Novel EGFR-targeted strategy with hybrid peptide against oesophageal squamous cell carcinoma

Area of Science:

• Oncology
• Molecular Biology
• Drug Discovery

Background:

• Epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) plays a critical role in oesophageal squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) development.
• Existing EGFR-targeted therapies have shown limited clinical efficacy in OSCC treatment.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the therapeutic potential of EGFR(2R)-lytic hybrid peptide against OSCC.
• To assess the in vitro and in vivo efficacy and toxicity of this novel peptide in OSCC models.

Main Methods:

• Investigated EGFR expression on OSCC cells.
• Assessed the binding affinity of the EGFR-binding peptide fragment to OSCC cells.
• Evaluated the cytotoxic effects of EGFR(2R)-lytic hybrid peptide in vitro.
• Determined the anti-tumour efficacy in an OSCC xenograft mouse model.
• Assessed peptide toxicity in mice.

Main Results:

• OSCC cells exhibited high surface expression of EGFR.
• The EGFR-binding peptide fragment demonstrated high affinity for OSCC cells.
• EGFR(2R)-lytic hybrid peptide induced rapid and potent cytotoxicity in OSCC cells.
• The peptide significantly suppressed OSCC tumour growth in vivo.
• No significant adverse effects were observed in mice treated with the peptide.

Conclusions:

• EGFR(2R)-lytic hybrid peptide is a promising therapeutic agent for OSCC.
• This peptide represents a novel and effective EGFR-targeted therapy strategy for OSCC.
• Preclinical data support the further development of EGFR(2R)-lytic hybrid peptide for OSCC treatment.