Provided are non-naturally occurring cystine knot peptides (CKPs) that bind to VEGF-A. Additionally, provided are methods of using non-naturally occurring CKPs that bind to VEGF-A, including diagnostic and therapeutic compositions and methods. Non-naturally CKPs that bind low density lipoprotein receptor-related protein 6 (LRP6) are also provided.

Disclosed are biodegradable nanocarriers that have a net positive surface charge and zeta potential between about +2 to about +20 mV. The positive surface charge of the nanocarriers is provided by peptides that are covalently attached to the surface of the nanocarriers. The nanocarriers may comprise a drug and may be administered for localized and sustained delivery of the drug.

The technology described herein is directed to CAR polypeptides and systems comprising repressible proteases. In combination with a specific protease inhibitor, the activity of said CAR polypeptides and systems and cells comprising them can be modulated. Also described herein are methods of using said CAR polypeptides and systems, for example to treat various diseases and disorders.

SPINK2 mutant peptide conjugates are provided that inhibit KLK5. The KLK5 inhibitory peptide conjugates are Fc fusion peptides in which, in certain embodiments, the Fc region of the fusion peptides are the Fc region of human IgG1 or a fragment thereof. The KLK5 inhibitory peptide conjugates include an amino acid sequence of one of SEQ ID NOs: 34, 36, 38, 40, 42, 44, 46, 48, 96, 50, 52, 54, 56, 58, or 60. Pharmaceutical compositions that include the KLK5 inhibitory peptide conjugates useful for treating KLK5-related diseases are also provided.

In one aspect, the disclosure relates to modified serine proteinase inhibitors with an enhanced affinity to components of the extracellular matrix, including glycosaminoglycans. The modified serine proteinase inhibitors maintain their original structure and bioactivity while simultaneously exhibiting a higher positive charge density at their glycosaminoglycan-binding surface. Furthermore, the ECM-binding affinity can be tuned by systematically increasing the number of cationic amino acid residues and/or decreasing the number of anionic amino acid residues at the glycosaminoglycan-binding surface. Also disclosed are vectors for producing the modified serine proteinase inhibitors and pharmaceutical conditions incorporating the modified serine proteinase inhibitors.

Provided are non-naturally occurring cystine knot peptides (CKPs) that bind to VEGF-A. Additionally, provided are methods of using non-naturally occurring CKPs that bind to VEGF-A, including diagnostic and therapeutic compositions and methods. Non-naturally CKPs that bind low density lipoprotein receptor-related protein 6 (LRP6) are also provided.

The present disclosure includes methods, systems, kits and compositions for treating, preventing and diagnosing viral infections, specifically SARS-CoV-2 infections, with an anti-androgen and anti-thyroid medication, a thyroid receptor antagonist, a TGF-β inhibitor or a combination thereof. The present disclosure also describes methods and compositions for the treatment of viral respiratory diseases, specifically SARS-CoV-2 infections, including anti-androgens, anti-thyroid medications, thyroid receptor antagonists, TGF-β inhibitors, RXR inhibitors, furin inhibitors or other agents to disrupt the androgen signaling.

The present invention relates to a novel peptide that exhibits effective antimicrobial activity against various gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria that are involved in food-borne pathogenesis, food spoilage and other pathogenic conditions. Therefore, this peptide can be a good candidate as antibacterial in agricultural, food and beverage industry, as well as for other medical applications and societal use.

Provided are non-naturally occurring cystine knot peptides (CKPs) that bind to VEGF-A. Additionally, provided are methods of using non-naturally occurring CKPs that bind to VEGF-A, including diagnostic and therapeutic compositions and methods. Non-naturally CKPs that bind low density lipoprotein receptor-related protein 6 (LRP6) are also provided.

The treatment of stroke related diseases are described herein. In addition, fibrin clot formation and related activity is proposed for the disclosed compounds, in particular, peptides for inhibiting or modifying the cleavages of fibrinogen by thrombin. Methods for producing such compounds are also disclosed.