The present application relates to a method of inducing differentiation of stem cells into chondrocytes using an oligopeptide, and a pharmaceutical composition for treating cartilage injury disease containing differentiated chondrocytes obtained by the method.

Processes for preparing compounds of Formula (1) and Formula (2) are described, wherein X, Y, Z, R.sub.1-R.sub.7, L and n are defined herein. Intermediates useful in the preparation of the compounds of Formula (1) and Formula (2) are also described. ##STR00001##

The present invention relates to use of peptides as a therapeutic agent, wherein it has been confirmed that the peptides of the present invention significantly inhibit the activity of T cells and the differentiation of T helper 17 cells (Th17 cells), which are associated with autoimmune disease, reduce the secretion of inflammatory cytokine IL-6, and have remarkable effects of treating and improving arthritis in an animal model of arthritis. Therefore, the peptides may be used as an active ingredient in therapeutic agents for various autoimmune diseases such as bone disease, inflammatory disease or rheumatoid arthritis.

Provided is at least one peptide of formula (I) and its use, where formula (I) is as follows: X-(Xaa.sub.1).sub.n-Pro*-(Xaa.sub.2).sub.m-Y (I). In formula (I), n=0 and m=1. At the N terminal end of the peptide, X is selected from H, —CO—R.sub.1 and —SO.sub.2—R.sub.1. At the C terminal end of the peptide, Y is selected from OH, OR.sub.1, NH.sub.2, NHR.sub.1 or NR.sub.1R.sub.2, R.sub.1 and R.sub.2 being independently selected from an alkyle, aryle, aralkyle, alkylaryl, alkoxy and aryloxy group, that can be linear, branched, cyclic, poly-cyclic, non-saturated, hydroxylated, carbonylated, phosphorylated and/or sulphured, with the possibility to have in said group skeleton a O, S and/or N heteroatom. Pro* corresponds to a Proline, an analogue or derivative thereof.

There is provided a self-assembly amphiphilic peptide having the formula (I): XYZ (I), wherein X is a polar moiety at the N-terminus; X and Z each independently has between 1 to 4 residues of aliphatic amino acids or analogs or derivatives thereof, and wherein the average degree of hydrophobicity of the residues in block Z is more than the average degree of hydrophobicity of the residues in block Y. Disclosed are compositions and hydrogel comprising the peptide thereof. Also disclosed are methods of treatment for tissue regeneration, wound healing and methods of culture of stem cells, tissues and organoids.

The present invention relates to a compound simultaneously having triple activities of thrombolysis, antithrombosis and free radical scavenging, as well as the preparation method, composition, and applications thereof. The compound is represented by the formula I shown below:

##STR00001##

wherein the definitions of T, Q, R.sub.1 and R.sub.2 are described herein. The compound of the present invention simultaneously has triple functions of thrombolysis, free radical scavenging and thrombus-targeting/antithrombosis. The present invention also relates to a pharmaceutical composition comprising the compound, and a preparation method and a nanostructure of the compound.

Novel compounds and methods for the inhibition of biological barrier permeability and for the inhibition of peptide translocation across biological barriers are identified. Assays for determining modulators of biological barrier permeability and for peptide translocation across biological barriers are provided. Methods for treating diseases relating to aberrant biological barrier permeability and peptide translocation across biological barriers are provided. Such diseases include celiac disease, necrotizing enterocolitis, diabetes, cancer, inflammatory bowel diseases, asthma, COPD, excessive or undesirable immune response, gluten sensitivity, gluten allergy, food allergy, rheumatoid arthritis, multiple sclerosis, immune-mediated or type 1 diabetes mellitus, systemic lupus erythematosus, psoriasis, scleroderma and autoimmune thyroid diseases.

Neuropeptide S receptor agonists are provided. The NPS agonists include trimeric, tetrameric, pentameric or hexameric peptidomimetic analogs exhibiting affinity for and activity at the neuropeptide S receptor. The peptidomimetic molecules may be useful in the treatment of disorders, syndromes and conditions mediated by modulation of the neuropeptide S receptor such as substance abuse, narcolepsy, insomnia, obesity, cognitive decline, dementia, Alzheimer's disease, panic disorder, generalized anxiety, PTSD, phobias, schizophrenia and as supportive medication during any kind of cessation program in cognitive behavioral therapy, such as drug addiction, eating disorders and gambling.

Processes for preparing compounds of Formula (1) and Formula (2) are described, wherein X, Y, Z, R.sub.1-R.sub.7, L and n are defined herein. Intermediates useful in the preparation of the compounds of Formula (1) and Formula (2) are also described.

##STR00001##

The disclosure pertains to methods of treating or preventing a disease or condition associated with and/or induced by soluble A-beta oligomer such as Alzheimer's disease by administering to a subject in need thereof conformation specific and/or selective antibodies or binding fragments thereof and related products.