Acylation of the S4(13)-PV cell-penetrating peptide as a means of enhancing its capacity to mediate nucleic acid delivery: Relevance of peptide/lipid interactions

摘要

Background: Cell-penetrating peptides (CPPs) have been extensively exploited in gene therapy approaches as vectors for intracellular delivery of bioactive molecules. The ability of CPPs to be internalized into cells and their capacity to complex nucleic acids depend on their molecular structure, both primary and secondary, namely regarding hydrophobicity/hydrophilicity. CPP acylation has been used as a strategy to improve this structural feature.