In silico and in vivo studies of gp120-HIV-derived peptides in complex with G4-PAMAM dendrimers

Identification of peptide epitopes of the gp120 protein of HIV-1 capable of inducing cellular and humoral immunity

The Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV-1) causes Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome (AIDS) and a high percentage of deaths. Therefore, it is necessary to design vaccines against HIV-1 for the prevention of AIDS. Bioinformatic tools and theoretical algorisms allow us to understand the structural proteins of viruses to develop vaccines based on immunogenic peptides (epitopes). In this work, we identified the epitopes: P1, P2, P10, P27 and P30 from the gp120 protein of HIV-1. These peptides were administered intranasally alone or with cholera toxin (CT) to BALB/c mice. The population of CD4+, CD8+ T lymphocytes and B cells (CD19/CD138+, IgA+ and IgG+) from nasal-associated lymphoid tissue, nasal passages, cervical and inguinal nodes was determined by flow cytometry. In addition, anti-peptides IgG and IgA from serum, nasal and vaginal washings were measured by ELISA. The results show that peptides administered by i.n. can modulate the immune response of T and B lymphocyte populations, as well as IgA and IgG antibodies secretion in the different sites analyzed. In conclusion, bioinformatics tools help us to select peptides with physicochemical properties that allow the induction of the humoral and cellular responses that depend on the peptide sequence.

Nano drug-delivery systems for management of AIDS: liposomes, dendrimers, gold and silver nanoparticles

AIDS causes increasing mortality every year. With advancements in nanomedicine, different nanomaterials (NMs) have been applied to treat AIDS and overcome its limitations. Among different NMs, nanoparticles (NPs) can act as nanocarriers due to their enhanced solubility, sustained release, targeting abilities and facilitation of drug-dose reductions. This review discusses recent advancements in therapeutics for AIDS/HIV using various NMs, mainly focused on three classifications: polymeric, liposomal and inorganic NMs. Polymeric dendrimers, polyethylenimine-NPs, poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid)-NPs, chitosan and the use of liposomal-based delivery systems and inorganic NPs, including gold and silver NPs, are explored. Recent advances, current challenges and future perspectives on the use of these NMs for better management of HIV/AIDS are also discussed.

Design, Synthesis and Characterization of [G10a]-Temporin SHa Dendrimers as Dual Inhibitors of Cancer and Pathogenic Microbes

As the technologies for peptide synthesis and development continue to mature, antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) are being widely studied as significant contributors in medicinal chemistry research. Furthermore, the advancement in the synthesis of dendrimers’ design makes dendrimers wonderful nanostructures with distinguishing properties. This study foregrounds a temporin SHa analog, [G10a]-SHa, and its dendrimers as globular macromolecules possessing anticancer and antibacterial activities. These architectures of temporin SHa, named as [G10a]-SHa, its dendrimeric analogs [G10a]₂-SHa and [G10a]₃-SHa, and [G10a]₂-SHa conjugated with a polymer molecule, i.e., Jeff-[G10a]₂-SHa, were synthesized, purified on RP-HPLC and UPLC and fully characterized by mass, NMR spectroscopic techniques, circular dichroism, ultraviolet, infrared, dynamic light scattering, and atomic force microscopic studies. In pH- and temperature-dependent studies, all of the peptide dendrimers were found to be stable in the temperature range up to 40–60 °C and pH values in the range of 6–12. Biological-activity studies showed these peptide dendrimers possessed improved antibacterial activity against different strains of both Gram-positive and Gram-negative strains. Together, these dendrimers also possessed potent selective antiproliferative activity against human cancer cells originating from different organs (breast, lung, prostate, pancreas, and liver). The high hemolytic activity of [G10a]₂-SHa and [G10a]₃-SHa dendrimers, however, limits their use for topical treatment, such as in the case of skin infection. On the contrary, the antibacterial and anticancer activities of Jeff-[G10a]₂-SHa, associated with its low hemolytic action, make it potentially suitable for systemic treatment.

The nanotechnological approach for nasal delivery of peptide drugs: a comprehensive review

This review gathers recent studies, patents, and clinical trials involving the nasal administration of peptide drugs to supply a panorama of developing nanomedicine advances in this field. Peptide drugs have been featured in the pharmaceutical market, due to their high efficacy, biological activity, and low immunogenicity. Pharmaceutical industries need technology to circumvent issues relating to peptide stability and bioavailability. The oral route offers very harsh and unfavourable conditions for peptide administration, while the parenteral route is inconvenient and risky for patients. Nasal administration is an attractive alternative, mainly when associated with nanotechnological approaches. Nanomedicines may improve the nasal administration of peptide drugs by providing protection for the macromolecules from enzymes while also increasing their time of retention and permeability in the nasal mucosa. Nanomedicines for nasal administration containing peptide drugs have been acclaimed for both prevention, and treatment, of infections, including the pandemic COVID-19, cancers, metabolic and neurodegenerative diseases.