Phage Display Identified Novel Leydig Cell Homing Peptides for Testicular Targeting

Conventional drug delivery methods to treat testicular disorders face various challenges, which could be circumvented by using targeted drug delivery. Testicular cell targeting ligands, such as Leydig cell homing peptides, would be an excellent choice to achieve the targeted delivery of drugs to the testis. In this study, Leydig cell homing peptides (LCHPs), LCHP1 and LCHP2, were identified via in vitro, followed by in vivo biopanning of a phage display peptide library and next-generation sequencing. Both of the LCHPs were validated in vitro for their specific Leydig cell and in vivo testis targeting potential. Furthermore, molecular targets of the LCHP1 and LCHP2 were identified using affinity purification mass spectrometry (APMS). The LCHP1 and LCHP2 are able to specifically target Leydig cells of the testis and undergo cell internalization as well as target the testis at the in vivo level, hence providing an opportunity to be utilized as a potential ligand for drug delivery to the testis.