Peptide drugs: a new direction in cancer immunotherapy.

This article explores the potential of peptide drugs in cancer immunotherapy. Peptides offer advantages such as selectivity, infiltration into solid tumors, and easy synthesis, making them promising candidates for immune checkpoint inhibition. The article discusses the development of peptide inhibitors that target immune checkpoints like PD-1/PD-L1, TIGIT/PVR, and CD47/SIRPα. It also explores the use of dual-function peptides that can target multiple signaling pathways simultaneously. Additionally, the article mentions the conjugation of peptides with small molecule drugs to create peptide-drug conjugates and self-assembly nanoparticles for enhanced therapeutic effects. The article emphasizes the need for further research in oral peptide delivery and the combination of immune checkpoint blockade with peptide vaccines for a synergistic anti-tumor response. [Extracted from the article]