RGD peptide in cancer targeting: Benefits, challenges, solutions, and possible integrin–RGD interactions

Abstract

RGD peptide can be found in cell adhesion and signaling proteins, such as fibronectin, vitronectin, and fibrinogen. RGD peptides' principal function is to facilitate cell adhesion by interacting with integrin receptors on the cell surface. They have been intensively researched for use in biotechnology and medicine, including incorporation into biomaterials, conjugation to medicinal molecules or nanoparticles, and labeling with imaging agents. RGD peptides can be utilized to specifically target cancer cells and the tumor vasculature by engaging with these integrins, improving drug delivery efficiency and minimizing adverse effects on healthy tissues. RGD‐functionalized drug carriers are a viable option for cancer therapy as this focused approach has demonstrated promise in the future. Writing a review on the RGD peptide can significantly influence how drugs are developed in the future by improving our understanding of the peptide, finding knowledge gaps, fostering innovation, and making drug design easier.

Non-Invasive Device-Mediated Drug Delivery to the Brain across the Blood–Brain Barrier

“…It is suggested that negatively charged heparan sulfate chains branching from proteoglycan (HSPG) on the cell surface induce receptor-mediated endocytosis as a receptor for cationic CPPs [ 14 ]. RGD peptides (Arg-Gly-Asp), as representative THPs, specifically target cancer cells by binding to ανβ3 and ανβ5 integrins [ 15 ]. NGR peptides (Asn-Gly-Arg) bind to the receptor aminopeptidase N [ 16 ].…”