Abstract: The present invention provides variant LcrE sequences and/or combinations of variant LcrE sequences across the Chlamydia trachomatis serovars. Such changes in LcrE genotypes across the Chlamydia trachomatis serovars are likely to correspond with changes in LcrE phenotypes, in particular, with changes in immunogenicity. The present invention also provides peptides surrounding or associated with the amino acid substitutions, in particular, peptides surrounding or associated with high frequency mutated amino acid positions or hypervariable regions, which are likely to be B and/or T cell epitopic regions capable of eliciting Chlamydia specific cell mediated immune responses. The variant LcrE sequences and/or combinations of the variant LcrE sequences and/or epitope regions associated with the variant LcrE sequences are useful as immunogens and/or in the preparation of immunogenic compositions for preventing and/or treating and/or, diagnosing Chlamydia infections.

Abstract: The present invention provides Parotid Secretory Protein peptides, nucleic acids encoding the peptides, and methods of using the peptides, and methods of screening GL13 mimetics.

Abstract: There is provided a method for determining whether a mammalian subject having an ovarian cancer belongs to a first or a second group, wherein the prognosis of subjects of the first group is better than the prognosis of subjects of the second group, comprising the steps of: a) evaluating an amount of RBM3 protein in at least part of a sample earlier obtained from the subject and determining a sample value corresponding to the evaluated amount; b) comparing said sample value with a predetermined refer-ence value; and if said sample value is higher than said ref-erence value, c1) concluding that the subject belongs to the first group; and if said sample value is lower than or equal to said reference value, c2) concluding that the sub-ject belongs to the second group. Related peptides, affinity ligands, uses and further methods are also provided.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an active ingredient-peptide construct for extracellular concentration, a process for the concentration of active ingredients in an extracellular space of a multicellular object, the use of the active ingredient-peptide construct according to the invention for the production of a medicinal product and a pharmaceutical composition containing the active ingredient-peptide construct according to the invention.

Abstract: The present invention relates to TR21 polypeptides. In particular, isolated nucleic acid molecules are provided encoding human TR21 protein. TR21 polypeptides are also provided as are vectors, host cells and recombinant methods for producing the same. The invention further relates to screening methods for identifying agonists and antagonists of TR21 activity.

Abstract: This invention relates to compositions and methods that can be used immunize a subject against influenza. Generally, the compositions and methods include peptides obtained or derived from human influenza A virus M2 protein.

Abstract: Compositions and methods for improved delivery of macromolecules into eukaryotic cells are provided. Fusogenic peptides from fusion proteins of non-enveloped viruses enhance the efficiency of transfection of eukaryotic cells mediated by transfection agents such as cationic lipids, polycationic polymers such as PEI and dendrimers. These fusogenic peptides are used as part of a transfection complex that efficiently delivers a macromolecule, for example, a nucleic acid, into a eukaryotic cell. Novel cationic lipids and compositions of cationic lipids also are provided that may be used for the introduction of macromolecules such as nucleic acids, proteins and peptides into a variety of cells and tissues. The lipids can be used alone, in combination with other lipids and/or in combination with fusogenic peptides to prepare transfection complexes.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of forming a peptide-receptor complex with zsig33 polypeptides and their receptors as well as antibodies. Methods of modulating gastric contractility, nutrient uptake, growth hormones, the secretion of digestive enzymes and hormones, and/or secretion of enzymes and/or hormones in the pancreas are also included.

Abstract: The present invention provides novel HSP20-based polypeptides and pharmaceutical compositions thereof, and methods for using such polypeptides and pharmaceutical compositions for various therapeutic uses.

