A novel CNS-homing peptide for targeting neuroinflammatory lesions in experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis

Publication date: Available online 5 February 2020Source: Molecular and Cellular ProbesAuthor(s): Bodhraj Acharya, Rakeshchandra R. Meka, Shivaprasad H. Venkatesha, Jason Lees, Tambet Teesalu, Kamal D. MoudgilAbstractUsing phage peptide library screening, we identified peptide-encoding phages that selectively home to the inflamed central nervous system (CNS) of mice with experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE), a model of human multiple sclerosis (MS). A phage peptide display library encoding cyclic 9-amino-acid random peptides was first screened ex-vivo for binding to the CNS tissue of EAE mice, followed by in vivo screening in the diseased mice. Phage insert sequences that were present at a higher frequency in the CNS of EAE mice than in the normal (control) mice were identified by DNA sequencing. One of the phages selected in this manner, denoted as MS-1, was shown to selectively recognize CNS tissue in EAE mice. Individually cloned phages with this insert preferentially homed to EAE CNS after an intravenous injection. Similarly, systemically administered fluorescence-labeled synthetic MS-1 peptide showed selective accumulation in the spinal cord of EAE mice. We suggest that peptide MS-1 might be useful for targeted drug delivery to CNS in EAE/MS.

Source: Molecular and Cellular Probes - February 6, 2020 Category: Molecular Biology Source Type: research