Editorial: advances in therapeutic glycopeptides

Area of Science:

• Medicinal Chemistry
• Pharmaceutical Industry
• Biochemistry

Background:

• Glycopeptides, peptides with sugar β-amino acids, have evolved from novel concepts to active research areas.
• Vancomycin's discovery in 1956 marked a significant advancement in antibacterial research.
• Recent improvements in separation, characterization, synthesis, and biological research have propelled glycopeptide therapeutics.

Purpose of the Study:

• To compile and present state-of-the-art research and expert reviews on therapeutic glycopeptides.
• To highlight the expanding applications of glycopeptides beyond antibiotics.
• To foster communication and understanding in the emerging field of therapeutic glycopeptides.

Main Methods:

• Enzyme applications (PNGases) in glycopeptide and glycoprotein analysis.
• Advanced analytical techniques including HPLC, CE, and MS for glycoprotein characterization.
• Novel synthetic strategies for glycopeptides, including aqueous Suzuki-Miyaura reactions and fluorous technology.

Main Results:

• Glycopeptides are explored for diverse therapeutic roles: anticancer, antiviral, antitubercular, antifungal, antiproliferative, and apoptotic agents.
• Development of glycopeptide-based vaccines for HIV and cancer is under consideration.
• New methods for synthesizing glycopeptides and glycopeptide-based imaging/therapy agents have been developed.
• Research on asialoglycoprotein receptor (ASGPR) for targeted delivery and proteoglycans in Alzheimer's disease therapy is presented.

Conclusions:

• Therapeutic glycopeptides represent a rapidly advancing field with significant potential to reform treatment regimens for difficult diseases.
• This special issue provides a comprehensive overview of recent progress and future directions in therapeutic glycopeptide research.
• The diverse contributions underscore the growing importance and broad applicability of glycopeptides in medicine.