiting conjugated diene hydroperoxides (CD-POV) was 2.0 times that of LPPCs. The scavenging activity of the products for ABTS free radicals was 11.5 times that of LPPCs. The ORAC value of the products was 4.13 times that of LPPCs. In general, this study realizes the transformation of polymeric proanthocyanidins into high-activity small-molecule substances.
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Affiliation(s)
- Haocheng Liu
- School of Food Science and Engineering, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou 510641, China
- Sericultural & Argi-Food Research Institute, Guangdong Academy of Agricultural Sciences/Key Laboratory of Functional Foods, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs/Guangdong Key Laboratory of Agricultural Products Processing, No.133 Yiheng Street., Dongguanzhuang Road, Tianhe District, Guangzhou 510610, China
| | - Yuqian Tang
- Heyuan Branch, Guangdong Laboratory for Lingnan Modern Agriculture, Heyuan 517000, China
| | - Zhaowen Deng
- School of Food Science and Engineering, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou 510641, China
| | - Jiguo Yang
- School of Food Science and Engineering, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou 510641, China
| | - Dan Gan
- Sirio Pharma Co., Ltd., Shantou 515000, China
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Song EC, Park C, Shin Y, Kim WK, Kim SB, Cho S. Neurog1-Derived Peptides RMNE1 and DualPep-Shine Penetrate the Skin and Inhibit Melanin Synthesis by Regulating MITF Transcription. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24076158. [PMID: 37047130 PMCID: PMC10094136 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24076158] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/10/2023] [Revised: 03/22/2023] [Accepted: 03/23/2023] [Indexed: 04/14/2023] Open
Abstract
Anti-pigmentation peptides have been developed as alternative skin-lightening agents to replace conventional chemicals that have adverse effects on the skin. However, the maximum size of these peptides is often limited by their low skin and cell penetration. To address this issue, we used our intra-dermal delivery technology (IDDT) platform to identify peptides with hypo-pigmenting and high cell-penetrating activity. Using our cell-penetrating peptides (CPPs) from the IDDT platform, we identified RMNE1 and its derivative RMNE3, "DualPep-Shine", which showed levels of α-Melanocyte stimulating hormone (α-MSH)-induced melanin inhibition comparable to the conventional tyrosinase inhibitor, Kojic acid. In addition, DualPep-Shine was delivered into the nucleus and regulated the gene expression levels of melanogenic enzymes by inhibiting the promoter activity of microphthalmia-associated transcription factor-M (MITF-M). Using a 3D human skin model, we found that DualPep-Shine penetrated the lower region of the epidermis and reduced the melanin content in a dose-dependent manner. Furthermore, DualPep-Shine showed high safety with little immunogenicity, indicating its potential as a novel cosmeceutical ingredient and anti-pigmentation therapeutic agent.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ee Chan Song
- Remedi Co., Ltd., Research Center, Incheon 21990, Republic of Korea
| | - Chanho Park
- Remedi Co., Ltd., Research Center, Incheon 21990, Republic of Korea
| | - Yungyeong Shin
- Remedi Co., Ltd., Research Center, Incheon 21990, Republic of Korea
| | - Wan Ki Kim
- Remedi Co., Ltd., Research Center, Incheon 21990, Republic of Korea
| | - Sang Bum Kim
- College of Pharmacy, Sahmyook University, Seoul 01795, Republic of Korea
| | - Seongmin Cho
- Remedi Co., Ltd., Research Center, Incheon 21990, Republic of Korea
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Hemmati S, Rasekhi Kazerooni H. Polypharmacological Cell-Penetrating Peptides from Venomous Marine Animals Based on Immunomodulating, Antimicrobial, and Anticancer Properties. Mar Drugs 2022; 20:md20120763. [PMID: 36547910 PMCID: PMC9787916 DOI: 10.3390/md20120763] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/21/2022] [Revised: 11/25/2022] [Accepted: 11/30/2022] [Indexed: 12/09/2022] Open
Abstract
Complex pathological diseases, such as cancer, infection, and Alzheimer's, need to be targeted by multipronged curative. Various omics technologies, with a high rate of data generation, demand artificial intelligence to translate these data into druggable targets. In this study, 82 marine venomous animal species were retrieved, and 3505 cryptic cell-penetrating peptides (CPPs) were identified in their toxins. A total of 279 safe peptides were further analyzed for antimicrobial, anticancer, and immunomodulatory characteristics. Protease-resistant CPPs with endosomal-escape ability in Hydrophis hardwickii, nuclear-localizing peptides in Scorpaena plumieri, and mitochondrial-targeting peptides from Synanceia horrida were suitable for compartmental drug delivery. A broad-spectrum S. horrida-derived antimicrobial peptide with a high binding-affinity to bacterial membranes was an antigen-presenting cell (APC) stimulator that primes cytokine release and naïve T-cell maturation simultaneously. While antibiofilm and wound-healing peptides were detected in Synanceia verrucosa, APC epitopes as universal adjuvants for antiviral vaccination were in Pterois volitans and Conus monile. Conus pennaceus-derived anticancer peptides showed antiangiogenic and IL-2-inducing properties with moderate BBB-permeation and were defined to be a tumor-homing peptide (THP) with the ability to inhibit programmed death ligand-1 (PDL-1). Isoforms of RGD-containing peptides with innate antiangiogenic characteristics were in Conus tessulatus for tumor targeting. Inhibitors of neuropilin-1 in C. pennaceus are proposed for imaging probes or therapeutic delivery. A Conus betulinus cryptic peptide, with BBB-permeation, mitochondrial-targeting, and antioxidant capacity, was a stimulator of anti-inflammatory cytokines and non-inducer of proinflammation proposed for Alzheimer's. Conclusively, we have considered the dynamic interaction of cells, their microenvironment, and proportional-orchestrating-host- immune pathways by multi-target-directed CPPs resembling single-molecule polypharmacology. This strategy might fill the therapeutic gap in complex resistant disorders and increase the candidates' clinical-translation chance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shiva Hemmati
