Abstract

Melittin-Based Cancer Therapy Delivery Strategies

Author(s): Olivia Smith

Melittin (MLT) is a bee venom-derived natural cytolytic peptide that has been studied in preclinical animal models for the treatment of inflammatory disorders such as arthritis, rheumatism, chronic pain, and others. MLT has been widely used as an anticancer drug in recent years. MLT causes cancer cells and drug-resistant cells to die by attaching to phospholipids and generating pores in plasma and organelle membranes. 8 MLT has also emerged as a promising immunotherapeutic drug that stimulates the release of tumor-associated antigens and endogenous danger markers, as well as the activation of cytotoxic T cells and natural killer (NK) cells. Furthermore, MLT enhances antitumor immune responses by promoting the release of antitumor cytokines such as IL-2, INF-, and TNF-.