LTX-315 (Oncopore™): A short synthetic anticancer peptide and novel immunotherapeutic agent

Abstract

Several cationic antimicrobial peptides demonstrate promising anticancer effects. We have recently described the anticancer properties of LTX-315, a novel synthetic anticancer peptide, against syngeneic B16 melanomas. LTX-315 induced a complete regression of B16 melanomas and systemic protective immune responses following intralesional administration of the peptide.

Keywords: B16 melanoma; DAMPs; anticancer peptides; immunogenic cell death; inflammation; intralesional treatment.

Figures

Figure 1. LTX-315 is a synthetic cationic peptide with anticancer properties. Intralesional administration of LTX-315 induces cellular lysis (necrosis) through membrane destabilization, leading to a cascade of events that stimulate the immune system. Intracellular content consisting of DAMPs such as ATP and HMGB1, together with tumor antigens, are released into the tumor microenvironment. This induces an inflammatory response and the subsequent production of local inflammatory cytokines, which will initiate the maturation and recruitment of DCs into the tumor bed. Activated DCs are then primed for antigen engulfment and antigen presentation to T cells, creating tumor-specific cytotoxic CD8+ T lymphocytes capable of eradicating residual cancer cells. ATP, adenosine triphosphate; DAMPs, danger-associated molecular pattern molecules; DC, dendritic cell; CTLs, cytotoxic CD8+ T lymphocytes; HMGB1, high mobility group box protein 1; TME, tumor microenvironment;.