Phage Display Identified Novel Leydig Cell Homing Peptides for Testicular Targeting

Conventional
drug delivery methods to treat testicular disorders
face various challenges, which could be circumvented by using targeted
drug delivery. Testicular cell targeting ligands, such as Leydig cell
homing peptides, would be an excellent choice to achieve the targeted
delivery of drugs to the testis. In this study, Leydig cell homing
peptides (LCHPs), LCHP1 and LCHP2, were identified via in vitro, followed by in vivo biopanning of a phage display peptide
library and next-generation sequencing. Both of the LCHPs were validated
in vitro for their specific Leydig cell and in vivo testis targeting
potential. Furthermore, molecular targets of the LCHP1 and LCHP2 were
identified using affinity purification mass spectrometry (APMS). The
LCHP1 and LCHP2 are able to specifically target Leydig cells of the
testis and undergo cell internalization as well as target the testis
at the in vivo level, hence providing an opportunity to be utilized
as a potential ligand for drug delivery to the testis.