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Peptide Aggregation

Meaning

Peptide aggregation is a physicochemical process where individual peptide molecules spontaneously self-associate to form larger, ordered or disordered, insoluble structures, often referred to as amyloid fibrils or amorphous aggregates. This phenomenon is a critical concern in the pharmaceutical industry, as it can reduce the bioavailability, efficacy, and safety of therapeutic peptide formulations, potentially leading to immunogenicity. In human physiology, the aggregation of certain endogenous peptides, such as amyloid-beta or islet amyloid polypeptide, is a hallmark of neurodegenerative diseases and metabolic disorders like Type 2 diabetes. Clinically, ensuring the stability of administered peptides is paramount for treatment success.