GRP78 targeting: Hitting two birds with a stone.

BACKGROUND: Glucose regulating protein 78 (GRP78) is one member of the Heat Shock Protein family of chaperone proteins (HSPA5) found in eukaryotes. It acts as the master of the Unfolded Protein Response (UPR) process in the lumen of the Endoplasmic Reticulum (ER). SCOPE: Under the stress of unfolded proteins, GRP78 binds to the unfolded proteins to prevent misfolding, while under the load of the unfolded protein, it drives the cell to autophagy or apoptosis. Several attempts reported the overexpression of GRP78 on the cell membrane of cancer cells and cells infected with viruses or fungi. MAJOR
CONCLUSIONS: Cell-surface GRP78 is used as a cancer cell target in previous studies. Additionally, GRP78 is used as a drug target to stop the progression of cancer cells by different compounds, including peptides, antibodies, and some natural compounds. Additionally, it can be used as a protein target to reduce the infectivity of different viruses, including the pandemic SARS-CoV-2. Besides, GRP78 targeting is used in diagnosis and imaging modalities using radionuclides. GENERAL SIGNIFICANCE: This review summarizes the various attempts that used GRP78 both in therapy (fighting cancer, viral and fungal infections) and diagnosis (imaging).

Introduction

In eukaryotes, different mechanisms regulate the cell proteostasis, which can be understood as a cell's response to a signal [[1], [2], [3], [4], [5]]. Proteins represent the cell machines and tools used to perform specific functions or biochemical reactions harmonically [6]. With time, the biomacromolecules are affected by the cellular environment and may undergo partial unfolding or misfolding and need to be revisited by the cellular refolding or degradation mechanisms [1,5,7,8].

Glucose regulating protein 78 (GRP78) or Heat Shock Protein A5 (HSPA5) is the master protein responsible for directing the misfolded proteins in the ER for refolding or degradation mechanisms to keep the unfolded protein concentration at a minimum [2,4,9]. Cell degrades proteins either by the ubiquitin-proteasome system (UPS) or autophagy-lysosome pathway where, in both cases, chaperones play a crucial role [10].

Chaperones in cancer cells play a significant role in adaptation in hypoxia cases and aid in improving resistance against anticancer drugs. Inhibitors of GRP78 as an anticancer agent are used as a cancer-fighting strategy [11]. The review discusses the three main approaches that are utilized to target GRP78; phytochemicals inhibitors, peptide inhibitors, and monoclonal antibodies (see the Graphical abstract). Inhibiting such target protein reduces the virulence of pathogens and reduces the therapeutic resistance in the case of cancer. We first come to the basic understanding of the role of GRP78 in healthy and diseased cells.

GRP78 in normal versus stressed cell

Under normal conditions, GRP78 is found bound to three essential enzymes that regulate cell growth, differentiation, apoptosis, and signaling [[12], [13], [14], [15], [16], [17]]. These enzymes are Activating transcription factor 6 (ATF6), protein kinase RNA-like endoplasmic reticulum kinase (PERK), and Inositol-requiring enzyme 1 (IRE1) which are inactivated through binding to GRP78 in the ER lumen. Under the pressure of unfolded proteins in the ER, GRP78 releases ATF6, PERK, and IRE1, and the enzymes are activated. Once activated, the enzymes, ATF6, PERK, and IRE1 upregulate transcription of chaperones, inhibit the translation, and enhance protein folding, Endoplasmic Reticulum Assisted Degradation (ERAD), and other function that have been reviewed by others [4,[18], [19], [20]] (see also Fig. 1 ). If the pressure of the unfolded proteins is not relieved, the UPR will direct part of the ER to autophagy (ER-phagy). If it is not enough, the whole cell will undergo apoptosis [[21], [22], [23]].

