Abstract: The present invention relates to means and methods to protect against disease caused by bacteria belonging to the genus Chlamydia. In particular, the present invention relates to isolated B- and T-cell epitopes derived from the major outer membrane protein of Chlamydia psittaci which can be used against an infection with a species of the genus Chlamydia. More in particular, the invention provides a vaccine which can be used against chlamydiosis caused by Chlamydia psittaci in birds and man. In addition, the invention relates to a diagnostic method to diagnose the latter infections.

Abstract: Methods and compositions are presented for use in diagnostic, imaging or targeting of therapeutic agents to treat obesity/adiposity-associated disorders, where such as compositions and methods identify and use peptides to selectively target adipose tissue stromal cells in mammals, both in vitro and in vivo.

Abstract: The invention relates to peptide derivatives (peptides and pseudo-peptides) and use thereof as vectors for molecules of interest. The invention also relates to conjugates containing a peptide derivative of the invention bound to a molecule of interest. The peptides and prodrug conjugates of the invention can be used to vectorise molecules of pharmaceutical or diagnostic interest, such as, for example, therapeutic molecules, imaging or diagnostic agents, or molecular probes, across cell membranes, and notably to promote their transport across the blood-brain barrier (BBB).

Abstract: The present invention describes peptides which inhibit fusion of an arenavirus (e.g., Pichinde virus; PICV) with a host cell membrane. The arenavirus inhibiting (AVI) peptides described herein comprise a segment of the GP2 protein of an arenavirus. The AVI peptides are useful for inhibiting arenavirus-to-host cell membrane fusion and for treating arenavirus infections. In a particular embodiment, the arenavirus inhibiting peptide comprises a segment of PICV glycoprotein 2 (PICV GP2; SEQ ID NO: 1), Tamiami virus (TAMV) GP2 (SEQ ID NO: 14), or Lassa virus (LASV) GP2 (SEQ ID NO: 15). In particular, the segment is selected from a region of an arenavirus GP2 extending from the N-terminus into the first half of the FIR (i.e., from residues 1 through 105 of SEQ ID NO: 1, SEQ ID NO: 14, or SEQ ID NO: 15).

Abstract: Disclosed are specific binding agents such as antibodies and chimera that bind to JAM-like protein. Also disclosed are heavy chain fragments, light chain fragments, and CDRs of the antibodies, as well as methods related thereto.

Abstract: Provided is a family of intramolecularly quenched imaging agents for use in both in vivo and in vitro imaging that contain at least one enzymatically cleavable oligopeptide and two fluorophores or a fluorophore and a quencher. When subjected to proteolytic cleavage, at least one fluorophore is unquenched and becomes capable of producing a fluorescent signal upon excitation with light of an appropriate wavelength. Also provided are in vivo and in vitro imaging methods using such imaging agents.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to variants of antigens comprising folate binding protein epitopes as a composition associated with providing immunity against a tumor in an individual. The variant is effective in inducing cytotoxic T-lymphocytes but preferably not to the extent that they become sensitive to silencing by elimination, such as by apoptosis, or by anergy, as in unresponsiveness.

Abstract: This invention comprises peptides, methods and a kit for identifying DNA fragmentation in non-viable sperm. Specific peptide sequences are claimed that bind to ssDNA and fragmented DNA.

Abstract: Disclosed are compositions and methods useful for targeting tumors, sites of injury and blood clots. The compositions and methods are based on peptide sequences that selectively bind to and home to tumors, sites of injury and blood clots in animals. The disclosed targeting is useful for delivering therapeutic and detectable agents to tumors, sites of injury and blood clots.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for producing a peptide, characterized in that it comprises converting an —SH group of a peptide comprising an amino acid residue having the —SH group to an —OH group, wherein said method comprises the following steps (a) to (c): (a) allowing an —SH group in a peptide to react with a methylating agent to convert the —SH group to an -SMe group; (b) allowing the -SMe group obtained in the step (a) to react with a cyanizing agent to produce a reaction intermediate; and (c) converting the reaction intermediate obtained in the step (b) to a peptide comprising an amino acid residue having an —OH group under more basic conditions than the conditions in the step (b).