Abstract: The inventors have treated human patients for warts by intralesional injection of Candida antigen to induce a delayed-type hypersensitivity response in the patients. This creates an immune response that recognizes the antigens of the human papilloma virus (HPV) found in and causing the warts. It was found that the patients showed a response to HPV type 57 L1 peptide 380-412 (a peptide consisting of amino acid residues 380-412 of the protein L1) and HPV type 57 protein E4 (E4 10-30). One embodiment of the invention provides a pharmaceutical composition comprising a polypeptide comprising (a) L1 380-412 (SEQ ID NO:3) or a fragment of at least 8 residues of SEQ ID NO:3 or (b) E4 10-30 (SEQ ID NO:4) or a fragment of at least 8 residues of E4 10-30 (SEQ ID NO:4), wherein the composition is immunogenic in humans.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to the mitochondrial protein, voltage-dependent anion channel (VDAC)5 polynucleotides encoding same and variants thereof, as well as peptide fragments, peptide derivatives and analogs. In particular, the present invention is directed to VDAC1 and specific amino acid and polynucleotide sequences thereof useful in inducing or regulating apoptosis and to pharmaceutical compositions comprising same useful in the treatment of diseases associated with aberrant apoptosis.

Abstract: The present invention concerns a new competence stimulating peptide identified in Firmicutes, in particular Streptococcus, and more preferably S. thermophilus and methods of producing transformation competent Firmicutes, in particular Streptococcus, and more preferably S. thermophilus bacteria.

Abstract: Peptides that specifically bind erythrocytes are described. These are provided as peptidic ligands having sequences that specifically bind, or as antibodies or fragments thereof that provide specific binding, to erythrocytes. The peptides may be prepared as molecular fusions with therapeutic agents, tolerizing antigens, or targeting peptides. Immunotolerance may be created by use of the fusions and choice of an antigen on a substance for which tolerance is desired. Fusions with targeting peptides direct the fusions to the target, for instance a tumor, where the erythrocyte-binding ligands reduce or entirely eliminate blood flow to the tumor by recruiting erythrocytes to the target.

Abstract: The present invention provides a novel class of peptide nucleic acid derivatives, which show good cell penetration and strong binding affinity for nucleic acid.

Abstract: Provided herein are peptides and nanoparticles conjugates thereof useful for the treatment of diseases and disorders mediated by GIPC/synectin, such as cancer.

Abstract: The invention relates to neuromodulatory oligomers of the amyloid-?(1-42) protein, a particular production method, by means of which the oligomer can be obtained in a reproducible manner at high yield, the use of the oligomers as diagnostic and therapeutics agents, for the generation of oligomer-specific antibodies and for the discovery of substances which can interact with the oligomers and in the formation thereof. Corresponding methods for the production of the antibodies and for discovery of the substances are also disclosed as are the antibodies themselves and the use of the antibodies or substances as diagnostic and therapeutic agents. The invention further relates to derivatives of the oligomers and oligomers based on abbreviated forms of the amyloid-?(1-42) proteins, the production and use thereof.

Abstract: A neuronal differentiation inducer provided by the present invention contains an artificially synthesized peptide which includes an amino acid sequence constituting a signal peptide in amyloid precursor protein (APP), or a partial sequence of the amino acid sequence constituting this signal peptide.

Abstract: The present invention provides means, such as a method, for determining whether a mammalian subject having a colorectal cancer belongs to a first or a second group, wherein the prognosis of subjects of the first group is better than the prognosis of subjects of the second group. The method comprises the steps of: evaluating an amount of RBM3 protein or RBM3 mRNA molecule in at least part of a sample earlier obtained from the subject and determining a sample value corresponding to the evaluated amount; comparing said sample value with a predetermined reference value; and if said sample value is higher than said reference value, concluding that the subject belongs to the first group; and if said sample value is lower than or equal to said reference value, concluding that the subject belongs to the second group.

Abstract: Various specific meningococcal proteins are disclosed. The invention provides related polypeptides, nucleic acids, antibodies and methods. These can all be used in medicine for treating or preventing disease and/or infection caused by meningococcus, such as bacterial meningitis.

Abstract: The invention provides lipophilic conjugates comprising a short isolated peptide coupled to a hydrophobic moiety, the peptide comprising a sequence derived from the HIV-1 gp41 N-terminal heptad repeat domain, said peptide after conjugation to the hydrophobic moiety possesses anti-fusogenic activity higher than prior to conjugation. The lipophilic conjugates are suitable for treatment of infections caused by human and non-human retroviruses, especially HIV.

Abstract: A peptide for targeting bone marrow consists of about 5 to about 25 amino acids and includes an amino acid sequence that targets the peptide to bone marrow.

