Anticancer peptides as novel immunomodulatory therapeutic candidates for cancer treatment
Apurva Sood1, V V Jothiswaran2, Amrita Singh2
1Department of Molecular Biology and Genetic Engineering, School of Bioengineering and Biosciences, Lovely Professional University, Punjab 144411, India.
Abstract:
Cancer remains a concern after years of research in this field. Conventional therapies such as chemotherapy, radiation, and surgery are available for cancer treatment, but they are characterized by various side effects. There are several immunological challenges that make it difficult for the immune system and conventional therapies to treat cancer. Some of these challenges include heterogeneity, resistance to medicines, and cancer relapse. Even advanced treatments like immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs), which revolutionized cancer treatment, have associated toxicity and resistance further necessitate the exploration of alternative therapies. Anticancer peptides (ACPs) offer promising potential as cancer-fighting agents and address challenges such as treatment resistance, tumor heterogeneity, and metastasis. Although these peptides exist as components of the defense system in various plants, animals, fungi, etc., but can also be created synthetically and used as a new treatment measure. These peptides possess properties that make them appealing for cancer therapy, such as apoptosis induction, inhibition of angiogenesis, and cell membrane breakdown with low toxicity. Their capacity to specifically target cancer cells selectively holds promise for enhancing treatment environments as well as improving patients' quality of life. This review provides detailed insights into the different prospects of ACPs, including their characterization, use as immunomodulatory agents in cancer treatment, and their mechanistic details after addressing various immunological challenges in existing cancer treatment strategies. In conclusion, ACPs have promising potential as novel cancer therapeutics due to their target specificity and fewer side effects than conventional therapies.
Insights
Anticancer peptides (ACPs) show promise for treating cancer by targeting cancer cells specifically and overcoming treatment resistance. These peptides offer a potentially less toxic alternative to conventional cancer therapies.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Immunology
- Peptide Therapeutics
Background:
- Conventional cancer therapies (chemotherapy, radiation, surgery) have limitations, including significant side effects and challenges like tumor heterogeneity, drug resistance, and relapse.
- Advanced treatments like immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) have revolutionized cancer care but still face issues with toxicity and resistance.
- There is a critical need for novel therapeutic strategies to overcome the immunological challenges inherent in cancer treatment.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the potential of anticancer peptides (ACPs) as a novel therapeutic approach for cancer treatment.
- To explore the characterization, immunomodulatory roles, and mechanisms of action of ACPs.
- To assess how ACPs can address existing challenges in cancer therapy, including resistance and heterogeneity.
Main Methods:
- Comprehensive literature review of existing research on anticancer peptides (ACPs).
- Analysis of ACPs' properties, including apoptosis induction, anti-angiogenesis, and cell membrane disruption.
- Evaluation of ACPs' immunomodulatory effects and mechanisms in the context of cancer treatment.
Main Results:
- Anticancer peptides (ACPs) exhibit potent anticancer activities, including inducing apoptosis, inhibiting angiogenesis, and disrupting cancer cell membranes.
- ACPs demonstrate selective targeting of cancer cells, potentially reducing off-target toxicity.
- These peptides possess immunomodulatory capabilities that can enhance the host's anti-tumor immune response.
Conclusions:
- Anticancer peptides (ACPs) represent a promising class of novel therapeutics for cancer treatment.
- Their specific targeting and favorable toxicity profiles offer advantages over conventional therapies.
- ACPs have the potential to overcome key immunological challenges, improve treatment efficacy, and enhance patient quality of life.
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