Abstract: A peptide sequence of the form: X(Lys,Arg)XXXXX(Arg,Lys)X, wherein Lys and Arg arc replaceable and X is preferably one or more of the following amino acids: hydrophobic amino acid residues (eg Pro, Leu. Met, Ile), basic amino acid residues or threonine; and wherein the sequence is capable of engaging ?? and ameliorating its SOD activity and/or metal ion binding.