Abstract: Polypeptides of A1-Arg-A2-Cys-Tyr-A3-A4-X-A5-A6-Cit Cys-A7 (I) or their salts (wherein A1 is hydrogen or a residue of arginine, lysine, ornithine, citrulline, alanine, or the like; A2 is an aromatic amino acid residue; A3, A4 and A6 are each a residue of arginine, lysine, ornithine, citrulline, or alanine; A5 is a residue of tyrosine, phenylalanine, alanine, naphthylalanine, or citrulline; A7 is a lysine or arginine residue whose carboxyl group may be converted into amido; and X is a residue of D-ornithyl-proline, prolyl-D-ornithine, D-lysylproline, or the like, with the proviso that any one of A1, A3, A4, A5, A6 and A7 is a residue of alanine or the like or that X is citrulline or the like).

Abstract: The invention relates to peptidomimetic compounds with formula wherein Z═CH2 and Y═CH2, or Z═O and Y═O═O, which are novel analogs of glutathion and are inhibitors of glutathione S-transferase, in particular of GST P1-1. Such inhibition has beneficial effects in therapy against cancer. In particular compounds in which R3 is H, R4 is benzyl and R5 is phenyl are stable towards &ggr;GT activity and are selective for GST P1-1.

Abstract: This invention relates to new polypeptide compounds represented by general formula [I]: wherein R1 and R2 are as defined in the description and pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof which have antimicrobial activities (especially, antifungal activities), inhibitory activity on &bgr;-1,3-glucan synthase, to process for preparation thereof, to a pharmaceutical composition comprising the same, and to a method for the prophylactic and/or therapeutic treatment of infectious disease including Pneumocystis carinii infection (e.g. Pneumocystis carinii pneumonia) in a human being or an animal.

Abstract: The invention concerns novel compounds of formula (I) in which: R1 and R2, which are identical or different, are C6-C23 alkyl or alkenyl radicals, linear or branched or —C(═O)—(C6-C23) alkyl or -c(═O)—(C6-C23) alkenyl, linear or branched. X is the oxygen atom or an amino-NR3 radical, R3 being a hydrogen atom or an inferior alkyl radical of 1 to 4 carbon atoms; n is a positive whole number from 1 to 6; m is a positive whole number from 1 to 6, and when n>1, m can be identical or different. The invention also concerns novel compositions of said compounds and of active substances in particular therapeutically, comprising at least a negative charge for inserting said active susbtances in cells. It concerns in particular novel complexes, of which the active substance consists of one or several nucleic acids, useful for cell transfection.

Abstract: The present invention provides a rapid and inexpensive method for extractively isolating acidic lipopeptide antibiotics, such as those having a cyclic peptide or cyclic depsipeptide core, in high yield and purity. In particular, there is provided a method of extracting a variety of acidic lipopeptide antibiotics, directly or indirectly, into water immiscible organic solvents by using a divalent cation chelation procedure.

Abstract: Compounds having the following peptide sequence: X Leu Y, wherein X is H or Ala or Leu-Ser-Ala, Y is OH or peptide sequence having from 1 to 10 amino acids, with the terminal carboxy end being amidified by a NH2 group, or esterified by a substituted or non-substituted hydrocarbyloxy, with the proviso that X and Y are not simultaneously H and OH, respectively, The invention also concerns the corresponding compounds wherein the peptide binding group —CO—NH— is replaced by a binding group resisting protease enzymatic degradation, or wherein the peptide backbone comprises one or more intercalated groups making the peptide binding resistant to enzymatic degradation. Also described are compounds comprising a grouping whose spatial structure is substantially identical to that of a peptide of the sequence X-Leu-Y wherein X and Y have the above-mentioned definition.

Abstract: Peptide nucleic acids conjugated to lipophilic groups and incorporated into liposomes exhibit enhanced cellular uptake and distribution. Cellular uptake and distribution of peptide nucleic acids also increases with the introduction of an amino acid side chain into the backbone of peptide nucleic acids. Methods of modulating cellular uptake and methods for treating animals are provided. The peptide nucleic acids of the invention comprise naturally-occurring nucleobases and non-naturally-occurring nucleobases attached to a polyamide backbone.