Abstract: The present application discloses peptides and peptaibols of high purity may be obtained by solid phase peptide synthesis using as the starting resin hydroxy amino acids, hydroxy amino acid amides, hydroxy amino alcohols or small peptides containing hydroxy amino acids attached to polymers through their side chain.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to the peptides WKWLKKWIK, WRKFWKYLK, and RRWRVIVKW and use of said peptides as therapeutic agents for the prophylaxis and/or treatment of infections, in particular bacterial and/or fungal infections and diseases caused by bacterial and/or fungal infections.

Abstract: The 5-HT 2C receptor is implicated in feeding, obesity, palatable food reward, metabolic disorders, drug addiction, anxiety, stress sensitivity, and depression. Embodiments of the invention are directed to modulation of the 5 -HT 2cR. Certain aspects are directed to therapies for the above referenced conditions. In certain aspects, therapeutic agents are identified that disrupt the 5-HT2cR:PTEN complex activating 5-HT2CR signaling. In certain aspects the complex is disrupted by a disrupter. The disrupter can be a peptide that displaces PTEN from the 5-HT 2cR:PTEN complex or inhibits the formation of the complex.

Abstract: The invention provides methods and compositions for modulating the Wnt signaling pathway, in particular by interfering with binding of Dkk1 or SOST with LRP5 and/or LRP6.

Abstract: Peptide compounds of the following general formula (I): R1-(AA)n-X1-X2-X3-Lys-Lys-Gln-Lys-Trp-X4-(AA)p-R2 are disclosed herein. The peptide compounds can be used as Telomeric repeat-binding factor 2 (TRF2) protein-modulating compounds and have a preventive action on deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) double-strand breaks. In addition, cosmetic compositions that include at least one peptide of general formula (I) in a physiologically acceptable medium are disclosed along with methods for preventing and/or treating cutaneous signs of aging and photoaging.

Abstract: The invention relates to multimeric forms of antimicrobial peptides, for example, defensin peptides. The multimeric forms of defensin peptides possesses antimicrobial activity and may be formulated into antimicrobial compositions, pharmaceutical compositions, eyedrop composition, contact lens solution compositions for coating medical devices and the like. The invention also relates to the use of these multimeric forms of peptides, e.g. multimeric forms of defensin peptides for inhibiting and/or reducing the growth of microorganisms in general, including in a host. The invention further relates to a method of preparing multimers of peptides derived from defensins, for example hBD3.

Abstract: Provided herein are peptoids capable of inhibiting or reversing amyloid ? (A?) fibril or plaque production. The peptoids form a helical structure with three monomers per helical turn and have at least two monomers with a side-chain having an arylalkyl group having the same chirality positioned such that the side-chains are on the same side of the peptoid. Also provided are methods of using the peptoids to inhibit or reverse aggregation of A? and methods of treating subjects with Alzheimer's disease (AD) or slowing the progression of AD.

Abstract: New peptides activating extracellular matrix protein synthesis in the skin, a cosmetic composition that includes such peptides as an active agent, and cosmetic care methods intended to delay or treat cutaneous signs of aging and photoaging by applying such peptides and/or cosmetic compositions are described.

Abstract: The present invention concerns peptides having protective effect towards inflammatory activity of a-gliadin 31-43 peptide in celiac disease and therefore can be used for preventive and therapeutic purpose by administration thereof to subjects at high risk to develop celiac disease and/or celiac subjects just before a gluten containing meal to be ingested.

Abstract: The present application discloses compositions and methods of synthesis and use of 18F- or 19F-labeled molecules of use in PET, SPECT and/or MR imaging. Preferably, the 18F or 19F is conjugated to a targeting molecule by formation of a complex with a group IIIA metal and binding of the complex to a bifunctional chelating agent, which may then be directly or indirectly attached to the targeting molecule. In other embodiments, the 18F or 19F labeled moiety may comprise a targetable construct used in combination with a bispecific antibody to target a disease-associated antigen. The disclosed methods and compositions allow the simple and reproducible labeling of molecules at very high efficiency and specific activity in 30 minutes or less. In preferred embodiments, the bifunctional chelating agent bound to 18F- or 19F-metal complex may be conjugated to the molecule to be labeled at a reduced temperature, e.g. room temperature.

