Abstract: The present invention concerns therapeutic agents that mimic the activity of Apo-AI amphipathic helix peptide. In accordance with the present invention, the compounds of the invention comprise:
a. a Apo-AI amphipathic helix peptide or Apo-AI amphipathic helix peptide-mimetic domain, preferably the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 7, or sequences derived therefrom by phage display, RNA-peptide screening, or the other techniques mentioned above; and
b. a vehicle, such as a polymer (e.g., PEG or dextran) or an Fc domain, which is preferred;
wherein the vehicle, preferably an Fc domain, is covalently attached to the Apo-AI amphipathic helix peptide or Apo-AL amphipathic helix peptide-mimetic domain. The vehicle and the Apo-AI amphipathic helix peptide or Apo-AI amphipathic helix peptide-mimetic domain may be linked through the N- or C-terminus of the Apo-AI amphipathic helix peptide or Apo-AI amphipathic helix peptide-mimetic domain, as described further below.