Abstract: The invention relates generally to compounds which are allosteric modulators (e.g., negative and positive allosteric modulators, allosteric agonists, and ago-allosteric modulators) of the G protein coupled receptor apelin, also known as the APJ receptor. The APJ receptor compounds are derived from the intracellular loops and domains of the the APJ receptor. The invention also relates to the use of these APJ receptor compounds and pharmaceutical compositions comprising the APJ receptor compounds in the treatment of diseases and conditions associated with APJ receptor modulation, such as heart diseases (e.g., hypertension and tension and heart failure, such as congestive heart failure), cancer, diabetes, stem cell trafficking, fluid homeostasis, cell proliferation, immune function, obesity, metastatic disease, and HIV infection.

Abstract: The invention relates to peptoid reagents that interact preferentially with a pathogenic form of a conformational disease protein as compared to a nonpathogenic form of the conformational disease protein where the peptoid reagent comprises an amino-terminal region, a carboxy-terminal region, and at least one peptoid region between the amino-terminal region and the carboxy-terminal region where the peptoid region comprises 3 to about 30 N-substituted glycines, and optionally one or more amino acids. The invention also relates to methods of using the peptoids in detecting and isolating prions, and in the treatment and prevention of prion-related diseases.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the discovery of novel biomarkers of in vivo apoptosis based on a large number of caspase-like cleavage sites. These biomarkers are useful for detection and quantification of apoptosis in a biological sample. The invention also provides synthetic peptides and proteins corresponding to neo-epitopes created by proteolytic processing of these cleavage sites. The synthetic peptides can be used as standards to enable identification and quantitation of these biomarkers using mass spectrometry. The synthetic proteins can be used to generate antibodies and other binding reagents specific for these biomarkers. Methods for detecting apoptosis as well as for diagnosing or for providing a prognosis for a disease or disease state characterized by apoptosis are also provided herein. Finally, the invention provides compositions and kits for performing the methods of the invention.

Abstract: The present invention provides branched amphipathic peptides and vesicles formed thereof. The peptides comprise a polar/positively charged C-terminal segment, a branch point, and two hydrophobic N -terminal segments extending from the branch point. The vesicles are formed using a plurality of first and second peptides, wherein the first peptide has a different chain length from the second peptide. When a plurality of the first and second peptides are mixed together, they self-assemble to form small spheres defined by a membrane consisting of an interlocking peptide network bilayer and having a liquid-receiving interior space (i.e., hollow core). In the bi-layer, the respective hydrophobic segments of the peptides form beta-sheet structures having a hydrogen bond-stabilized, anti-parallel orientation in which the opposed sequences interlock to form a zipper-like structure in three dimensions. Thus, the peptide assembly (i.e.

Abstract: Nucleic acids encoding various monocyte cell proteins from a primate, reagents related thereto, including specific antibodies, and purified proteins are described. Methods of using said reagents and related diagnostic kits are also provided.

Abstract: A heparin-binding growth factor (HBGF) analog having two substantially similar sequences (homodimeric sequences) branched from a single amino acid residue, where the sequences are analogs of a particular HBGF that binds to a heparin-binding growth factor receptor (HBGFR), or alternatively that bind to a HBGFR without being an analog of any particular HBGF. The homodimeric sequences may be derived from any portion of a HBGF. The synthetic HBGF analog may be an analog of a hormone, a cytokine, a lymphokine, a chemokine or an interleukin, and may bind to any HBGFR. Further provided are preparations for medical devices, pharmaceutical compositions and methods of using the same.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods for promoting wound healing and/or reducing scar formation, by administering to an individual in need thereof one or more of the heat shock protein 20-derived polypeptides disclosed herein.

Abstract: A 4-copy branched peptide represented by a formula of (XA-XB-XC-XD-X1)4>(K-X2)2>K-X3. XA and XC separately represent an uncharged polar amino acid; XB and XD separately represent an alkaline amino acid; >K- represents lysine comprising two free activated amino groups for amino acid addition condensation reactions; X1 and X2 separately represents an amino acid sequence comprising between 0 and 5 random amino acids, and X1 and X2 are the same, different, or absent; and X3 is a sequence comprising between 1 and 4 random amino acids. The peptide is capable of inhibiting tumor growth and enhancing immunity.

