Abstract: Embodiments herein relate to end caps and pleat guides for filter assemblies. In an embodiment, a filter assembly component is included having an end cap that can include a pleat guide channel disposed about a circumference of the end cap. The pleat guide channel can include a repeating pattern that can include a plurality of peaks and a plurality of valleys distributed about the circumference of the end cap. The pleat guide channel can be configured to receive and mechanically support a pleated filter media within the pleat guide channel. Other embodiments are also included herein.