Peptidomimetic therapeutics: scientific approaches and opportunities

Drug Discov Today. 2017 Feb;22(2):454-462. doi: 10.1016/j.drudis.2016.11.003. Epub 2016 Nov 14.

Abstract

Natural endogenously occurring peptides exhibit desirable medicinal properties, but are often limited in application by rapid proteolysis and inadequate membrane permeability. However, editing naturally occurring peptide sequences to develop peptidomimetic analogs created a promising class of therapeutics that can augment or inhibit molecular interactions. Here, we discuss a variety of chemical modifications, including l to d isomerization, cyclization, and unnatural amino acid substitution, as well as design strategies, such as attachment to cell-penetrating peptides, which are used to develop peptidomimetics. We also provide examples of approved peptidomimetics and discuss several compounds in clinical trials.

Publication types

  • Review
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural

MeSH terms

  • Amino Acid Substitution
  • Animals
  • Drug Design
  • Humans
  • Peptides / administration & dosage
  • Peptides / chemistry
  • Peptides / therapeutic use
  • Peptidomimetics*

Substances

  • Peptides
  • Peptidomimetics