- Department of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, School of Pharmacy, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz 71345-1583, Iran
- Department of Pharmaceutical Biology, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, UCSI University, Cheras, Kuala Lumpur 56000, Malaysia
- Biotechnology Research Center, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz 71345-1583, Iran
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +98-7132-424-128
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10
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Hasannejad-Asl B, Pooresmaeil F, Takamoli S, Dabiri M, Bolhassani A. Cell penetrating peptide: A potent delivery system in vaccine development. Front Pharmacol 2022; 13:1072685. [PMID: 36425579 PMCID: PMC9679422 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2022.1072685] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/17/2022] [Accepted: 10/31/2022] [Indexed: 07/28/2023] Open
Abstract
One of the main obstacles to most medication administrations (such as the vaccine constructs) is the cellular membrane's inadequate permeability, which reduces their efficiency. Cell-penetrating peptides (CPPs) or protein transduction domains (PTDs) are well-known as potent biological nanocarriers to overcome this natural barrier, and to deliver membrane-impermeable substances into cells. The physicochemical properties of CPPs, the attached cargo, concentration, and cell type substantially influence the internalization mechanism. Although the exact mechanism of cellular uptake and the following processing of CPPs are still uncertain; but however, they can facilitate intracellular transfer through both endocytic and non-endocytic pathways. Improved endosomal escape efficiency, selective cell targeting, and improved uptake, processing, and presentation of antigen by antigen-presenting cells (APCs) have been reported by CPPs. Different in vitro and in vivo investigations using CPP conjugates show their potential as therapeutic agents in various medical areas such as infectious and non-infectious disorders. Effective treatments for a variety of diseases may be provided by vaccines that can cooperatively stimulate T cell-mediated immunity (T helper cell activity or cytotoxic T cell function), and immunologic memory. Delivery of antigen epitopes to APCs, and generation of a potent immune response is essential for an efficacious vaccine that can be facilitated by CPPs. The current review describes the delivery of numerous vaccine components by various CPPs and their immunostimulatory properties.
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Affiliation(s)
- Behnam Hasannejad-Asl
- Department of Hepatitis and AIDS, Pasteur Institute of Iran, Tehran, Iran
- Department of Biotechnology, School of Advanced Technologies in Medicine, Shahid Beheshti, University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Farkhondeh Pooresmaeil
- Department of Hepatitis and AIDS, Pasteur Institute of Iran, Tehran, Iran
- Department of Medical Biotechnology, School of Allied Medicine, Iran University of Medical Science, Tehran, Iran
| | - Shahla Takamoli
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, University of Guilan, Rasht, Iran
| | - Mehran Dabiri
- Department of Theriogenology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Tehran, Tehran, Iran
| | - Azam Bolhassani
- Department of Hepatitis and AIDS, Pasteur Institute of Iran, Tehran, Iran
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11
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Sadeghian I, Heidari R, Raee MJ, Negahdaripour M. Cell-penetrating peptide-mediated delivery of therapeutic peptides/proteins to manage the diseases involving oxidative stress, inflammatory response and apoptosis. J Pharm Pharmacol 2022; 74:1085-1116. [PMID: 35728949 DOI: 10.1093/jpp/rgac038] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/10/2021] [Accepted: 05/22/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Peptides and proteins represent great potential for modulating various cellular processes including oxidative stress, inflammatory response, apoptosis and consequently the treatment of related diseases. However, their therapeutic effects are limited by their inability to cross cellular barriers. Cell-penetrating peptides (CPPs), which can transport cargoes into the cell, could resolve this issue, as would be discussed in this review. KEY FINDINGS CPPs have been successfully exploited in vitro and in vivo for peptide/protein delivery to treat a wide range of diseases involving oxidative stress, inflammatory processes and apoptosis. Their in vivo applications are still limited due to some fundamental issues of CPPs, including nonspecificity, proteolytic instability, potential toxicity and immunogenicity. SUMMARY Totally, CPPs could potentially help to manage the diseases involving oxidative stress, inflammatory response and apoptosis by delivering peptides/proteins that could selectively reach proper intracellular targets. More studies to overcome related CPP limitations and confirm the efficacy and safety of this strategy are needed before their clinical usage.