Abstract: Disclosed are antimicrobial compositions containing &bgr;-peptides and methods of inhibiting microbial growth in mammals using the compositions. The &bgr;-peptides present in the compositions contain ring structures in the peptide backbone which limit the conformational flexibility of the peptide backbone.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods and compositions for eliciting protective immunity against malaria. In particular, the invention relates to universal T-cell epitopes that elicit T-cell responses in individuals of differing genetic backgrounds. Immunogenic compositions and vaccines including malaria-specific universal T-cell epitopes are disclosed.

Abstract: This invention provides amino acid N-carboxyanhydrides, each of which has an N-acyl substituent on its nitrogen atom, is represented by the following formula (1): readily reacts with nucleophilic reagents such as free amino acids, alcohols, anions or the like, and are intermediates useful for the high-yield production of amino acid derivatives, optically active compounds, peptides, polypeptides and the like useful in many fields lead by the fields of pharmaceuticals and agrochemicals, and also provides a process for the production of the amino acid N-carboxyanhydrides. Further, the present invention also provides a process for the production of diamides, which uses the compounds of the formula (1) and amine derivatives represented by the following formula (7): These diamides can also be suitably used for the production of amino acid derivatives, optically active compounds, peptides, polypeptides and the like.

Abstract: This invention relates to a novel compound which has a cytotoxic activity and TGF-&bgr; like activity for human cancer cells and is useful as an antitumor agent and to a pharmaceutical composition which contains the same.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to peptides that interacts with thrombospondin 2 and inhibit matrix metalloproteinase 9 (MMP-9) activity. Consequently, the invention provides peptides that inhibit MMP-9 activity and are useful as inhibitors of angiogenesis and metastasis, among other diseases regulated by MMP-9. The peptides of the invention and their methods of use are therapeutic against diseases, such as cancer and arthritis, which are characterized by neovascularization.

Abstract: Peptidomimetic azatides and combinatorial oligoazitide libraries are produced by means of a stepwise synthesis. Combinatorial library construction of this new biomimetic polymer provides a means to fabricate global peptidomimetic libraries.

Abstract: Sandwich assays for collagen degradation products are conducted using an antibody of the same specificity on both sides of the sandwich or using a first antibody reactive with an epitope contained in the sequence EKAHDGGR and a second antibody which may be the same or different.

Abstract: Modified proteins are represented by the formula R-L-R′, wherein R and R′ are peptides or pseudopeptides linked to one another by linkage L. Linkage L may be either a thiol ester pseudopeptide backbone linkage or a selenol ester pseudopeptide backbone linkage.

Abstract: Novel peptide nucleic acid (PNA) oligomers and their constituent monomers are disclosed. The PNA oligomers and linked PNAs form triple stranded structures with nucleic acids that show an increased specificity for thymidine in nucleic acid targets relative to naturally occurring nucleobases.

Abstract: This invention provides a combinatorial fluorescence energy transfer tag which comprises a plurality of fluorescent molecules, comprising one or more energy transfer donor and one or more energy transfer acceptor, linked through a molecular scaffold wherein the fluorescent molecules are separated along the scaffold to produce a unique fluorescence emission signature. The invention further provides for the use of said tags in multi-component analyses, including multiplex genetic analyses.

Abstract: The present invention relates to peptides of one or more portions of the human chorionic gonadotropin &bgr;-chain as well as methods for treatment and prevention of diseases, including HIV infection, using human chorionic gonadotropin, employing the &bgr;-chain of human chorionic gonadotropin, peptides containing a sequence of one or more portions of the &bgr;-chain of human chorionic gonadotropin and derivatives and analogues thereof. The invention further relates to fractions of sources and or preparations of human chorionic gonadotropin, such as fractions of human early pregnancy urine, which fractions have anti-HIV activity. The present invention further relates to pharmaceutical compositions for treating and/or preventing HIV infection.