Fig. 1

Functional aspect of GRP78 in normal versus stress condition. In normal state (left), the GRP78 is located in the lumen of the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) bound to and inactivating ATF6 (blue triangle), PERK (red circle), and IRE1 (yellow square) enzymes. In the stress condition (right), the enzymes are free to do their jobs. ATF6 is translocated to Golgi apparatus to be cleaved then again translocated to the nucleus and helps in upregulating chaperones such as GRP78. PERK inhibits the translation and protein synthesis while IRE1 enhances the folding and ERAD. Under the pressure of the unfolded proteins, the GRP78 escapes the ER retention and translocate to the cytoplasm and the cell membrane. CS-GRP78 is subjected to the recognition of pathogenic proteins (Spike and envelope viral protein and coat proteins of fungi). (For interpretation of the references to colour in this figure legend, the reader is referred to the web version of this article.)

On the other hand, under the stress of unfolded proteins, GRP78 can escape the ER retention and translocates to the cytoplasm and on the cell membrane and become membrane-exposed, termed Cell-Surface CS-GRP78 (Fig. 1) [4,24]. This CS-GRP78 characterizes many aggressive types of cancers such as breast, ovarian, pancreatic, and colon cancers [4,16,17,[24], [25], [26], [27], [28], [29], [30], [31], [32]]. Additionally, CS-GRP78 was reported to facilitate pathogenic entry, both viral and fungal infections. Zika virus (ZIKV), Dengue Virus (DENV), Hepatitis C Virus (HCV), Human Papilloma Virus (HPV), Ebola Virus (EBOV), Middle-East Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus (MERS CoV), Japanese Encephalitis Virus (JEV), Coxsackievirus A9, and Borna Disease Virus (BDV) are among viral infections that reported GRP78 association with viral proteins and GRP78 upregulation in infected cells [[33], [34], [35], [36], [37], [38], [39], [40], [41], [42], [43]]. Additionally, recent studies hypothesized the association of CS-GRP78 with the spike protein of SARS-CoV-2 to help in virus attachment and host cell entry [44]. The primary binding viral protein to GRP78 is spike proteins in coronaviruses and envelope proteins for the other viruses [[44], [45], [46], [47]]. Besides, the spore coat protein homolog (CotH3) of Rhizopus oryzae, the causative fungus for Mucormycosis, is reported to bind to CS-GRP78 on endothelial cells and the binding is responsible for adherence and invasion of the fungus [48].

Since the association of the viral or pathogen infection and elevated levels of CS-GRP78 expression, researchers are focused on targeting GRP78 to prevent or even weaken the pathogenic infection. Reducing the concentration of GRP78 over the cell membrane would reduce the number of internalized pathogenic particles and hence reduce the infection. Additionally, when we target CS-GRP78, the pathogen virulence would be diminished. At the same time, cancer-associated resistance would also be dimensioned, which becomes of the highest priorities in dual diseases (such as viral or fungal infections in cancer patients).

GRP78 associated radio- and chemo-resistance

Chemoresistance is the resistance of a tumor to chemotherapy. It was an old observation, while the mechanism of GRP78-induced chemo-resistance in cancer cells was not fully understood [49]. Two mechanisms may be responsible for the chemo-resistance; the UPR pro-survival branch and the receptor-mediated activation of the Akt/PI3K (Phosphoinositide 3-kinase) pathway [50]. Alternatively, the proapoptotic action of the UPR could be compensated by the activation of the Akt/PI3K pathway, resulting in cell survival. The extracellular loop of Cleft Lip and Palate Transmembrane 1-Like (CLPTM1L) is essential for gemcitabine resistance and interaction with GRP78 [51]. Additionally, natural products such as isoliquiritigenin, a chalcone-type flavonoid, were able to reduce the chemoresistance and colony-forming ability of oral squamous cell carcinomas [52]. It is reported that the prior treatment of acidic stress protects the human dermal microvascular endothelial cells from apoptosis by reduced the cleavage of caspase 7, which was supposed to be due to the presence of GRP78 on the membrane of ER that suppress caspase 7 activation [53].

