Abstract: Disclosed herein are modified proaerolysin (PA) peptide. In some examples, the proteins include a prostate-specific protease cleavage site and can further include a prostate-tissue-specific binding domain which functionally replaces the native PA binding domain. In other examples, the proteins include a furin cleavage site and a prostate tissue-specific binding domain which functionally replaces the native PA binding domain. Methods of using such peptides to treat prostate cancer are also disclosed.

Abstract: The instant invention provides compositions comprising a prodrug, the prodrug comprising a therapeutically active drug; and a peptide selected from the group consisting of the sequences: Ser-Ser-Lys-Tyr-Gln (SEQ ID NO:1);Gly-Lys-Ser-Gln-Tyr-Gln (SEQ ID NO:2); and Gly-Ser-Ala-Lys-Tyr-Gln (SEQ ID NO:3) wherein the peptide is linked to the therapeutically active drug to inhibit the therapeutic activity of the drug, and wherein the therapeutically active drug is cleaved from the peptide upon proteolysis by an enzyme having a proteolytic activity of prostate specific antigen (PSA). The invention further provides methods of making and using the claimed compositions.

Abstract: The invention provides novel peptide prodrugs that contain cleavage sites specifically cleaved by human kallikrein 2 (hK2). These prodrugs are useful for substantially inhibiting the non-specific toxicity of a variety of therapeutic drugs. Upon cleavage of the prodrug by hK2, the therapeutic drugs are activated and exert their toxicity. Methods for treating cell proliferative disorders are also featured in the invention.

Abstract: The invention provides novel peptide prodrugs that contain cleavage sites specifically cleaved by human kallikrein 2 (hK2). These prodrugs are useful for substantially inhibiting the non-specific toxicity of a variety of therapeutic drugs. Upon cleavage of the prodrug by hK2, the therapeutic drugs are activated and exert their toxicity. Methods for treating cell proliferative disorders are also featured in the invention.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of treating a proliferative skin disease, comprising administering a therapeutically effective amount of a trk inhibitor.