Immunomodulatory peptide-drug conjugate MEL-dKLA suppresses progression of prostate cancer by eliminating M2-like tumor-associated macrophages.

ABSTRACT: Prostate cancer is one of the most common malignancies in men and is frequently associated with tumor-promoting inflammation. Tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs) are known to facilitate cancer progression by suppressing antitumor immunity. Therefore, targeting TAMs represents a promising strategy for cancer therapy. This study aimed to investigate whether melittin-dKLA, a conjugated peptide consisting of melittin (MEL), which selectively binds M2-like macrophages, and the pro-apoptotic peptide d(KLAKLAK)₂ (dKLA), can inhibit prostate cancer progression by targeting M2 macrophages. Human monocytic cells (THP-1 cells) were differentiated into TAMs using tumor-conditioned medium (TCM), and the conditioned medium from these TAMs was termed M-TCM. MEL-dKLA binding affinity was assess

SUBMITTER: Han IH 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12463987 | biostudies-literature | 2025

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature