Embodiments disclosed herein provide compositions for conjugates, including fusion proteins, and methods of using them to treat a variety of conditions. In some embodiments, the conjugates and/or fusion proteins incorporate a 60-amino acid human homeodomain (e.g., peptides derived from human HOX genes), to translocate functional and regulatory peptides and proteins or other biologically active molecules such as nucleic acids, which are not naturally associated with the human homeodomain, across cell and nuclear membranes to intended sites of action without provoking an unwanted immune response that may reduce exposure to the conjugate and/or result in a clinical adverse event. In further embodiments, disclosed conjugates and fusion proteins can pass through the blood-brain barrier to allow entry into the CNS. In various embodiments, the disclosed compositions are suitable for delivery into a cell (i) the expression product of a gene of interest and/or (ii) novel peptides or polynucleotides to regulate gene function.

A peptide effective in blocking the CXC-chemokine receptor 4 (CXCR4) mediated HIV-1 NL4-3 (X4-tropic) infection with an IC.sub.50 value of less than 50 ?M.

Novel compositions of recombinant human CC10 protein have been generated by chemically modifying the pure protein in vitro. Several new synthetic preparations containing isoforms of chemically modified rhCC10 have been generated by processes that utilize reactive oxygen species and reactive nitrogen species. These preparations contain novel isoforms of rhCC10 which have been characterized with enhanced or altered biological properties compared to the unmodified protein. Preparations containing novel isoforms may be used as standards to identify and characterize naturally occurring isoforms of native CC10 protein from blood or urine and ultimately to measure new CC10-based biomarkers to assess patient disease status. These preparations may also be used to treat respiratory, autoimmune, inflammatory, and other medical conditions that are not effectively treated with the unmodified protein.

A class of propyl cationic peptide lipids is propyl cationic peptide lipid compounds having a general formula structure as follows. After the propyl cationic peptide lipids are dispersed in water, a cationic liposome with a particle size of approximately 100 nm is obtained. The cationic liposome can carry plasmid DNA (pDNA) or small interfering RNA (siRNA) into cells to realize the function of gene delivery, and is almost non-toxic to the cells. ##STR00001##

A class of propyl cationic peptide lipids is propyl cationic peptide lipid compounds having a general formula structure as follows. After the propyl cationic peptide lipids are dispersed in water, a cationic liposome with a particle size of approximately 100 nm is obtained. The cationic liposome can carry plasmid DNA (pDNA) or small interfering RNA (siRNA) into cells to realize the function of gene delivery, and is almost non-toxic to the cells. ##STR00001##

The present invention relates to polypeptides which are covalently bound to molecular scaffolds such that two or more peptide loops are subtended between attachment points to the scaffold. In particular, the invention describes peptides which are specific for the human and rat protease plasma kallikrein and are modified in one or two peptide loops to enhance potency and/or protease resistance.

Molecular probe suitable for quantification of caspase activity in vivo using positron emission tomography (PET). Embodiments of the present invention can detect apoptosis in tumors and as a novel, potentially translatable biomarker for predicting response to personalized medicine.

The present invention describes rhomboid protease inhibitors having high specificity and inhibition characteristics providing novel antibiotics, anti-malarial pharmaceutical agents, and provides a strategy for designing RiBns (rhomboid-inhibiting boronates) to target rhomboid selectively in unrelated organisms.

Provided is a peptide having an ability to inhibit binding between amylospheroids (ASPD) and neurons. In one aspect, provided is a synthesized, isolated, or purified polypeptide represented by Formula (I) or (II) below: X.sub.1X.sub.2X.sub.3X.sub.4 (I), where X.sub.1 is R, H, or K, X.sub.2 is R, K, D, H, W, Q, Y, or T, X.sub.3 is any amino acid, and X.sub.4 is W, F, or Y; and X.sub.1X.sub.2X.sub.3X.sub.4 (II), where X.sub.1 is R, H, or K, X.sub.2 is any amino acid, X.sub.3 is L, G, I, W, R, M, D, E, A, V, or K, and X.sub.4 is W, F, or Y.

The present invention provides compositions, and methods for local administration of certain peptides or combination with certain small molecules that produce analgesia and anti-inflammation in a mammal. Exemplary polypeptides provide peripheral analgesia and anti-inflammation when administered via local topical, subcutaneous, intradermal, or intranasal administration, to provide analgesia and anti-inflammation. Through antagonism of peripheral CGRP receptors alone, or in combination with inhibition of sensory sodium channels or anti-inflammation, the compositions of the invention provide local therapeutic pain relief with minimal undesired systemic side effects in a subject. Also provided are improved peptide delivery techniques including microneedle unit dose administering apparatus and methods. Also provided are hydrogel formulations for sustained local delivery to a subject of one or more of the compositions according to the invention in a therapeutically effective amount, thereby providing local pain relief and/or reducing associated inflammation.