> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://docs.adaptyvbio.com/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# Peptides

> Short amino acid chains used as binders, modulators, and scaffolds

Peptides are short polymers of amino acids that can bind targets, modulate signaling, or serve as modular building blocks in therapeutics and diagnostics.

<CardGroup cols={2}>
  <Card title="Size" icon="ruler">
    \~2–50 amino acids (∼0.2–5 kDa)
  </Card>

  <Card title="Structure" icon="dna">
    Linear or cyclic; natural or synthetic
  </Card>

  <Card title="Stability" icon="shield">
    Tunable via cyclization and non-natural residues
  </Card>

  <Card title="Production" icon="flask">
    Solid-phase synthesis or recombinant
  </Card>
</CardGroup>

## Key Features

<Tip>
  Cyclization and incorporation of D-amino acids or peptidomimetics can dramatically improve stability and potency.
</Tip>

* **High specificity** with small footprint
* **Rapid synthesis** and optimization cycles
* **Amenable to conjugation** (labels, payloads, PEG)

<Warning>
  Unmodified linear peptides often have short serum half-life due to proteolysis and renal clearance.
</Warning>

## Applications

<AccordionGroup>
  <Accordion title="Therapeutic Modulators">
    Receptor agonists/antagonists, enzyme inhibitors, and signaling modulators.
  </Accordion>

  <Accordion title="Targeting Moieties">
    Direct payloads to tissues or cells; imaging probes and ADC-like constructs.
  </Accordion>

  <Accordion title="Diagnostics">
    Short, robust binders for assays and biosensors.
  </Accordion>
</AccordionGroup>

<Note>
  Peptide libraries enable high-throughput discovery (e.g., phage display, mRNA display) of potent binders with tailored properties.
</Note>