Abstract: The present invention provides novel synthetic apolipoprotein E (ApoE)-mimicking peptides wherein the receptor binding domain of apolipoprotein E is covalently linked to 18A, the well characterized lipid-associating model class A amphipathic helical peptide, or a modified version thereof. Such peptides enhance low density lipoprotein (LDL) and very low density lipoprotein (VLDL) binding to and degradation by fibroblast or HepG2 cells. Also provided are possible applications of the synthetic peptides in lowering human plasma LDL/VLDL cholesterol levels, thus inhibiting atherosclerosis. The present invention also relates to synthetic peptides that can improve HDL function and/or exert anti-inflammatory properties.