Melittin, a major peptide component of bee venom, and its conjugates in cancer therapy

Cancer Lett. 2017 Aug 28:402:16-31. doi: 10.1016/j.canlet.2017.05.010. Epub 2017 May 20.

Abstract

Melittin (MEL), a major peptide component of bee venom, is an attractive candidate for cancer therapy. This agent has shown a variety of anti-cancer effects in preclinical cell culture and animal model systems. Despite a convincing efficacy data against variety of cancers, its applicability to humans has met with challenges due to several issues including its non-specific cytotoxicity, degradation and hemolytic activity. Several optimization approaches including utilization of nanoparticle based delivery of MEL have been utilized to circumvent the issues. Here, we summarize the current understanding of the anticancer effects of bee venom and MEL on different kinds of cancers. Further, we also present the available information for the possible mechanism of action of bee venom and/or MEL.

Keywords: Anti-cancer effects; Bee venom; Cancer management; Melittin; Melittin conjugates.

Publication types

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

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Antineoplastic Agents / adverse effects
  • Antineoplastic Agents / chemistry
  • Antineoplastic Agents / therapeutic use*
  • Drug Carriers
  • Drug Compounding
  • Drug Stability
  • Humans
  • Melitten / adverse effects
  • Melitten / analogs & derivatives
  • Melitten / chemistry
  • Melitten / therapeutic use*
  • Nanoparticles
  • Nanotechnology / methods
  • Neoplasms / drug therapy*
  • Neoplasms / metabolism
  • Neoplasms / pathology
  • Signal Transduction / drug effects

Substances

  • Antineoplastic Agents
  • Drug Carriers
  • Melitten