PepT1-Targeted Nanodrug Based on Co-Assembly of Anti-Inflammatory Peptide and Immunosuppressant for Combined Treatment of Acute and Chronic DSS-Induced Colitis

Plain-language summary

Published in Frontiers in Pharmacology (2024), this study co-assembled the tripeptide KPV with the immunosuppressant FK506 into targeted nanoparticles designed to be taken up by the intestinal PepT1 transporter. In both acute and chronic dextran sodium sulfate (DSS)-induced colitis mouse models, the nanodrug formulation demonstrated improved anti-inflammatory outcomes, including restoration of tight junction proteins (ZO-1, Claudin-5, Occludin-1). The findings support KPV's continued investigation as a targeted delivery candidate for inflammatory bowel disease.