Tumor targeting by a carbohydrate ligand-mimicking peptide.

Annexin A1 (Anxa1) is a highly specific surface marker of tumor vasculature. We used peptide-displaying phage technology to identify a carbohydrate ligand-mimicking 7-mer peptide, IFLLWQR (IF7), which can target Anxa1 in tumor vasculature. Here, we describe the binding activity of carbohydrate to Anxa1, Anxa1 to heparan sulfates, and the therapeutic potential of IF7 conjugated with anticancer drugs in tumor targeting.