Lysosomes
are membranous
compartments containing hydrolytic enzymes,
where cellular degradation of proteins and enzymes among others occurs
in a controlled manner. Lysosomal dysfunction results in various pathological
situations, such as several lysosomal storage disorders, neurodegeneration,
infectious diseases, cancers, and aging. In this review, we have discussed
different strategies for synthesizing peptides/chimeric molecules,
their lysosome-targeting ability, and their ability to treat several
lysosomal associated diseases, including lysosomal storage diseases
and cancers. We have also discussed the delivery of cargo molecules
into the lysosome using lysosome-targeting ligand-decorated nanocarriers.
The introduction of a protein-binding ligand along with a lysosome-targeting
ligand to manufacture a chimeric architecture for cell-specific protein
(extracellular and membrane protein) degradation ability has been
discussed thoroughly. Finally, the future applications of these lysosome-targeting
peptides, nanocarriers, and chimeric molecules have been pointed out.