Tehran University of Medical Sciences Nanomedicine Research Journal 2476-3489 11 1 2026 03 01 Nanocarriers for Peptide-Based Therapeutics Against Sexually Transmitted Vaginal Infections 19 26 737691 10.22034/nmrj.2026.01.003 EN Zahra Sheikh Soleimany Darany Department of Basic Science, Faculty of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Science, Tehran Medical Science, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran Maryam Mohammadi Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran Neda Arjmand Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology Tehran Medical University, Tehran, Iran Satinik Darzi Abnormal Uterine Bleeding Research Center_ Semnan University of Medical Sciences, Semnan, Iran Fateme Haghi Koumle Obstetrics and Gynecologist, School of Medicine , Babol University of Medical Sciences, Babol, Iran Shiva Khodarahmi School of Nursing and Midwifery, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran School of Nursing and Midwifery, Hamadan University of Medical Sciences, Hamadan, Iran Journal Article 2026 01 27 Nanocarrier-based peptide therapeutics offer a promising strategy to combat sexually transmitted vaginal infections, including bacterial vaginosis, vulvovaginal candidiasis, trichomoniasis, and other STIs that are often recurrent and inadequately managed by conventional therapies. Antimicrobial and immunomodulatory peptides provide broad-spectrum activity against bacterial, fungal, and viral pathogens but are limited by poor stability, enzymatic degradation, low bioavailability, and potential toxicity in the vaginal environment. Encapsulation in nanocarriers such as liposomes, polymeric nanoparticles, nanogels, micelles, and dendrimers can protect peptides, enhance mucoadhesion or mucus penetration, prolong residence time, and enable controlled or stimuli-responsive release at the site of infection.<br>This review summarizes the pathophysiology of sexually transmitted vaginal infections and the roles of key pathogens, biofilms, mucus barriers, and antimicrobial resistance in limiting current treatments. It discusses the mechanisms, advantages, and limitations of antimicrobial peptides, with emphasis on formulation and design strategies to enhance their stability, selectivity, and safety for intravaginal use. Recent advances in vaginally targeted nanocarrier platforms and preclinical in vitro, ex vivo, and in vivo evidence demonstrating improved efficacy, tissue coverage, retention, and biocompatibility of peptide-loaded systems are highlighted. Remaining challenges in large-scale manufacturing, long-term safety, and regulatory approval, as well as future opportunities for smart and potentially personalized nanocarrier–peptide systems, are outlined to guide translation toward clinical application. https://www.nanomedicine-rj.com/article_737691_1f1e36c4af15309a57638d98838c52d9.pdf