A Lactoferricin B/Buforin Chimeric Peptide Causes a Rapid, Selective, Prolonged Cytotoxic Effect and Induces Apoptosis in HPV18-Positive Cervical Cancer Cells.

ABSTRACT: This study focuses on the chimeric peptide KKWQWK-Ahx-RLLRRLLR and its interaction with cancer cells, specifically HPV18-positive cervical cancer HeLa and Ca Ski cells. The main objective of this study was to understand the mode of action of this chimera related to its cytotoxic activity, as well as the internalization processes and the type of cell death induced. For this purpose, several in vitro and in vivo assays were performed, showing that the uptake of the chimera is not energy-dependent and could involve a passive transport process. The results suggested that chimera internalization can be mediated by a specific interaction of the peptide with molecules on the cell membrane. The cytotoxic effect of the chimera in cervical cancer cells causes severe morphological changes, including

SUBMITTER: Ardila-Chantre N 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12593040 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Nov

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature