Peptides and proteins

Peptides and proteins are fundamental biological macromolecules consisting of amino acids linked by peptide bonds, performing a vast array of functions including enzymatic catalysis, structural support, and cell signaling (MedlinePlus, 2021). While they constitute the majority of known drug targets, such as G protein-coupled receptors and kinases, the collective term Peptides and proteins is a broad chemical classification rather than a specific, actionable therapeutic target (Nature Education, 2014). In drug development, these molecules are often categorized as biologics when used as therapeutics, or as the proteome when referring to the entire set of proteins expressed by a genome (NCBI, 2023). Because this category encompasses thousands of distinct functional entities with diverse roles in health and disease, it lacks the specificity needed for pharmacological characterization. Therefore, this entry is considered incorrect for target annotation purposes, as it represents a high-level molecular class rather than a single receptor or enzyme (IUPHAR/BPS Guide to Pharmacology, 2024).

Other names

PolypeptidesProteinsPeptidesAmino acid polymers

Not applicable as this is a broad molecular class rather than a specific therapeutic target.