Molecular engineering solutions for therapeutic peptide delivery

Proteins and their interactions in and out of cells must be well-orchestrated for the healthy functioning and regulation of the body. Even the slightest disharmony can cause diseases. Therapeutic peptides are short amino acid sequences (generally considered < 50 amino acids) that can naturally mimic the binding interfaces between proteins and thus, influence protein-protein interactions. Because of their fidelity of binding, peptides are a promising next generation of personalized medicines to reinstate biological harmony. Peptides as a group are highly selective, relatively safe, and biocompatible. However, they are also vulnerable to many in vivo pharmacologic barriers limiting their clinical translation. Current advances in molecular, chemical, and nanoparticle engineering are helping to overcome these previously insurmountable obstacles and improve the future of peptides as active and highly selective therapeutics. In this review, we focus on self-assembled vehicles as nanoparticles to carry and protect therapeutic peptides through this journey, and deliver them to the desired tissue.