Abstract: Novel peptide nucleic acid (PNA) oligomers and their constituent monomers are disclosed. The PNA oligomers and linked PNAs form triple stranded structures with nucleic acids that show an increased specificity for thymidine in nucleic acid targets relative to naturally occurring nucleobases.

Abstract: Methods of determining collagen degradation in vivo, by quantitating the concentration of a peptide in a body fluid, the peptide being a C-terminal type II collagen telopeptide containing a hydroxylysyl pyridinoline cross-link or a type III collagen telopeptide containing a hydroxylysyl pyridinoline cross-link. Suitable methods include immunometric assays, fluorometric assays, and electrochemical titrations for quantitation. The structures of specific peptides having cross-links and kits for quantitating these peptides in a body fluid are described.

Abstract: Disclosed are &bgr;-peptides containing cylcoalkyl, cycloalkenyl, and heterocylic substituents which encompass the &agr; and &bgr; carbons of the peptide backbone. The &bgr;-peptides adopt stable helical and sheet structures in both the solid state and in solution. Method of generating combinatorial libraries of peptides containing &bgr;-peptide residues and the libraries formed thereby are disclosed.

Abstract: The invention relates to novel compounds comprising a ubiquitination recognition element and a protein binding element. The invention also relates to the use of said compounds for modulating the level and/or activity of a target protein. The compounds are useful for the treatment of disease such as infections, inflammatory conditions, cancer and genetic diseases. The compounds are also useful as insecticides and herbicides.

Abstract: The present invention provides a vaccine for inducing an immune response in mammal to a specific antigen, where the vaccine comprises a unit dose of a binary, cytotoxic T lymphocyte vaccine comprising an anthrax protective antigen and a full length protein antigen bound to a nontoxic anthrax protective antigen binding protein comprising at least about the first 250 amino acid residues of the lethal factor of Bacillus anthracis and less than all of the amino acid residues of the lethal factor. The present invention also provides a method of immunizing a mammal against an antigen using the vaccine, and a method of inducing antigen-presenting mammalian cells to present specific antigens via the MHC class I processing pathway.

Abstract: Antibodies to two new epitopes on the HCV envelope proteins were identified which allow routine detection of native HCV envelope antigens, in tissue or cells derived from the host. The new epitopes are: the E1 region aa 307-326 and the N-terminal hyper variable region of E2 aa 395-415. Surprisingly, we characterised an antibody that reacts with various sequences of the hypervariable domain of E2. Specific monoclonal antibodies directed against these epitopes and allowing routine detection of viral antigen are described.

Abstract: New peptides represented by the following general formula (wherein X is OH or NH2, R is an amino acid residue selected from Arg, His, Lys, Methyl-Arg or Methyl-Tyr, n is an integer of 1-4, and in the case that n is 2-4, R may be identical with or different from each other) and an anti-dementia drug which contains one or more of these new peptides and has a high blood brain barrier (BBB) permeability and furthermore is low in a side effect.

Abstract: The invention provides adjuvants, immunogenic compositions, and methods useful for polynucleotide-based vaccination and immune response. In particular, the invention provides an adjuvant of cytofectin:co-lipid mixture wherein cytofectin is GAP-DMORIE.

Abstract: The invention relates to LH-RH peptide analogues with excellent affinity for LH-RH receptors, of the formula: A1-A2-A3-A4-A5-A6-HAA-A7-Pro-Z  (I) The invention also relates to the uses of said peptide analogues and to the pharmaceutical compositions containing them.

Abstract: The invention relates to novel compounds comprising a ubiquitination recognition element and a protein binding element. The invention also relates to the use of said compounds for modulating the level and/or activity of a target protein. The compounds are useful for the treatment of disease such as infections, inflammatory conditions, cancer and genetic diseases. The compounds are also useful as insecticides and herbicides.