Non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC) and glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) have a low survival rate. The overexpressed GRP78 on the cell surface is the primary reason for the radio-resistance in NSCLC and GBM [54]. Targeting cell-surface GRP78 enhances the apoptosis and reduces cell proliferation, colony formation, and downregulates the crucial intracellular phosphatidylinositol-3-kinase/protein kinase B/mammalian target of rapamycin (PI3K/Akt/mTOR) signaling essential in the cell cycle, growth and survival [25,30,31]. Besides, tumor growth is delayed with enhanced efficacy of the radiation treatment upon anti-GRP78 antibody administration in mice [54].

In breast cancer, GRP78 is overexpressed while the amount of cell-surface GRP78 is increased upon the treatment with the anti-angiogenic factor Combretastatin A4P [55]. Additionally, cancer cells treated with doxorubicin showed less resistance when treated with GRP78 neutralizing antibodies [50,[55], [56], [57]]. Generally, elevated levels of GRP78 are indicative of cancer aggressivity. Targeting cancer cell-surface GRP78 is a successful strategy to reduce the radio-resistance and chemo-resistance of tumors [15,28,29,58,59].

In this review, the focus is not only on some of the previous trials to use anti-GRP78 to treat cancer but also in the diagnosis (see the peptide inhibitors section below).

GRP78 targeting strategies

Different strategies are used to reduce the burden of overexpressed CS-GRP78 [60]. Different compounds show binding affinity to CS-GRP78. Once bound to a substrate, the CS-GRP78 will be internalized to the cell; hence the concentration of the membrane-bound GRP78 will be reduced. Once the level of GRP78 over the cell surface is dropped, the pathogens will not be able to enter the host cell through GRP78; hence the virulence will be reduced. The inhibitory molecules that can target CS-GRP78 include phytochemicals, peptides, and antibodies and will be discussed in detail in the next sections. The inhibitors compete with the pathogen recognizing proteins (such as spike, Envelope, or Coat proteins) for the CS-GRP78 substrate-binding domain β. This domain of the GRP78 is reported to be responsible for the binding of GRP78 to unfolded proteins inside the lumen of the ER through its hydrophobic batches [61,62].

Phytochemicals

Phytochemicals are compounds found in plants and have a variety of effects on protein function [63]. They are derived from fruits, vegetables, beans, grains, and some other plants [63]. Phytochemicals have a protective role because their antioxidant characteristics which play a vital role in the protection of cells against oxidative damage and decreasing the probability of cancer propagation via the reactive oxygen species (ROS), which can induce stress in ER. Apoptosis initiated by the ER If there is uncontrolled damage in cells [64]. We summarize some phytochemicals crucial in cell stress relief through inhibiting the master of UPR, GRP78.

Galangin and 6-Shogaol

Galangin is a flavonol produced from rhizomes of Alpinia officinarum, which belongs to the ginger family and grows in Southeast Asia. Galangin works as a suppressor for cell proliferation in hepatocellular carcinoma [65]. It raises ER stress through the upregulation of the UPR target genes C/EBP Homologous Protein (CHOP), GRP78, Glucose regulating protein 94 (GRP94), and cytosolic Ca2+ [3]. ER is the primary site for intercellular calcium ions, hence rising cytosolic Ca2+ disrupts the function of ER chaperones, which induce ER stress leading to the activation of UPR and subsequent upregulation of GRP78 [66]. Galangin upregulates ER stress, which inhibits tumor progression through inducing apoptosis [65].

6-Shogaol is produced by dehydration of 6-gingerol and generated from rhizomes of ginger. When treating hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) cell-line with 6-Shogaol, cancer cells develop apoptotic phenotypes signs such as nuclear shrinkage and condensation in chromatin [11]. Activation of CHOP expression and PERK de-phosphorylation initiates reactions of caspase cascade, which induce apoptosis in HCC. Significant stimulation was observed in ER stress-related proteins, which induce apoptosis by 6-Shogaol through rising in the UPR expression (GRP94, GRP78, and HSP70) [67]. Studies proved that exposing cancer cells to 6-Shogaol and the activator of the PERK/eIF2α pathway, salubrinal, together for a specific time induce ER stress, which leads to cell apoptosis [11]. Salubrinal alone enhances the phosphorylation of eIF2α in the human hepatocarcinoma cell line SMMC-7721 with negligible toxicity [67]. This reveals the significant therapeutic effect of anti-GRP78 against malignancies.

