Development of antibody-peptide conjugates as specific cathepsin inhibitors for cancer therapy

The protease cathepsin S plays an oncogenic role in hematological malignancies. Loss of cathepsin S activity induces activation of T-cells and anti-tumor immune responses. In solid tumors, inhibition of cathepsin S or cathepsin B activity limits the formation of metastasis. Thus, we have developed specific non-natural peptide inhibitors of these two proteases, as well as an efficient tumor delivery system. Preclinical validation was performed in biochemical assays, on tumor cells and in vivo.