Abstract: Compounds are disclosed having the general formula R1-X-R2, wherein R1 and R2 are biologically active groups, at least one of which is polypeptidic. X is a non-peptidic polymeric group. R1 and R2 may be the same or different. Preferred R1 and R2 groups are TNF inhibitors.

Abstract: Antimicrobial compounds of formula I are disclosed: R1—X—R2 wherein X is a group comprising of from about 4 to about 10 amino acids, wherein at least one of the amide (—CONH—) linkages is replaced by —CRaRaRbNRc—; Ra, Rb, and Rc are each independently hydrogen, (C1-C6)alkyl, (C2-C6)alkenyl, (C2-C6)alkynyl, (C3-C8)cycloalkyl, (C1-C6)alkoxycarbonyl, aryl, or heterocycle; and R1 and R2 are each independently hydrogen, a saccharide, a lipid, a solubilizing agent, or a suitable protecting group; or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, as well as pharmaceutical compositions comprising such compounds or salts, and methods of using such compounds or salts to treat a bacterial infection.

Abstract: Depsipeptides and congeners thereof are disclosed having the following structure: wherein m, n, p, q, X, R1, R2 and R3 are as defined herein. These compounds, including FR901228, have activity as, for example, immunosuppressants, as well as for the prevention or treatment of patients suffering or at risk of suffering from inflammatory, autoimmune or immune system-related diseases including graft-versus-host disease and enhancement of graft/tissue survival following transplant. Also provided are methods for inhibiting lymphocyte activation, proliferation, and/or suppression of IL-2 secretion.

Abstract: Methods and compositions are taught that may be used to administer specific bioactive polypeptides, known as T20 and T1249 to a patient, e.g., as a method of treating a disease or disease state. In particular, the invention teaches carrier hydrogel composition that contain (a) a polymer material and (b) an effective dose of T20, T1249 or a derivative thereof. The polymer materials used in the carrier hydrogel composition preferably have reverse gelation properties and exist as a liquid, aqueous solution at temperatures below physiological temperatures (e.g., below the body temperature of a patient) but form hydrogels under physiological conditions (e.g., at temperatures at or near the body temperature of a patient). The carrier hydrogel compositions may thus be administered to a patient by injection while they are in a liquid state. Upon administration the carrier hydrogel compositions then form hydrogels with the T20 and/or T1249 polypeptides embedded therein.

Abstract: The present invention relates to novel soluble combinatorial libraries, comprising a soluble phase in solution attached to a core molecule, and allowing the improved high-yield and efficient production of soluble combinatorial libraries. Some specific examples of the soluble combinatorial libraries claimed herein comprise one or more of the following: amino acids, &agr;-azetide amino acids, triazine dione molecules, &ggr;-lactamtide molecules, &dgr;-lactamthiotide molecules, &bgr;-lactam nucleus containing molecules, lycoramine alkaloid nucleus containing molecules, and &bgr;-blocker nucleus molecules. Further, a split synthesis technique for generating libraries of combinatorial molecules employs a biphasic macromolecular support which is soluble during the pooling, splitting, and coupling steps but which is insoluble during the washing step. The use of a biphasic macromolecular support in its soluble phase significantly enhances the efficiency and performance of the pooling, splitting, and coupling steps.

Abstract: The present invention relates to macrocyclic depsipeptides, including didemnin analogs and fragments thereof, which are useful as anti-cancer agents and for other purposes. The invention includes numerous didemnin analogs and fragments and methods of making them. Methods of using these compounds as inhibitors of protein synthesis, cell growth, and tumorigenesis and as enhancers of apoptosis are also provided.

Abstract: Substrates for detecting and measuring the proteolytic activity of botulium type A neurotoxin in an assay are described. Detection is based on an increase in fluorescence due to hydrolysis of these internally quenched fluorescent peptide substrates by botulium type A neurotoxin. Several 13-15 amino acid peptides, derived from the substrate region of SNAP-25, have been constructed and analyzed for use in the assay.

