Clostridium perfringens enterotoxin (CPE) and CPE-binding domain (c-CPE) for the detection and treatment of gynecologic cancers

Toxins (Basel). 2015 Apr 1;7(4):1116-25. doi: 10.3390/toxins7041116.

Abstract

Clostridium perfringens enterotoxin (CPE) is a three-domain polypeptide, which binds to Claudin-3 and Claudin-4 with high affinity. Because these receptors are highly differentially expressed in many human tumors, claudin-3 and claudin-4 may provide an efficient molecular tool to specifically identify and target biologically aggressive human cancer cells for CPE-specific binding and cytolysis. In this review we will discuss these surface proteins as targets for the detection and treatment of chemotherapy-resistant gynecologic malignancies overexpressing claudin-3 and -4 using CPE-based theranostic agents. We will also discuss the use of fluorescent c-CPE peptide in the operative setting for real time detection of micro-metastatic tumors during surgery and review the potential role of CPE in other medical applications.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Binding Sites
  • Claudin-3 / metabolism
  • Claudin-4 / metabolism
  • Enterotoxins / therapeutic use*
  • Female
  • Genital Neoplasms, Female / diagnosis*
  • Genital Neoplasms, Female / drug therapy*
  • Genital Neoplasms, Female / metabolism
  • Humans
  • Protein Structure, Tertiary

Substances

  • Claudin-3
  • Claudin-4
  • Enterotoxins
  • enterotoxin, Clostridium