Peptide CIGB-552 has a synergistic effect on CFTR-F508del combined with
Elexacaftor/Tezacaftor/Ivacaftor
Abstract
Cystic fibrosis is an autosomal recessive disease in which mutations in
the CFTR gene lead to a reduced life expectancy in carriers, partly due
to the rapid loss of respiratory functions. CFTR-F508del is the most
frequent mutation, leading to a mislocalized and non-functional CFTR
protein. The tri-therapy Elexacaftor/Tezacaftor/Ivacaftor is now given
to patients carrying CFTR-F508del mutation, but some biological defaults
of this mutation are still not addressed. Among CFTR interactors, we
have previously identified COMMD1 as a potential therapeutic target,
which overexpression favors the plasma membrane expression of CFTR. In
2013, a cell-penetrating peptide named CIGB-552 was discovered as a
COMMD1 protein stabilizer. We evaluate the therapeutic potential of
CIGB-552 in cystic fibrosis context. FITC Tagged version of CIGB-552 was
used to evaluate its uptake on cell models cultured submerged or in
air-liquid interface. HS-eYFP assay was performed for measuring CFTR
quenching ratio. Short-circuit current was recorded to evaluate specific
chloride flux through CFTR channel. Western blot was used to evaluate
CFTR maturation and COMMD1 expression. We demonstrate that CIGB-552 is
non-toxic and preferentially enters CFTR-F508del expressing cells
without modifying COMMD1 expression or localization in our cystic
fibrosis cell models. CIGB-552 is not a potentiator nor a corrector but
acts synergistically with Elexacaftor/Tezacaftor/Ivacaftor in improving
chloride efflux and increasing transepithelial potential difference of
CFTR-F508del cells. The mechanism implied by CIGB-552 with the COMMD1
protein in this positive effect are still undeciphered. CIGB-552 synergy
with the tri-therapy to modulate CFTR-F508del function is still a
promising strategy to improve cystic fibrosis treatment.