Peptides as drugs

Bioactive peptides play a crucial role in the physiology and biochemistry of life. Naturally occurring and designed peptides have been described as promising therapeutic tools with applications in medical therapies and diagnostics. They find use in multiple clinical situations, including oncologic, cardiovascular, metabolic, immunological and infectious diseases. As chemically diverse molecules, the use of peptides in clinics offers a number of advantages as therapeutic agents when compared to small molecule drugs. Their specific binding to a diversity of biological targets results in high potency with relatively few side effects. However there are some obstacles associated with the use of peptides in therapeutics such as low systemic stability and negligible activity when administered orally. Despite these challenges, peptide research has continuously expanded over the past few decades with increasing numbers of molecules entering clinical trials as candidates and several approvals for a wide spectrum of indications.

With this Research Topic, we wish to highlight past and recent advances in research and development of peptides as therapeutics. Questions to be addressed include –but are not limited to- natural sources, synthesis, biological functions, molecular targets, medical applications, and pharmacokinetic improvements. Submissions addressing the development of peptides with innovative compositions and mechanisms of action are also greatly encouraged. Manuscripts describing original research, commentaries, methods, hypothesis and theory as well as reviews and mini-reviews are welcome.