Receptor-mediated uptake of peptides that bind the human transferrin receptor

Abstract

Peptides have been discovered which are capable of binding to and internalizing with the human transferrin receptor (hTfR). The sequences HAIYPRH (Seq. ID No. 1) and THRPPMWSPVWP (Seq. ID No. 2) are capable of binding to and internalizing with the human transferrin receptor. When these molecules were fused with other molecules, the fusion product was internalized in cells expressing hTfR. The sequences have use for targeting other peptides and proteins into cells expressing hTfR.

1 . A composition of matter comprising a purified peptide containing the sequence which is HAIYPRH (Seq. ID No. 1).  
     
     
         2 . A composition comprising at least one peptide containing within its sequence at least one sequence which is HAIYPRH (Seq. ID No. 1), wherein said peptide is fused to a protein or another peptide.  
     
     
         3 . A composition of  claim 2  wherein said sequence containing at least one sequence HAIYPRH (Seq. ID No. 1) is fused to a chemotherapeutic agent.  
     
     
         4 . A composition of  claim 2  wherein said sequence containing at least one sequence which is HAIYPRH (Seq. ID No. 1) is fused to an imaging agent.  
     
     
         5 . A composition of  claim 4  wherein said sequence containing at the sequence HAIYPRH (Seq. ID No. 1) is fused to a fluorescing agent.  
     
     
         6 . A composition of  claim 2  wherein said sequence containing the sequence HAIYPRH (Seq. ID No. 1) is fused to an antigen.  
     
     
         7 . A composition of matter comprising a construct containing a DNA sequence which encodes at least one of the peptide of the formula HAIYPRH (Seq. ID No. 1) which is also bound to a nucleotide sequence which encodes a peptide other than HAIYPRH (Seq. ID No. 1).