Fungi

Sulphureuine B is produced from Laetiporus sulphureus and tested by glioma cells to detect anti-proliferative properties. Studies revealed that Sulphureuine B provides ER stress by raising the level of expression of CHOP, caspase-12, and GRP78, which prevents separation of GRP78 from PERK, ATF6, and IRE1 which initiates UPR [68,69]. Additionally, Mushrooms contain p-Coumaric acid and Caffeic acid that proved its binding affinity against GRP78 SBDβ in silico, hence suggested to be a possible inhibitor for overexpressed GRP78 in cancer cells or cell infected with viruses including SARS-CoV-2 [46].

Grape seeds and skin

Proanthocyanidins and resveratrol extracted from Grapeseeds. Exposing colorectal cancer cell (CRC) to Grape seed extract which has a high amount of proanthocyanidins and resveratrol leads to a modification in GRP78 and protein disulfide isomerase (PDI) which have a significant role in cell apoptosis which leads CRC to undergo apoptotic pathway leading to inhibition of the targeted cell to proliferation [11]. On the other hand, Caffeic acid and p-Coumaric acid polyphenols, found in the grape skin, have a protective role against photooxidative damage [70]. Additionally, it has a pre-exposure protective role for the human retinal pigment epithelial cells (ARPE-19) against blue light-associated apoptosis in a dose-dependent manner by promoting GRP78 expression. In contrast, GRP78 knockdown inhibited this protective role [70]. As mentioned before, Caffeic acid and p-Coumaric, are suitable binders to GRP78 SBDβ in silico [46].

Phytoestrogens

Estrogen receptor-positive breast cancer cells are responsive to hormonal therapy by blocking the estrogen synthesis leading to estrogen-starvation [71]. It was reported that GRP78 plays a vital role in resist estrogen-starvation induced apoptosis in breast cancer cells. Hence, it was suggested to dual-target the GRP78 during treating estrogen-positive breast cancer, if the expression level of the GRP78 is high, to improve the efficacy and reduce the resistance [71]. It was reported that GRP78 interacts with estrogen due to the critical role of GRP78 in folding the hormone-binding domain of estrogen receptors [71,72]. Additionally, GRP78 targeting was suggested as a therapeutic strategy to sensitize cancer cells to chemotherapy in endometrial cancer (estrogen induced GRP78 expression) [73]. Phytoestrogens are found in Cicer arietinum and include daidzein, genistein, formononetin, and biochanin A [74]. Both Estrogens (estriol and β-estradiol) and the four phytoestrogens are found to be recognized by GRP78 SBDβ and hence are suggested as possible GRP78 inhibitors in silico [46]. It was concluded that estrogens and phytoestrogens are the best binders to the GRP78, while the binding affinities range from −7.0 down to −8.5 kcal/mol. This indicates an excellent binding affinity to GRP78 SBDβ, even better than a selective cyclic peptide, Pep42 [46]. Despite its phytoestrogen activity, genistein activates the apoptosis process through UPR by upregulation of GRP78 and C/EBP homologous protein (CHOP), also termed growth arrest and DNA damage 153 (GADD153), and nuclear translation of GADD153 in HCC cells [75].

Epigallocatechin-3-gallate

Epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG) is a polyphenol found in green tea and has an anti-proliferative effect on breast cancer and melanoma [76]. Besides, it has an inhibition effect against GRP78 function through direct interaction with the ATP binding site of GRP78 competing against ATP binding [77]. EGCG increases the therapeutic efficacy of temozolomide when exposed to glioblastoma cells in vivo by inhibition of GRP78 [78].

