Peptide Therapeutics in Infectious Diseases
Peptide therapeutics are valuable in combating infectious diseases, particularly due to the rise of antibiotic resistance. Antimicrobial peptides disrupt microbial membranes, neutralize toxins, and modulate host immune responses. These mechanisms reduce the likelihood of resistance development and provide broad-spectrum activity against bacteria, viruses, and fungi.
Peptide-based vaccines are also being investigated for infectious diseases. By presenting specific antigenic sequences to the immune system, they induce targeted protective immunity without the risks associated with live or attenuated vaccines.
The adaptability of peptides allows rapid design against emerging pathogens, offering a flexible platform for pandemic preparedness and novel therapeutic interventions.