Abstract: Compositions comprising an isolated peptide, which may for example optionally comprise a sequence selected from the group consisting of FDYDWY (SEQ ID NO: 2), SFSQNKSVHSFDYDWYNVSDQADLKN (SEQ ID NO: 3) or CSFSQNKSVHSFDYDWYNVSDQADLKNC (SEQ ID NO: 1), or any cyclized version thereof, and methods of using same, including for treatment of or prevention of formation of microbial biofilms and against adhesion of a cell to a surface.

Abstract: A generic structure for the peptides of the present invention includes A-X-B-C, where C is a cargo moiety, the B portion includes basic amino acids, X is a cleavable linker sequence, and the A portion includes acidic amino acids. The intact structure is not significantly taken up by cells; however, upon extracellular cleavage of X, the B-C portion is taken up, delivering the cargo to targeted cells. Cargo may be, for example, a contrast agent for diagnostic imaging, a chemotherapeutic drug, or a radiation-sensitizer for therapy. X may be cleaved extracellularly or intracellularly. The molecules of the present invention may be linear, cyclic, branched, or have a mixed structure.

Abstract: Compositions and methods for the therapy and diagnosis of cancer, particularly prostate cancer, are disclosed. Illustrative compositions comprise one or more prostate-specific polypeptides, immunogenic portions thereof, polynucleotides that encode such polypeptides, antigen presenting cell that expresses such polypeptides, and T cells that are specific for cells expressing such polypeptides. The disclosed compositions are useful, for example, in the diagnosis, prevention and/or treatment of diseases, particularly prostate cancer.

Abstract: This invention relates to the use of ADNF polypeptides in the treatment of anxiety and/or depression. The present invention also relates to drug discovery assays using the ADNF polypeptide mechanism of action and target interaction, as well as the manufacture of medicaments, methods of application and formulation therefor. Embodiments of the invention provide methods for preventing and/or treating anxiety and depression disorders in a subject by administering a NAP, an 8-amino-acid peptide derived from Activity Dependent Neurotrophic Factor (ADNF III), in an amount sufficient to improve postnatal performance. The ADNF polypeptides include ADNF I and ADNF III (also referred to as ADNP) polypeptides, analogs, subsequences, and D-amino acid versions (either wholly D-amino acid peptides or mixed D- and L-amino acid peptides), and combinations thereof which contain their respective active core sites and provide neuroprotective and anti-anxiety functions.

Abstract: The present invention relates to novel antimicrobial peptides, to pharmaceutical compositions comprising said peptides, and to the uses thereof, in particular as antimicrobial drugs, disinfectants, pesticides or preservatives. The present invention also relates to a transgenic plant expressing said novel peptides.

Abstract: The present invention concerns thirteen novel variants of alternative splicing of the obesity and/or diabetes related genes.

Abstract: A process for producing a sustained-release composition which comprises mixing an aqueous solution containing a physiologically active substance and an acid or base in a molar amount of 1.5 or more times that of the physiologically active substance with a solution of a biodegradable polymer and then drying the mixture is provided.

Abstract: A method for screening peptides with an aptamer library for determining inhibitors of any one of the proteins from the Rho-GEFs family.

Abstract: The present invention provides isolated methylated Tat peptides; and compositions comprising the peptides. The present invention further provides isolated antibodies specific for a Lys-51-methylated Tat polypeptide. Also provided are methods of identifying agents that inhibit Lys-51 methylation of a Tat polypeptide. The present invention further provides methods of treating an immunodeficiency virus infection in a mammalian subject.

Abstract: The present invention provides novel kinocidin peptides comprising a C-terminal portion of a kinocidin, wherein the C-terminal portion encompasses an ?-helical secondary structure and further displays antimicrobial activity. The kinocidin peptides of the invention are derived from and correspond to a C-terminal portion of a kinocidin that includes a ?KC core and that can be a CXC, CC, or C class chemokine. Structural, physicochemical and functional properties of this novel class of antimicrobial peptides and amino acid sequences of particular kinocidin peptides are also disclosed. The invention also provides related antimicrobial methods.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a multimeric molecule having the general formula A or B: and its use in the diagnosis and/or therapy of tumors.

