Cell-Penetrating · 10 min read
Cell-Penetrating Peptides: Unlocking Intracellular Drug Delivery
Cell-penetrating peptides like TAT are revolutionizing drug delivery by transporting therapeutic cargo across cell membranes, with emerging applications in gene therapy.
The Intracellular Delivery Challenge
Cell membranes exclude many large, hydrophilic, or charged molecules. Cell-penetrating peptides are short sequences being studied to carry diverse cargo across this barrier.
Discovery of TAT and Early CPPs
Research into HIV-1 TAT and the Antennapedia homeodomain established the foundation of the cell-penetrating peptide field. The arginine-rich TAT sequence remains a widely studied prototype.
Mechanisms of Cellular Uptake
CPP uptake depends on concentration, cargo, cell type, and conditions. Endocytosis and direct translocation models are both studied, while endosomal escape remains a key bottleneck.
Applications in Gene Therapy and Beyond
CPPs are being investigated for delivery of nucleic acids, gene-editing complexes, imaging agents, and targeted cancer therapeutics.