Trans-Activating Transcriptional Activator (TAT) Peptide-Mediated Brain Drug Delivery

A review of several studies that involve the use of Trans-activating transcriptional activator (TAT) peptide as a drug delivery molecule is presented. Briefly, we discuss the biology of the peptide with regards to its cellular entry, the use of TAT in targeting various cell organelles for drug delivery, and its cytotoxicity. Significant attention is given to works in which the peptide was specifically used as a carrier for drugs used in the treatment of various neurological disorders such as the CNS infections, Alzheimer's disease and Parkinson's disease. We conclude by discussing the potential applications of TAT peptide as a carrier molecule for drug delivery vehicles such as liposomes and nanoparticles.