Abstract: Potent compounds having combined antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anti-radiation and metal chelating properties are described. Short peptides having these properties, and methods and uses of such short peptides in clinical and cosmetic applications are described.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a proteinaceous extract derived from tortoise spleen and to a tetrapeptide FTGN, which have stimulatory activity on hematopoietic cells. In particular, this tetrapeptide enhances hemopoietic reconstruction, and bone marrow re-population, reduced as a consequence of a high dose of radiation or chemotherapy exposure. The invention further provides pharmaceutical compositions comprising as an effective ingredient the proteinaceous extract or the FTGN tetrapeptide and ex vivo and in vivo methods of treatment employing them.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides antimicrobial peptides, and compositions comprising same. The present disclosure further provides methods of inhibiting microbial growth.

Abstract: The present invention relates in general to the field of tissue engineering and more specifically to amphiphilic peptides and peptide matrices thereof useful in vitro and in situ biomineralization and inducing bone repair. The present invention provides peptides, which are useful in hydrogels and other pharmaceutical compositions, and methods and kits of use for bone repair and promotion of biomineralization. Certain hydrogels according to the invention comprise cells within or adhered to the peptide matrix.

Abstract: The application relates to a polypeptide, the amino acid sequence of which is the sequence of a sub-fragment of the C-terminal thioester-cleaved fragment of human alpha-2-macroglobulin (A2M), wherein the molecular weight of said polypeptide is of 36 to 44 kDa, and wherein the first N-terminal amino acid of said polypeptide is an amino acid, which, in the full length sequence of said human A2M, is at a position 1,098 or 1,085 or 1,084 or 1,083, and the last C-terminal amino acid of said polypeptide is an amino acid, which, in the full length sequence of said human A2M, is one of the last twenty C-terminal amino acids. This polypeptide is differently abundant depending on the stage of liver fibrosis. The application also relates to means deriving therefrom and to the application thereof, notably in the field of hepatitis.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a method for the ultrasensitive detection of beta hemolytic Streptococcus, a bacterium implicated in strep throat, using a specific protease marker. Also disclosed is a device as well as a biosensor, both of which are useful for the detection of beta hemolytic Streptococcus. The biosensor and the device can be used in conjunction with other reagents as part of a kit for detecting strep throat.

Abstract: An acid-cleavable peptide linker comprising aspartic acid and proline residues is disclosed. The acid-cleavable peptide linker provides an altered sensitivity to acid-hydrolytic release of peptides of interest from fusion peptides of the formula PEP1-L-PEP2. The inventive linker, L, is described in various embodiments, each of which provides substantially more rapid acid-release of peptides of interest than does a single aspartic acid-proline pair. In an additional aspect, a method of increasing the stability of an acid cleavable linkage to acid hydrolysis is also provided.

Abstract: The present invention relates to compositions and methods for the prevention, treatment, and diagnosis of cancer, especially carcinomas, such as pancreatic carcinoma. The invention discloses peptides, polypeptides, and polynucleotides that can be used to stimulate a CTL response against pancreatic and other cancers.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are compositions and methods for and involving selectively targeting tumor lymphatics.

Abstract: A composition comprising a synthetic growth factor analog comprising a non-growth factor heparin binding region, a linker and a sequence that binds specifically to a cell surface receptor and an osteoconductive material where the synthetic growth factor analog is attached to and can be released from the osteoconductive material and is an amplifier/co-activator of osteoinduction.

