Recent progress in LyP-1-based strategies for targeted imaging and therapy

The identification of markers expressed by pathological cells or their microenvironment would help to distinguish such cells from the normal tissues. The strategies derived from this theory can be a promising modality for imaging and treating diseases. LyP-1, a tumor homing peptide, can selectively bind to its receptor p32 protein overexpressed in various tumor-associated cells and atherosclerotic plaque macrophages. During recent decades, multiple types of LyP-1-based imaging probes and drug delivery systems have been designed and developed for diagnostic and therapeutic applications. This review first introduces LyP-1 and its receptor p32, as well as its homing, internalization and proapoptotic properties. Next, we highlight recent studies focusing on the applications of LyP-1-based strategies in the diagnosis and treatment of tumors, metastatic lesions, and atherosclerotic plaques. Finally, several limitations in the clinical translation of LyP-1-based bioconjugates are summarized.