KWQWKWQWK-Ahx-KKWQWK

KWQWKWQWK-Ahx-KKWQWK is a synthetic hybrid cationic peptide developed as a potential therapeutic for cervical cancer. It consists of a modified palindromic core sequence (KWQWKWQWK) derived from bovine lactoferricin (LfcinB) and a modified anticancer peptide fragment (KKWQWK), joined by a 6-aminohexanoic acid (Ahx) spacer. In this specific variant, all Arginine residues from the parent sequences (RWQWRWQWR and RRWQWR) have been substituted with Lysine to evaluate the impact on synthesis cost and biological activity. The peptide demonstrates rapid, concentration-dependent cytotoxicity against HeLa and Ca Ski cervical cancer cell lines, primarily through electrostatic interaction with negatively charged cell surface components followed by membrane disruption or internalization to induce apoptosis.