Abstract: Disclosed are RNA targeting compounds, methods for using the subject RNA targeting compounds to treat myotonic dystrophy and other diseases are also disclosed.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides peptides and peptide compositions, which facilitate the delivery of an active agent or an active agent carrier wherein the compositions are capable of penetrating the stratum corneum (SC) and/or the cellular membranes of viable cells.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a compound that binds to a BCL6 lateral groove and prevents binding of a corepressor to the lateral groove. The present invention is further directed to methods for blocking corepressor binding to a BCL6 lateral groove, methods for inhibiting BCL6 repression in a mammalian cell, and methods for treating a mammal with cancer, wherein the cancer requires BCL6 repression. The present invention is further directed to polypeptides comprising a portion of the corepressor binding site for BCL6 and related polynucleotides and vectors.

Abstract: It is provided PACE4 inhibitors and their uses for treating infection, cancer. Particularly, it is provided a method or use for the treatment of a cancer in a subject, comprising administering to the subject a therapeutically effective amount of the PACE4 inhibitors or the composition disclosed.

Abstract: Peptide nucleic acids containing thymidine and 2-aminopyridine (M) nucleobases formed stable and sequence selective triple helices with double stranded RNA at physiologically relevant conditions. The M-modified PNA displayed unique RNA selectivity by having two orders of magnitude higher affinity for the double stranded RNAs than for the same DNA sequences. Preliminary results suggested that nucleobase-modified PNA could bind and recognize double helical precursors of microRNAs.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods useful to monitor central and peripheral nervous system neuron/axon destruction resulting from an increase in acute phase inflammatory enzymes. The methods have applicability to monitoring the progress of neurological diseases, including multiple sclerosis and Alzheimer's disease, as well as neuroinflammatory damage that results from sports injuries, vigorous physical activity or any form of physical abuse. The invention further relates to methods of treating multiple sclerosis or other diseases with an inflammatory component related to phospholipase A2.

Abstract: In one aspect, the invention relates to isolated compounds useful as antifungal agents, for example, compounds having a structure represented by a formula: wherein R1 is hydrogen or hydroxyl; wherein R2 is hydrogen or xylose; and wherein R3 and R4 are each hydrogen or together oxygen, or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof; methods of isolating and purifying same; pharmaceutical compositions comprising same; agricultural compositions comprising same; and methods of treating and/or preventing fungal infections using same. This abstract is intended as a scanning tool for purposes of searching in the particular art and is not intended to be limiting of the present invention.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides human Aquaporin 4 (AQP4) peptides and peptides having homology to human Aquaporin 4 (AQP4) peptides. Also provided herein are methods for using human AQP4 peptides and peptides homologous to human AQP4 peptides for diagnosing and/or treating Neuromyelitis Optica.

Abstract: The present invention provides isolated peptides having the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 43 or immunologically active fragments thereof, which bind to HLA antigen and have cytotoxic T lymphocyte (CTL) inducibility. The present invention further provides peptides which include one, two, or several amino acid insertions, substitution or addition to the aforementioned peptides or fragments, but still have the cytotoxic T cell inducibility. Further provided are nucleic acids encoding any of these aforementioned peptides as well as pharmaceutical agents and compositions including any of the aforementioned peptides or nucleic acids. The peptides, nucleic acids, pharmaceutical agents and compositions of this invention may be used for treating cancer or tumor.

Abstract: A peptide comprising the amino acid sequence RMFPNAPYL or a portion or variant thereof provided that the peptide is not intact human WT-1 polypeptide or a peptide comprising the amino acid sequence CMTWNQMNL or a portion or variant thereof provided that the peptide is not intact human WT-1 polypeptide or a peptide comprising the amino acid sequence HLMPFPGPLL or a portion or variant thereof provided that the peptide is not intact human gata-1 polypeptide, and polynucleotides encoding these peptides. The peptides and polynucleotides are useful as cancer vaccines.

Abstract: Isolated peptides composed of the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 33 or fragments thereof that bind to HLA antigens and have cytotoxic T lymphocyte (CTL) inducibility and thus are suitable for use in the context of cancer immunotherapy, more particularly cancer vaccines are described herein. The present invention further provides peptides that include one, two, or several amino acid insertions, substitutions or additions to the aforementioned peptides or fragments, but yet retain the requisite cytotoxic T cell inducibility. Further provided are nucleic acids encoding any of these aforementioned peptides as well as pharmaceutical agents, substances and compositions including any of the aforementioned peptides or nucleic acids. The peptides, nucleic acids, pharmaceutical agents, substances and compositions of this invention find particular utility in the treatment of cancers and tumors.

