Design of peptide-based gene delivery systems to overcome biological barriers

The rational design of gene delivery systems using peptides and their derivatives has gained great interest in improving treatment efficacy in recent years. However, peptide-based systems face challenges such as instability and low bioavailability, which limit their clinical application. To maximize therapeutic effects while minimizing adverse effects, peptide drug delivery systems must efficiently target lesion sites, traverse cellular barriers, and release drugs effectively. This review will discuss the historical progress, current development status, and future prospects of peptide-based gene delivery systems. Moreover, this review will focus on the transportation process and biological barriers encountered by peptide carriers in gene delivery, discussing the common structures and design principles of peptide carriers, with an emphasis on the unique role of peptides in improving or controlling drug delivery performance in vivo, as well as the customization of peptide carriers for specific applications in gene therapy.