Rabies Virus Glycoprotein is a 29-amino-acid cell penetrating peptide derived from a rabies virus glycoprotein that can cross the blood-brain barrier (BBB) and enter brain cells.
RVG peptide is successfully used to carry a variety of cargos into brain cells such as plasmids, siRNAs, proteins, and nanoparticles[1]. RVG29 can govern the interaction of viral particles with at least three known receptors, including neural cell adhesion molecule (NCAM), the p75 neurotrophin receptor (P75NTR), and nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (NAChRs). The RVG29 peptide enhances the brain-specific function of a range of systemically delivered agents, particularly nucleic acids[2].
[1]. Zou Z, et al. Cre Fused with RVG Peptide Mediates Targeted Genome Editing in Mouse Brain Cells In Vivo. Int J Mol Sci. 2016 Dec 14;17(12). pii: E2104. [2]. Cook RL, et al. A critical evaluation of drug delivery from ligand modified nanoparticles: Confounding small molecule distribution and efficacy in the central nervous system. J Control Release. 2015 Dec 28;220(Pt A):89-97.