Numerous proteins and lipids are covered in glycans, which affects the way these molecules interact. In this Review, Smith and Bertozzi discuss therapies targeting proteins that recognize glycosylation, namely the selectins and Siglecs, as well as glycan-targeted antibodies that have entered the clinic or are in development. They provide their perspectives on the future of glycobiology.

Image-based profiling is a strategy to mine the rich information in biological images. Carpenter and colleagues discuss how the application of machine learning is renewing interest in image-based profiling for all aspects of the drug discovery process, from understanding disease mechanisms to predicting a drug’s activity or mechanism of action.

Examining B cell depletion therapy (BCDT), an approved treatment for B cell malignancies, in autoimmune conditions has provided key insights into basic B cell biology. In this Review, Gommerman and colleagues discuss BCDT in autoimmune conditions, highlighting diseases in which BCDT has been clinically effective and the potential and pitfalls for BCDT in autoimmune conditions in which it has not yet been efficacious.

The Notch pathway plays multiple complex roles in cancer, exerting oncogenic or tumour-suppressive actions depending on the context. Here Miele and colleagues provide an overview of current understanding of the functions of Notch in cancer, highlighting key implications for the development of Notch-targeting therapeutics. Agents in clinical development and emerging therapeutic strategies are highlighted.

Advances in nanoparticle design could make substantial contributions to personalized and non-personalized medicine. In this Review, Langer, Mitchell, Peppas and colleagues discuss advances in nanoparticle design that overcome heterogeneous barriers to delivery, as well as the challenges in translating these design improvements into personalized medicine approaches.

Academic research has a key role in identifying new drug targets, but to lead to new drugs this research must progress to testing drug candidates in clinical trials, which are typically conducted by industry. This Perspective presents a framework to support academic scientists and funders in prioritizing target assessment activities and in defining a critical path to reach scientific goals as well as goals related to licensing, partnering with industry or initiating clinical trials.

Misconceptions about translation — defined as the process of turning observations in the laboratory, clinic and community into interventions that improve the health of individuals — hinder efforts to close gaps and address challenges related to the translational process. This article highlights some misconceptions with the aim of improving understanding and advancing solutions.