Proteins and peptides

Proteins and peptides are biological polymers composed of amino acid residues joined by peptide bonds, varying primarily in length and folding complexity (NIH, 2023). They are essential to all biological processes, acting as enzymes, structural components, and signaling molecules within every living organism (UniProt, 2024). However, the term Proteins and peptides is a broad chemical classification rather than a specific, actionable therapeutic target like a single receptor or enzyme. In the context of drug development, this category is too heterogeneous to define a specific mechanism of action or disease role, as it encompasses the majority of the proteome. Therefore, while they are the basis for most drug targets and many therapeutic agents, the term itself is considered an incorrect or overly broad designation for a target (PubChem, 2024).

Other names

PolypeptidesProteinsPeptidesAmino acid polymers

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