Olive leaf extract and honeybee hive propolis

The olive leaf extracts active ingredient, hydroxytyrosol, show good binding affinity to the GRP78 SBDβ in silico [46]. Hydroxytyrosol proved its role as a prophylactic agent against myocardial infarction-mediated apoptosis [79]. Caffeic acid phenethyl ester (CAPE) is found in the hive propolis of the honeybee. CAPE shows in silico binding affinity against GRP78 SBDβ that is comparable to that of the cyclic Pep42, a selective GRP78 peptide [46]. Besides, CAPE induces ER stress in human SH-SY5Y neuroblastoma in an autophagy-dependent manner [80,81].

Peptides

Different peptides are used to target the cell-surface GRP78 specifically [60,82,83]. Peptides as anticancer drugs have two main types (i) short naked peptides to induce apoptosis (ii) conjugated peptides to deliver an anticancer drug into cells. For the first use, GRP78 serves as a receptor for the peptide and facilitates the internalization of the peptide, which can then modulate various pathways.

Peptides to induce apoptosis

GMBP1 peptide

Multidrug Resistance (MDR) is drug resistance that happens when cancer cells treated with one anticancer drug develop resistance to different drugs that are different from the used drug in structure and function [84,85]. An example of binding peptides that use GRP78 as a receptor is GMBP1, which is used in reversing gastric cancer MDR. GRP78 facilitates GMBP1 internalization into cells through the transferrin-related pathway [86].

Gonadotropin-releasing hormone analogs (GnRHa)

Gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRHa) is a hypothalamus secreted hormone that affects sex hormones, testosterone, and estrogen. Modified GnRHa is more efficient than the natural form; hence it is used as a drug depending on the analog [87]. GnRHa used as a drug against Endometriosis (a case in which cells like that lining the inside of the uterus grow outside it in other parts of the body) [88]. GnRHa inhibits proliferation and induces apoptosis of defected cells by inhibiting GRP78, thus leading to apoptosis [89].

Conjugated peptides

Cell targeting is the solution for the non-specific toxicity of anticancer drugs that affect cancer and healthy cells altogether and thus resulting in severe side effects [90]. Peptides can target cancer cells and deliver anticancer drugs into the cell. In cancer cells, the peptide can bind to the surface, a membrane-bound form of the overexpressed chaperone, GRP78 [27]. To choose the peptide for a particular cancer cell, in vitro trials are required, such as phage display. Phage display is a technique for studying molecular interactions such as protein-DNA, protein-protein, and protein-peptide utilizing the bacteriophages to encode peptides to genetic information [91]. A pool of cyclic peptides tested against the cancer cells, and then a peptide is chosen to be used for drug delivery [27].

Pep42

Pep42 is a cyclic peptide (CTVALPGGYVRVC) identified by the phage display technique against human melanoma cell line Me6652/4 [27]. CS-GRP78 is the receptor for Pep42 and facilitates it's internalization to the cell [92]. Pep42-taxol and Pep42-doxorubicin conjugates bind to GRP78 in highly metastatic human melanoma cells leading to its death in vitro, leading to cancer cell death [4]. Pep42 selectively bind to GRP78 and enter the cell and thus make it a powerful tool to deliver anticancer drugs to various cancer cells [27,90,93]. Pep42 was used as a profiler for in silico predicting the CS-GRP78 and viral proteins of the Zika virus, Human papillomavirus, SARS-CoV-2, and Ebola virus [44,45,47,94].