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Affiliation(s)
- Issa Sadeghian
- Pharmaceutical Sciences Research Center, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran.,Biotechnology Incubator, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Reza Heidari
- Pharmaceutical Sciences Research Center, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Mohammad Javad Raee
- Center for Nanotechnology in Drug Delivery, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Manica Negahdaripour
- Pharmaceutical Sciences Research Center, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran.,Department of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, School of Pharmacy, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
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12
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Behzadipour Y, Hemmati S. Viral Prefusion Targeting Using Entry Inhibitor Peptides: The Case of SARS-CoV-2 and Influenza A virus. Int J Pept Res Ther 2022; 28:42. [PMID: 35002586 PMCID: PMC8722418 DOI: 10.1007/s10989-021-10357-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 12/22/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
In this study, peptide entry inhibitors against the fusion processes of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (SCV2) and influenza A virus (IAV) were designed and evaluated. Fusion inhibitor peptides targeting the conformational shift of the viral fusion protein were designed based on the relatively conserved sequence of HR2 from SCV2 spike protein and the conserved fusion peptide from hemagglutinin (HA) of IAV. Helical HR2 peptides bind more efficiently to HR1 trimer, while helical amphipathic anti-IAV peptides have higher cell penetration and endosomal uptake. The initial sequences were mutated by increasing the amphipathicity, using helix favoring residues, and residues likely to form salt- and disulfide-bridges. After docking against their targets, all anti-SCV2 designed peptides bonded with the HR1 3-helical bundle's hydrophobic crevice, while AntiSCV2P1, AntiSCV2P3, AntiSCV2P7, and AntiSCV2P8 expected to form coiled coils with at least one of the HR1 strands. Four of the designed anti-IAV peptides were cell-penetrating (AntiIAVP2, AntiIAVP3, AntiIAVP4, AntiIAVP7). All of them interacted with the fusion peptide of HA and some of the residues in the conserved hydrophobic pocket of HA2 in H1N1, H3N1, and H5N1 subtypes of IAV. AntiIAVP3 and AntiIAVP4 peptides had the best binding to HA2 conserved hydrophobic pocket, while, AntiIAVP2 and AntiIAVP6 showed the best binding to the fusion peptide region. According to analyses for in-vivo administration, AntiSCV2P1, AntiSCV2P7, AntiIAVP2, and AntiIAVP7 were the best candidates. AntiSCV2 and AntiIAV peptides were also conjugated using an in vivo cleavable linker sensitive to TMPRSS2 applicable as a single therapeutic in coinfections or uncertain diagnosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yasaman Behzadipour
- Department of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, School of Pharmacy, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, P.O. Box 71345-1583, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Shiva Hemmati
- Department of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, School of Pharmacy, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, P.O. Box 71345-1583, Shiraz, Iran.,Pharmaceutical Sciences Research Center, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran.,Biotechnology Research Center, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
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13
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Potential of cell-penetrating peptides (CPPs) in delivery of antiviral therapeutics and vaccines. Eur J Pharm Sci 2021; 169:106094. [PMID: 34896590 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejps.2021.106094] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/13/2021] [Revised: 12/01/2021] [Accepted: 12/02/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Viral infections are a great threat to human health. Currently, there are no effective vaccines and antiviral drugs against the majority of viral diseases, suggesting the need to develop novel and effective antiviral agents. Since the intracellular delivery of antiviral agents, particularly the impermeable molecules, such as peptides, proteins, and nucleic acids, are essential to exert their therapeutic effects, using a delivery system is highly required. Among various delivery systems, cell-penetrating peptides (CPPs), a group of short peptides with the unique ability of crossing cell membrane, offer great potential for the intracellular delivery of various biologically active cargoes. The results of numerous in vitro and in vivo studies with CPP conjugates demonstrate their promise as therapeutic agents in various medical fields including antiviral therapy. The CPP-mediated delivery of various antiviral agents including peptides, proteins, nucleic acids, and nanocarriers have been associated with therapeutic efficacy both in vitro and in vivo. This review describes various aspects of viruses including their biology, pathogenesis, and therapy and briefly discusses the concept of CPP and its potential in drug delivery. Particularly, it will highlight a variety of CPP applications in the management of viral infections.
