Recombinant peptide therapy articles from across Nature Portfolio

A systemically administered peptide (CARSKNKDC) that homes to injured tissues, has inherent ability to promote wound healing. Here, the authors show that this peptide binds to syndecan-4 and activates ARF6 to trigger re-epithelialisation and the naturally occurring wound repair pathway.

ESCRT-III is involved in the endolysosomal system and disturbed in neurodegenerative diseases. Here the authors show that disruption of an interaction between ESCRT-III member CHMP2B and α-synuclein by a peptide inhibitor mitigates neurodegeneration in Parkinson’s disease models.

Antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) are next-generation antibiotics that can be used to combat drugresistant pathogens. Here, the authors report efficient production of bioactive amidated AMPs by transient expression in Nicotiana benthamiana line expressing the mammalian enzyme peptidylglycine α-amidating mono-oxygenase.

Peptides composed of two or more tandemly linked macrocyclic peptides binding to growth factor/cytokine receptors (STaMPtides) are useful growth factor/cytokine mimetics. The peptides can be produced from bacterial cells and bioactivity is demonstrated (HGF, EPO, TPO).

Jin et al develop and characterise a blood-brain barrier and plasma membrane-permeable α-synuclein knockdown peptide, Tat-βsyn-degron. In two mouse models of Parkinson’s disease, they show that Tat-βsyn-degron decreases α-synuclein aggregates and microglial activation as well as reducing neuronal damage and motor impairment. This study demonstrates the therapeutic potential of Tat-βsyn-degron in Parkinson’s disease treatment.

Antimicrobial peptides have the potential to combat the growing threat of antimicrobial resistance; however, their clinical translation remains challenging. Here, we discuss molecular farming as a sustainable approach to antimicrobial peptide production, outlining different platforms to produce antimicrobial peptides using plants and viral vectors.