WIFPWIQL peptide

WIFPWIQL peptide binds to GRP78 expressed in breast cancer cells surface in the breast and metastatic cells. Subtilase cytotoxin is a toxin from the AB5 toxins family. Subtilase cytotoxin composed of two subunits; SubA, which is responsible for the toxicity, and SubB, which is responsible for Subtilase cytotoxin internalization to the cell [95]. SubA toxic effect is that it induces cell apoptosis by cleaving GRP78 between the amino acid residues Leu416 and Leu417 [96]. As indicated, WIFPWIQL peptide binds to GRP78 over cancer cells (CS-GRP78). WIFPWIQL-SubA fusion resulting in an efficient anticancer agent. WIFPWIQL-SubA works simultaneously, WIFPWIQL is responsible for GRP78 recognition and internalization to the cancer cells, while SubA is responsible for the toxic effect on the cell by cleaving GRP78 inside the cell and thus leading to apoptosis [97]. WIFPWIQL liposomes loaded with doxorubicin are used to target CS-GRP78 overexpressed over vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF)-activated human umbilical vein endothelial cells [98]. WIFPWIQL bound N-(2-hydroxypropyl)methacrylamide (HPMA) copolymer aminohexyl-geldanamycin conjugates were able to target CS-GRP78 and hence inhibit human prostate cancer cells [99]. Additionally, the genetic engineered mung bean trypsin inhibitor (GBP-TI) that includes the WIFPWIQL peptide was able to induce apoptosis in colorectal cancer cells [100].

Bone Metastasis Targeting Peptide 78 (BMTP78)

BMTP78 composed of a peptide (WIFPWIQL) conjugated with proapoptotic moiety D(KLAKLAK)2 [101]. GRP78 facilitates the internalization of BMTP78 into the cytoplasm. In vitro trials showed that BMTP78 induces apoptosis in human and mouse mammary cell lines. D(KLAKLAK)2 after internalization disrupts mitochondrial membrane permeability and thus kills the cell [102]. BMTP78 induced dose-dependent cytotoxicity in human leukemia and lymphoma cell lines and acute myeloid leukemia patients [103,104]. Additionally, the GRP78 receptor/BMTP78 system was used to image breast tumors accurately. The adeno-associated virus-M13-derived phage (AAVP) can be used clinically to detect (imaging) and eradicate (targeted therapy) of Inflammatory breast cancer utilizing CS-GRP78 as a target [101].

GIRLRG peptide

GIRLRG is a peptide identified using phage display and binds GRP78. GIRLRG conjugated to paclitaxel-encapsulated nanoparticles, specifically targeted breast cancer and glioblastoma [105]. It was predicted (in silico) that GIRLRG binds to the ATPase domain of GRP78. GIRLRG conjugated with Poly Ethylene Glycol (PEG) can efficiently target different tumor cell lines including, heterotopic cervical (HT3), esophageal (OE33), pancreatic (BXPC3), lung (A549), and glioma (D54) [106]. Additionally, the radio-labeled 111In-PEG-GIRLRG show specificity toward cervical, esophageal, pancreatic, lung, and brain tumors using SPECT imaging [107].

VAP peptide

SNTRVAP (VAP) is a peptide identified using the phage display technique, and it binds to GRP78 specifically [108]. SNTRVAP coupling with a siRNA for GRP78, effectively downregulated its expression [109]. VAP modified micelles (RI-VAP (retro Inverso isomer of L-VAP) and D-VAP (retro isomer of L-VAP)) could effectively achieve glioma-targeted drug delivery, through GRP78. At the same time, it improved the therapeutic efficacy of paclitaxel for glioma [110].

Binding peptides in diagnostics

As we mentioned before, peptides could be used for drug delivery; it can be used as a carrier for radiolabels for imaging purposes, such as in the Positron Emission Tomography (PET), utilizing the same concept of targeting GRP78 over cancer cells.

Radiolabeled Polyethylene glycol (PEG)-GIRLRG is used in targeting many cancers as heterotopic cervical, esophageal, pancreatic, lung, and glioma tumors [106]. Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) resembles 15% of breast cancer cases, while the available diagnostic technology for its detection is by the invasive needle biopsy. For example, 68Ga, a radiolabel for PET imaging, can be conjugated with dodecane tetraacetic acid (DOTA)-VAP. GRP78-targeted PET imaging with [68Ga]-DOTA-VAP is a useful and accurate technique for imaging TNBC and differentiates it from other cancer types [111].