Abstract: The present invention provides a polypeptides capable of modulating tissue transglutarmnase-induced cell behaviour wherein the polypeptide comprises or consists of either (a) the amino acid sequence of a heparin-binding site of a tissue transglutaminase, or a functional fragment, variant, fusion or derivative thereof, or a fusion of said fragment, variant or derivative thereof or (b) an antibody capable of binding to a heparin-binding site of a lissue transglutaminase, or an antigen-binding fragment or derivative thereof. In one embodiment, the heparin-binding site of a tissue transglutaminase comprises or consists of an amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 1, The invention further provides medical uses of the polypeptides of the invention and methods of treatment using the same.

Abstract: The present invention concerns methods and means for identifying, producing, and engineering neutralizing agents against influenza A viruses, and to the neutralizing agents produced. In particular, the invention concerns neutralizing agents against various influenza A virus subtypes, and methods and means for making such agents.

Abstract: A selective targeting method is disclosed comprising contacting a library of ligands, particularly a peptide library, with an anti-target to allow the ligands to bind to the anti-target; separating the non-binding ligands from the anti-target bound ligands, contacting the non-binding anti-target ligands with a target allowing the unbound ligands to bind with the target to form a target-bound ligand complex; separating the target-bound ligand complex from ligands which do not bind to the target, and identifying the target-bound ligands on the target-bound ligand complex wherein the target-bound ligands have a KD in the range of about 10?7 to 10?10 M. Additionally claimed are the ligands identified according to the method.

Abstract: Peptides activating dermatopontin in the skin and cosmetic compositions including such peptide, in a physiologically suitable medium, are described. Methods of treating the cutaneous signs of aging and photoaging, and in particular wrinkles, sagging, and loss of volume and elasticity of the skin are also described.

Abstract: C-terminal endostatin polypeptides are disclosed herein. Polynucleotides encoding these polypeptide, host cells transformed with the polynucleotides, and methods of using these polypeptides and polynucleotides are disclosed. Uses of these polypeptide, polynucleotides and expression vectors include the treatment of fibrosis in a subject. Thus, methods are provided for treating fibrosis, including fibrosis of the skin and/or the lung.

Abstract: The present invention provides peptides, peptide analogs, peptide derivatives and pharmaceutical compositions useful for treating or preventing influenza infections or preventing the person-to-person transmission of an influenza infection. A peptide of the invention comprises an influenza virus-cell fusion inhibiting portion of the fusion initiation region (FIR) of a wild-type influenza hemagglutinin 2 protein or a variant thereof. In a preferred embodiment, a peptide of the invention consists of 8 to 40 consecutive amino acid residues a portion of a wild-type influenza hemagglutinin 2 protein or a variant thereof, the portion of the protein comprising the FIR of the protein and up to five amino acid residues on the amino-terminal and carboxy-terminal sides of the FIR.

Abstract: There is described herein methods and peptides for detecting autoantibodies to NOG and/or SOST in a patient sample in order to diagnose of prognosticate Ankylosing Spondylitis in the patient.

Abstract: The invention relates to disulfide-rich dimer molecules which inhibit binding of ?4?7 to the mucosal addressin cell adhesion molecule (MAdCAM) in vivo, and show high selectivity against ?4?1 binding.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides compounds with a hydrophilic self-immolative linker, which is cleavable under appropriate conditions and incorporates a hydrophilic group to provide better solubility of the compound. The compounds of the present disclosure comprise a drug moiety, a targeting moiety capable of targeting a selected cell population, and a linker which contains an acyl unit, an optional spacer unit for providing distance between the drug moiety and the targeting moiety, a peptide linker which can be cleavable under appropriate conditions, a hydrophilic self-immolative linker, and an optional second self-immolative spacer or cyclization self-elimination linker.