Abstract: Synthetic peptide analogs of human kininogen are provided which are conformationally restricted by means of intramolecular bonding. The peptides mimic the biological activity of human kininogen by inhibiting the activity of the biologically significant protease, calpain. The peptides are designed by means of an equilibrium conformational model of the kininogen heavy chain.

Abstract: Compounds that inhibit CD8 mediated T cell activation and that have a molecular surface that corresponds to the molecular surface of human CD8 at amino acids 53-56 and/or 60-67 and pharmaceutical compositions comprising such compounds are disclosed. Method of inhibiting activation of a human T cell are disclosed. The methods comprise contacting a T cell with a compound that inhibits CD8 mediated T cell activation and that has a molecular surface that corresponds to the molecular surface of human CD8 at amino acids 53-56 and/or 60-67. Methods of treating an individual suspected of suffering from or susceptible to graft versus host disease and/or organ rejection are disclosed. The methods comprise administering an effective amount of a compound that inhibits CD8 mediated T cell activation and that has a molecular surface that corresponds to the molecular surface of human CD8 at amino acids 53-56 and/or 60-67.

Abstract: Compounds which display a surface similar to the surface presented by one of five distinct lateral domains of CD4 are disclosed. Methods of treating individuals suspected of suffering from or susceptible to conditions characterized by an undesired immune response comprising administering to the individual at least one compound which mimics a portion of the lateral surface of the CD4 glycoprotein are disclosed.

Abstract: Short peptides which function as analogs of IGF-1 are provided. These peptides abolish the proliferation of cells at nanogram concentrations. The peptides are non-toxic, and the inhibitor effect is reversible. The use of these peptides, because of their low toxicity and high efficiency, holds promises for treatment of a variety of human conditions, including prevention of restenosis of the coronary arteries after angioplasty, treatment of human neoplasia such as cancer of the prostate, treatment of tumors in pleural and peritoneal cavities and brain metastases, treatment of other abnormalities of cell growth in human beings, treatment of smooth muscle cell hyperplasia in asthma, treatment to promote burn and wound healing, and purging bone marrow from highly proliferating cells.