Abstract: The invention relates to synthetic pseudopeptide derivatives of osteogenic grog polypeptide (OGP) and OGP(10-14) which may be linear or cyclic, and which are capable of enhancing bone cell proliferation and bone formation. Further, the present invention relates to pharmaceutical composition comprising as active ingredient at least one pseudopeptide derivative of the invention and to the use of these pseudopeptide derivatives in the preparation of a pharmaceutical composition for stimulating the formation of osteoblastic or fibroblastic cells, enhancing bone formation in osteopenic pathological conditions, repairing fractures, healing wounds, grafting of intraosseous implants, reversing bone loss in osteoporosis and other conditions requiring enhanced bone cells formation.

Abstract: The invention relates to a therapeutic agent for cachexia comprising, as an active ingredient, a substance capab;le of inhibiting the binding between a parathyroid hormone related protein (PTHrP) and a receptor thereof.

Abstract: An antigen/antibody specificity exchanger is disclosed. It comprises: A) an amino-acid sequence corresponding to an amino-acid sequence of an antibody which specifically binds to a certain antigen, including hapten, B) linked by a link to C) an amino-acid sequence to which a certain antibody binds. Also, a diagnostic reagent comprising an antigen/antibody specificity exchanger according to the invention is disclosed. Said reagent may be e.g. used instead of antisera or monoclonal antibodies in in vitro testing systems, such as immunological tests. Further, a method of treating a disease or disorder caused by a known antigen in an individual in need of an increased number of antigen-specific antibodies is disclosed. In the method a tailor-made antigen/antibody specificity exchanger of the invention is issued. Said method may be e.g. used to redirect a patient's antibodies against poliovirus to fight HIV infection in said patient.

Abstract: Novel ethylene glycol compounds bearing various functional groups are used to prepare oligomeric structures. The ethylene glycol monomers can be joined via standard phosphate linkages including phosphodiester and phosphorothioate linkages. Useful functional groups include nucleobases as well as polar groups, hydrophobic groups, ionic groups, aromatic groups and/or groups that participate in hydrogen-bonding.

Abstract: Antigenic epitopes of hepatitis C virus (HCV) and mosaic HCV polypeptides useful as reagents in assays for the diagnosis or monitoring of HCV in a biological sample. The antigenic epitopes and mosaic polypeptides are also useful for the construction of immunogenic pharmaceutical compositions, such as vaccines. The mosaic polypeptides are artificial composite proteins constructed from diagnostically relevant antigenic regions derived from different HCV proteins. Preferably, the mosaic polypeptides contain antigenic epitopes from the core protein, NS3 protein, and NS4 protein. The preferred mosaic polypeptides optionally contain an additional antigenic epitope from either the NS4 protein or the NS5a protein or both.

Abstract: Depsipeptides and congeners thereof are disclosed having the following structure: wherein m, n, p, q, X, R1, R2 and R3 are as defined herein. These compounds, including FR901228, have activity as, for example, immunosuppressants, as well as for the prevention or treatment of patients suffering or at risk of suffering from inflammatory, autoimmune or immune system-related diseases including graft-versus-host disease and enhancement of graft/tissue survival following transplant. Also provided are methods for inhibiting lymphocyte activation, proliferation, and/or suppression of IL-2 secretion.

Abstract: This invention relates to new polypeptide compounds represented by the following formula (I): wherein R1 is as defined in the description or a salt thereof which have antimicrobial activities (especially, antifungal activities), inhibitory activity on &bgr;-1,3-glucan synthase, to process for preparation thereof, to a pharmaceutical composition comprising the same, and to a method for the prophylactic and/or therapeutic treatment of infectious disease including Pneumocystis carinii infection (e.g., Pneumocystis carinii pneumonia) in a human being or an animal.

