Peptide-based drugs in immunotherapy: current advances and future prospects
Dipanjan Karati1, Shreyasi Meur2, Soumi Das3
1Department of Pharmaceutical Technology, School of Pharmacy, Techno India University-TIU, Kolkata, West Bengal, 700091, India.
Medical Oncology (Northwood, London, England)
|April 23, 2025
Summary
Peptide-based medications offer a promising new approach for immunotherapy, effectively treating cancer and autoimmune diseases by precisely modulating immune responses. Advances in peptide engineering and delivery systems are overcoming challenges to clinical translation, paving the way for revolutionary treatments.
Area of Science:
- Immunology and Pharmacology
- Biotechnology and Drug Development
Background:
- Peptide-based medications are emerging as a significant new class of therapeutics for immunotherapy.
- They hold potential for treating autoimmune diseases, cancer, and other immune-related conditions due to their precise immune response modulation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the current status of peptide-based medications in immunotherapy, focusing on recent scientific developments, mechanisms of action, and therapeutic applications.
- To identify challenges in clinical translation and suggest future research directions.
Main Methods:
- Review of recent scientific literature on peptide-based immunotherapy.
- Analysis of peptide engineering advancements, including pharmacokinetic optimization and novel delivery systems.
- Examination of mechanisms of action and therapeutic uses in various immune-related conditions.
Main Results:
- Peptides can be engineered as vaccines, immunological modulators, and adjuvants to enhance anti-cancer immunity or restore tolerance in autoimmune disorders.
- Developments in peptide engineering and delivery systems (liposomes, nanoparticles) are improving bioavailability, stability, and targeted delivery.
- Peptide-based treatments show promise in enhancing tumor-specific immune responses and the efficacy of existing immunotherapies like checkpoint inhibitors.
Conclusions:
- Peptide-based medications have the potential to revolutionize immunotherapeutic approaches.
- Overcoming challenges related to immunogenicity, bioavailability, and stability through advanced engineering and delivery is crucial for clinical success.
- Further research is needed to fully realize the therapeutic potential of peptide-based treatments in diverse immune-related diseases.
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