Abstract: The invention relates to synthetic chemical compositions that are useful for modulation of Toll-Like Receptor (TLR)-mediated immune responses. In particular, the invention relates to agonists of Toll-Like Receptor 9 (TLR9) that generate unique cytokine and chemokine profiles.

Abstract: The document provides to methods and materials for generating T cells (e.g., antigen-specific CD4+ T cells). For example, methods and materials for using nested MHC class II epitopes as vaccines to generate activated CD4+ T cells in vivo or as reagents to generate activated CD4+ T cells ex vivo are provided.

Abstract: The present invention relates to peptides, nucleic acids and cells for use in immunotherapeutic methods. In particular, the present invention relates to the immunotherapy of cancer. The present invention furthermore relates to tumor-associated T-helper cell peptide epitopes, alone or in combination with other tumor-associated peptides that serve as active pharmaceutical ingredients of vaccine compositions which stimulate anti-tumor immune responses. The present invention relates to novel peptide sequences and their variants derived from HLA class I and class II molecules of human tumor cells which can be used in vaccine compositions for eliciting anti-tumor immune responses.

Abstract: Biotinylation peptides are provided which can be fused with other peptides or proteins of interest using recombinant DNA techniques to provide efficient methods for biotinylating the resulting fusion proteins in vivo or in vitro.

Abstract: The invention relates to an isolated peptide, comprising residues 147 to 151 of SEQ ID NO: 1, or a modification thereof, and antibodies thereto and uses thereof, wherein the peptide comprises 100 or fewer amino acids.

Abstract: The present invention relates to new peptides, pharmaceutical composition and cosmetic composition including them and their use for wound healing.

Abstract: The invention discloses a family of neuronal migration-inducing, proliferation-promoting and neurite outgrowth promoting factors, termed NRP compounds, and provides compositions and methods for the use of NRP compounds in the treatment of brain injury and neurodegenerative disease. NRP-1 compounds induce neurons and neuroblasts to proliferate and migrate into areas of damage caused by acute brain injury or chronic neurodegenerative disease, such as stroke, trauma, nervous system infections, demyelinating diseases, dementias, and metabolic disorders. NRP compounds may be administered directly to a subject or to a subject's cells by a variety of means including orally, intraperitoneally, intravascularly, and directly into the nervous system of a patient.

Abstract: The invention relates to a molecule comprising at least the amino acid sequence X1 X2 X3 X4 X5 X6 W X8 X9 X10 wherein X4,6,9 is any amino acid residue, X1 is I, L or V, X2 is not C, X3 is A, E, Q, R or Y, X5 is not R, X8 is I or L, X10 is not H and wherein said molecule have a length of from about 10 to about 100 amino acid residues or an analogue thereof. The invention also relates to compositions comprising said molecule and use of the molecule and/or composition of the invention to combat microorganisms, such as bacteria, viruses, fungi, including yeast, and parasites.

Abstract: Isolated polynucleotides encoding novel galectin-8 variants polypeptides are provided. Also provided are methods and kits using same for diagnosing prognosing and treating rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and other joint/chronic inflammatory diseases.

Abstract: The invention relates generally to compounds which are allosteric modulators (e.g., negative and positive allosteric modulators, allosteric agonists, and ago-allosteric modulators) of the G protein coupled receptor CXCR5. The CXCR5 receptor compounds are derived from the intracellular loops and domains of the CXCR5 receptor. The invention also relates to the use of these CXCR5 receptor compounds and pharmaceutical compositions comprising the CXCR5 receptor compounds in the treatment of diseases and conditions associated with CXCR5 receptor modulation such as autoimmune diseases including lupus, HIV and rheumatoid arthritis, Primary Sjogren's Syndrome, chronic lymphocytic leukemia, Burkitt Lymphoma, colon and breast cancer tumor metastasis, Multiple Sclerosis and compromised immune function.