A novel peptide specifically binding to interleukin-6 receptor (gp80) inhibits angiogenesis and tumor growth

Experimental and clinical findings support the essential role of interleukin (IL)-6 in the pathogenesis of various human cancers and provide a rationale for targeted therapeutic investigations. A novel peptide, S7, which selectively binds to IL-6 receptor (IL-6R) α chain (gp80) and broadly inhibits IL-6-mediated events, was identified using phage display library screening. The synthetic S7 peptide specifically bound to soluble IL-6R as well as cognate human IL-6Rα, resulting in a dose-dependent blockade of the interaction between IL-6 and IL-6Rα. S7 peptide prevents IL-6-mediated survival signaling and sensitizes cervical cancer cells to chemotherapeutic compounds in vitro. The in vitro analysis of antiangiogenic activity showed that S7 peptide substantially inhibits IL-6-induced vascular endothelial growth factor-A expression and angiogenesis in different cancer cell lines. Furthermore, S7 peptide was bioavailable in vivo, leading to a significant suppression of IL-6-induced vascular endothelial growth factor-mediated cervical tumor growth in severe combined immunodeficient mice. These observations show the feasibility of targeting IL-6/IL-6R interaction using the small peptide and highlight its potential in the clinical applications.