Abstract: The present invention relates to five synthetic peptides of pre-M/M protein of Dengue-2 virus, corresponding to amino acid sequences 3-31, 45-67, 57-92, 69-93 and 103-124. The anti-peptide immune response was evaluated in mice. Recombinant fusion proteins were also obtained, including regions of pre-M/M protein. The presence of B cell epitopes in both mice and humans was demonstrated in the pre-M/M protein peptides. Peptides 3-31 and 103-124 elicited neutralizing antibodies against the four serotypes of Dengue virus. Virus-specific proliferative responses were demonstrated in mice immunized with non-conjugated peptides 3-31 and 57-92. Mice immunized with conjugated peptides 3-31, 57-92, and 69-93 were protected when they were challenged with Dengue-2 virus. Thus, the presence of sequential epitopes in Pre-M/M protein of Dengue-2 virus was demonstrated, as well as their relevance in the immune response against this flavivirus.

Abstract: Disclosed is a synthetic method for the preparation of analogs of Didemnin A (1), particularly the Amino-Hip analog of Didemnin A, also known as “AipDidemnin A” (8).

Abstract: Multiple branch peptide constructions formed from peptides derived from the envelope transmembrane glycoprotein gp41 of HIV, and including the consensus sequence RQGY preceded by 0 to 4 amino acid residues and succeeded by 2 to 4 amino acid residues, most preferably RQGYSPL, show increased receptor affinity and prevent cell-to-cell fusion. They have a direct virostatic effect. Because they present the same peptide sequence several times, these MBPCs are able to neutralize in vitro the different steps of virus envelope/cell membrane fusion, and infected cell membrane/uninfected cell membrane fusion of several strains of HIV-1 and HIV-2. These results open a potential use in treatment of HIV infection.

Abstract: The invention pertains to novel peptide analogs suitable for inhibiting protein:prenyl transferases. As such they are therapeutically useful in e.g. inhibiting oncogenesis and other unwanted cell proliferation, and in supressing aberrant high signal transduction. The analogs comply with the following formula: in which: R1 is hydrogen or a thiol-protecting group; R2 and R3 are independently hydrogen or C1-C4 alkyl; R4 is hydrogen, C1-C4 alkyl, C1-C4 acyl or peptidyl; R5 is hydrogen or C1-C4 alkyl; R6 is hydrogen or optionally substituted C1-C6 alkyl; A is a direct bond or an optionally substituted C1-C4 alkylene chain; Y represents an oxo group or two hydrogen atoms; Z is oxygen, sulphur, imino or C1-C5 alkyl-, aryl- or acylimino; M is 0, 1 or 2; N is 0 or 1.

Abstract: A living body component in a sample derived from a living body can be rapidly and accurately measured by reacting the sample with a reagent comprising a combined product of an affinity substance and a polypeptide having at least three acid residues derived from a strong acid, separating the resulting complex by a method applying negative change such as using an anion-exchanger, and determining the amount of the analyte to be measured, on the basis of the amount of the complex or free combined product.

Abstract: &bgr;-sheet mimetics and methods relating to the same are disclosed. The &bgr;-sheet mimetics have utility as protease and kinase inhibitors, as well as inhibitors of transcription factors and protein-protein binding interactions. Methods of the invention include administration of a &bgr;-sheet mimetic, or use of the same for the manufacture of a medicament for treatment of a variety of conditions associated with the targeted protease, kinase, transcription factor and/or protein-protein binding interaction.

Abstract: The invention relates to novel deoxycyclodepsipeptides which are prepared from cyclodepsipeptides having 24 ring members which are constructed from alternating &agr;-aminocarboxylic acids and &agr;-hydroxycarboxylic acids, by complete or partial chemoselective reduction of the carbonyl groups of the amide function to give methylene groups using suitable reduction processes, and to mixtures and derivatives thereof. The deoxycyclodepsipeptides according to the invention have anthelmintic activity.

Abstract: Crystals of a depsipeptide derivative of formula (IV): having an antiparasitic activity and methods for producing such crystals. Such crystals include crystals (I), (II) and (III) that have particular physicochemical properties or characteristics, such as excellent filtration properties during crystallization, great fluidity, good specific volume. As a consequence, such crystals have improved handling ability during production resulting in enhanced production efficiency and increased crystal yield. Methods are also provided for producing such crystals.