Peptides that target dorsal root ganglion neurons
The present invention concerns methods and compositions that employ peptides that target dorsal root ganglion (DRG) neurons. In particular, the peptides are used to target therapeutic agents, such as proteins, liposomes, or viral particles comprising therapeutic polynucleotides, to one or more peripheral neuropathies or neuropathic pain, for example. In particular cases, the peripheral neuropathies or neuropathic pain is caused directly or indirectly by DRG neuronopathy.
1. An isolated peptide of SEQ ID NO:2.
2. The peptide of claim 1 , comprised in a pharmaceutically acceptable excipient.
3. The peptide of claim 1 , linked to a protein or a liposome.
4. The peptide of claim 3 , wherein the protein is a therapeutic protein.
5. The peptide of claim 4 , wherein the therapeutic protein is NGF, EGF, FGF, BDNF, IGF1, CTNF, PDNF, VAD, DEVD, NGN1, NGN2, NGN3, RUNX3, or a signal peptide.
6. The peptide of claim 3 , wherein the protein is present on the surface of a helper-dependent adenoviral particle.
7. The peptide of claim 6 , wherein the particle is defined as further comprising a therapeutic polynucleotide.
8. The peptide of claim 7 , wherein the therapeutic polynucleotide is selected from the group consisting of NGF, EGF, FGF, BDNF, IGF1, CTNF, PDNF, VAD, DEVD, NGN1, NGN2, NGN3, RUNX3, IL-10, anti-TNFα, EPO, or prepro-β endorphin.
9. A polynucleotide encoding the peptide of SEQ ID NO:2.