Monoclonal antibodies

Antibody (Ab), also called immunoglobulin (Ig), is a huge, Y-shaped protein produced mainly by plasma cells that are used by the immune system to neutralize pathogens such as viruses and bacteria. The pathogenic molecule that is recognized by the antibody is called an antigen [112]. The antibody binds with the antigen with a key-lock mechanism. Once the interaction established, the cell bearing the antigen triggers a response such as metabolic inhibition [113].

Monoclonal antibody 159 (MAb159)

MAb159 is a highly specific monoclonal antibody against the human GRP78 (Kd = 1.7 nM) [114]. When administered, MAb159 found localized on the membranes of cancer cells but not normal cell-lines. Upon glucose starvation stress, MAb159 is found more abundant on the cell membrane [115]. As the CS-GRP78 is PI3K/AKT signaling upstream regulator through its interaction with Crypto and alpha2-macroglobulin over the cell membrane, it is required for these factors to activate the PI3K/AKT signaling [116]. Once bound to CS-GRP78, MAb159 endocytosed and modulate the PI3K pathway leading to inhibition for cell proliferation, tumor growth, and metastasis. At the same time, it enhances tumor cell death both in vitro and in vivo [116]. The efficacy of MAb159 was examined in various tumor xenograft models, including HT29 (colon cancer), H249 (small cell lung carcinoma), and A549 (lung adenocarcinoma). These cells have relatively higher (4.6%–9.4%) surface GRP78 expression compared to healthy cells [117]. MAb159 treatment led to 50%, 58%, and 78% tumor growth inhibition in these models, respectively [116].

Monoclonal IgM antibody SAM-6

The fully human monoclonal IgM antibody, SAM-6, was isolated from a gastric cancer patient, and it binds to an O-glycosylated form of GRP78. SAM-6 is internalized via endocytosis and is finally responsible for a lethal accumulation of oxidized lipoproteins followed by apoptosis in cancer cells [118]. SAM-6 not only bind to GRP78 on the cancer cell membrane but also it reduces the drug resistance and kills the cancer cell [50].

Human IgM Antibody PAT-SM6

PAT-SM6 specifically binds to primary multiple myelomas cells. Staining the cells by immunohistochemistry reveals binding to GRP78 of the PAT-SM6. This binding induces apoptosis and complement-dependent cytotoxicity [119].

α 2-macroglobulin (α2M)

α2M is associated with the N-terminal region of cell-surface GRP78. The binding activates Akt to suppress apoptotic pathways and promotes cell proliferation [120,121].

Mouse MAb C38 and C107

The mouse monoclonal antibody C38 recognizes the C-terminal domain of the murine GRP78 exposed on the cell membrane. The binding induces inhibition of the Akt/PI3K proliferative pathway in melanoma cells [122]. A comparable experiment done on melanoma mouse model shows that the antibody C107 also binds to GRP78. In both experiments, the binging with the antibody decreases the tumor growth [122]. Anti GRP78-C-terminal domain (CTD) antibodies are tested against human prostate cancer cells. It significantly reduces tumor growth, inhibits cell proliferation, while promotes apoptosis. Besides, in the prostate cancer patients, the anti-CTD GRP78 antibody binds the cell-expressed, GRP78 in human prostate cancer cells [120,121].

Conclusion

GRP78, a master chaperone protein of the unfolded protein response, plays an essential role in cancer chemo-resistance and virulence of the pathogenic infections. Targeting GRP78 was utilized to defeat aggressive types of cancer like triple-negative breast cancer. Additionally, inhibiting GRP78 overexpressed in viral infections is suggested as a promising strategy to reduce the virulence of many viruses and fungal infections. The present review article summarizes the up to date targeting strategies used to inhibit cell-surface GRP78 illuminating the potential use of these strategies to defeat both cancer chemo-resistance and viral and fungal infections.

Declaration of competing interest

All the authors declare no conflict of interest for this work.