New peptide strategy aims to make cancer targeting more precise
University of Tennessee researchers are developing 'intelligent' peptides that target cancer cells by sensing the acidic environment surrounding tumors. This strategy aims to increase the precision of cancer therapies while minimizing damage to healthy tissue.
Why it matters
Improving the selectivity of cancer treatments could significantly reduce side effects and increase the efficacy of therapies for aggressive, metastatic cancers.
by Amy Beth Miller, University of Tennessee at Knoxville
edited by Lisa Lock , reviewed by Andrew Zinin
This article has been reviewed according to Science X's editorial process and policies . Editors have highlighted the following attributes while ensuring the content's credibility:
Add as preferred source Credit: Chemical Reviews (2026). DOI: 10.1021/acs.chemrev.6c00122 Researchers at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville, are working on a promising strategy to make cancer therapies smarter and more precise, using peptides that switch on in the acidic environment surrounding tumors. Francisco N. Barrera's lab in the Department of Biochemistry and Cellular and Molecular Biology has created a class of peptides that can sense acidity and insert into cell membranes only under those conditions.
"Healthy tissues are typically less acidic, so these peptides may offer a way to deliver therapies more selectively to cancer cells while reducing unwanted effects on normal tissues," Barrera explained.
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