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14
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Ghaffarian-Bahraman A, Arabnezhad MR, Keshavarzi M, Davani-Davari D, Jamshidzadeh A, Mohammadi-Bardbori A. Influence of cellular redox environment on aryl hydrocarbon receptor ligands induced melanogenesis. Toxicol In Vitro 2021; 79:105282. [PMID: 34856342 DOI: 10.1016/j.tiv.2021.105282] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/24/2021] [Revised: 10/07/2021] [Accepted: 11/23/2021] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
Many environmental pollutants, natural compounds, as well as endogenous chemicals exert their biological/toxicological effects by reacting with the aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR). Previous evidence shed new light on the role of AhR in skin physiology by regulating melanin production. In this study, we investigated the effect of oxidative imbalance induced by AhR ligands on the melanogenesis process in B16 murine melanoma cells. Exposure to 6-formylindolo[3,2-b] carbazole (FICZ) or benzo-α-pyrene (BαP) led to enhanced expression of CTNNB1, MITF, and TYR genes following increased tyrosinase enzyme activity and melanin content in an AhR-dependent manner. Analysis of the presence of reactive oxygen species (ROS) as well as reduced glutathione (GSH) / oxidized glutathione (GSSG) ratio revealed that treatment with AhR ligands is associated with oxidative stress which can be ameliorated with NAC (N-acetyl cysteine) or diphenyleneiodonium chloride (DPI). On the other hand, NAC and DPI enhanced melanogenesis induced by AhR ligands by reducing the level of ROS. We have shown for the first time that a cellular redox status is a critical event during AhR ligand-induced melanogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ali Ghaffarian-Bahraman
- Occupational Environment Research Center, Rafsanjan University of Medical Sciences, Rafsanjan, Iran; Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, School of Pharmacy, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Fars, Iran
| | - Mohammad-Reza Arabnezhad
- Department of Toxicology and Pharmacology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran
| | - Majid Keshavarzi
- Department of Environmental Health Engineering, School of Public Health, Sabzevar University of Medical Sciences, Sabzevar, Iran
| | - Dorna Davani-Davari
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, School of Pharmacy, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Fars, Iran
| | - Akram Jamshidzadeh
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, School of Pharmacy, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Fars, Iran
| | - Afshin Mohammadi-Bardbori
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, School of Pharmacy, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Fars, Iran.
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15
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Sadeghian I, Hemmati S. Characterization of a Stable Form of Carboxypeptidase G2 (Glucarpidase), a Potential Biobetter Variant, From Acinetobacter sp. 263903-1. Mol Biotechnol 2021; 63:1155-1168. [PMID: 34268672 DOI: 10.1007/s12033-021-00370-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/19/2021] [Accepted: 07/08/2021] [Indexed: 01/14/2023]
Abstract
Carboxypeptidase G2 (CPG2) is a bacterial enzyme widely used to detoxify methotrexate (MTX) and in enzyme/prodrug therapy for cancer treatment. However, several drawbacks, such as instability, have limited its efficiency. Herein, we have evaluated the properties of a putative CPG2 from Acinetobacter sp. 263903-1 (AcCPG2). AcCPG2 is compared with a CPG2 derived from Pseudomonas sp. strain RS-16 (PsCPG2), available as an FDA-approved medication called glucarpidase. After modeling AcCPG2 using the I-TASSER program, the refined model was validated by PROCHECK, VERIFY 3D and according to the Z score of the model. Using computational analyses, AcCPG2 displayed higher thermodynamic stability and a lower aggregation propensity than PsCPG2. AcCPG2 showed an optimum pH of 7.5 against MTX and was stable over a pH range of 5-10. AcCPG2 exhibited optimum activity at 50 °C and higher thermal stability at a temperature range of 20-70 °C compared to PsCPG2. The Km value of the purified AcCPG2 toward folate and MTX was 31.36 µM and 44.99 µM, respectively. The Vmax value of AcCPG2 for folate and MTX was 125.80 µmol/min/mg and 48.90 µmol/min/mg, respectively. Accordingly, thermostability and pH versatility makes AcCPG2 a potential biobetter variant for therapeutic applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Issa Sadeghian
- Biotechnology Research Center, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
- Pharmaceutical Sciences Research Center, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
- Department of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, School of Pharmacy, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Shiva Hemmati
- Biotechnology Research Center, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran.
- Pharmaceutical Sciences Research Center, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran.
- Department of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, School of Pharmacy, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran.
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