Polypeptides as building blocks for image-guided nanotherapies

Abstract Synthetic polypeptide-based nanomedicines represent highly versatile, advanced therapeutic platforms, with multiple examples currently under clinical evaluation and polypeptidic drugs (Vivagel® and Copaxone™) achieving market approval. Advances in controlled polymerization techniques, material bioresponsiveness, analytics, and manufacturing in parallel with a deeper biological understanding of pathological sites and biological barriers have fostered the development of these nature-mimicking entities. Engineered polypeptides could solve challenges currently facing advanced drug delivery, diagnosis, and disease monitoring; however, their contribution to image-guided nanotherapies requires significant development. Herein, we provide critical insight into the current state, challenges, and opportunities of polypeptide-based image-guided nanotherapies, going from companion diagnostics up to nanotheranostic strategies.