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Updated: May 21, 2026

Construction of Cyclic Cell-Penetrating Peptides for Enhanced Penetration of Biological Barriers
Published on: September 19, 2022
Cell-penetrating peptides: breaking through to the other side
Erez Koren1, Vladimir P Torchilin
1Center for Pharmaceutical Biotechnology and Nanomedicine, Northeastern University, 312 Mugar Life Sciences Building, 360 Huntington Avenue, Boston, MA 02115, USA.
Cell-penetrating peptides (CPPs) enhance intracellular delivery of drugs and DNA via nanocarriers. This review explores CPP-modified nanocarriers and
Area of Science:
- Biotechnology
- Nanomedicine
- Drug Delivery
Background:
- Cell-penetrating peptides (CPPs) are effective vectors for intracellular delivery.
- CPPs facilitate the transport of diverse cargoes, including DNA, RNA, proteins, and nanoparticles, across cell membranes.
- Previous studies demonstrate CPPs' utility in both in vitro and in vivo settings.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review peptide-based strategies for intracellular delivery using CPP-modified nanocarriers.
- To discuss the design principles of 'smart' nanocarriers with triggered cell-penetrating properties.
- To highlight the application of CPPs in delivering small molecule drugs and DNA.
Main Methods:
- Literature review focusing on CPP-mediated nanocarrier delivery.
- Analysis of CPP modification strategies for nanocarriers.
- Discussion of stimuli-responsive designs for 'smart' nanocarriers.
Main Results:
- CPP-modified nanocarriers effectively deliver various therapeutic payloads intracellularly.
- 'Smart' nanocarrier designs enable controlled CPP activation under specific conditions.
- External stimuli like pH, temperature, or radiation can trigger CPP functionality.
Conclusions:
- CPP-modified nanocarriers represent a promising platform for targeted intracellular drug and DNA delivery.
- The development of 'smart' nanocarriers offers enhanced control over drug release and cellular uptake.
- Future research should focus on optimizing CPP-nanocarrier systems for clinical translation.
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