Related Experiment Video
Updated: Feb 1, 2026
Screening Peptides that Activate MRGPRX2 using Engineered HEK Cells
Published on: November 6, 2021
A study on screening and antitumor effect of CD55-specific ligand peptide in cervical cancer cells
Guoxiang Li1, Qifeng Yin1, Huanhuan Ji1
1Department of Genetics and Cell Biology, Basic Medical College, Qingdao University, Qingdao 266071, People's Republic of China, libing_516@qdu.edu.cn.
Background:
To improve the targeting ability of antitumor drugs, we identified the antigens with high expression on the surface of tumor cells associated with tumor escape, such as the complement regulatory protein CD55 molecule, which is also known as the decay accelerating factor. In this study, phage display technology was used to screen and identify CD55-specific ligand peptide (CD55sp) bound to CD55 molecule on the surface of cervical cancer HeLa cells. We then explored the role of this peptide in inhibiting the growth of cervical cancer cells in vitro. Our characterization of CD55sp will provide implication for tumor target therapy.
Methods:
The phage bound to the surface of HeLa cells were isolated by phage display technology. Positive phage clones were identified by ELISA. Phage was then amplified and determined by agarose gel electrophoresis after monoclonal DNA extraction. DNA sequencing and bioinformatical analysis were conducted to obtain specific ligand peptides. Flow cytometry and immunofluorescence were used to measure the expression of CD55 molecule on the surface of tumor and normal cells. Subsequently, the effects of CD55sp on the proliferation and apoptosis of HeLa and SiHa cells were determined by Cell Counting Kit-8 (CCK-8), flow cytometry, and TUNEL assay, respectively. The morphology of apoptotic cells was examined by electron microscope. The distribution of Cleaved caspase-3 was detected by immunofluorescence. The expression of bcl-2 and Cleaved caspase-3 were determined by Western blot.
Results:
The results showed that the peptide (QVNGLGERSQQM) can bind to the CD55 molecule on the surface of cervical cancer HeLa and SiHa cells as a ligand peptide. It can also effectively inhibit the proliferation of cervical cancer cells and induce cell apoptosis.
Conclusion:
This study demonstrates that CD55sp screened by phage display technology plays a strong antitumor role.
Insights
A novel CD55-specific ligand peptide (CD55sp) was identified using phage display technology. This peptide effectively inhibits cervical cancer cell growth and induces apoptosis, offering a promising new avenue for tumor-targeted therapy.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Molecular Biology
- Immunology
Background:
- Tumor cells often express antigens like CD55 (decay accelerating factor) that aid in immune evasion.
- Targeting these surface antigens is crucial for developing effective antitumor therapies.
- CD55 plays a role in tumor escape mechanisms.
Purpose of the Study:
- To identify a CD55-specific ligand peptide (CD55sp) using phage display technology.
- To investigate the potential of CD55sp in inhibiting cervical cancer cell growth in vitro.
- To explore CD55sp as a targeted therapeutic agent for cervical cancer.
Main Methods:
- Phage display technology was employed to screen for CD55-binding peptides on cervical cancer cells (HeLa).
- ELISA, DNA sequencing, and bioinformatic analysis were used to identify and characterize the specific ligand peptide.
- Cell Counting Kit-8, flow cytometry, TUNEL assay, electron microscopy, and Western blot were utilized to assess the peptide's effects on cell proliferation and apoptosis.
Main Results:
- A CD55-specific ligand peptide (QVNGLGERSQQM) was successfully identified, binding to CD55 on cervical cancer cells (HeLa and SiHa).
- The identified CD55sp demonstrated significant inhibition of cervical cancer cell proliferation.
- CD55sp effectively induced apoptosis in cervical cancer cells.
Conclusions:
- The CD55-specific ligand peptide (CD55sp) exhibits a potent antitumor effect against cervical cancer.
- Phage display technology is a viable method for discovering targeted therapeutic peptides.
- CD55sp holds promise as a novel therapeutic strategy for cervical cancer treatment.
Related Concept Videos
02:40Ligand Binding Sites
Protein-ligand interactions are quite specific; even though numerous potential ligands surround a cellular protein at any given time, only a particular ligand can bind to that protein. Moreover, a ligand binds only to a dedicated area on the surface of the protein, known as the...
02:40Ligand Binding Sites
00:49Ligand Binding and Linkage
00:49Ligand Binding and Linkage
02:51Metal-Ligand Bonds
In these complexes, transition metals form coordinate covalent bonds, a kind of Lewis acid-base interaction in which both of the electrons in the bond are contributed by a donor (Lewis base) to an electron acceptor (Lewis acid). The Lewis acid in...
02:43Peptide Bonds