Novel collagen mimics are disclosed with a tripeptide unit having the formula (Xaa-Yaa-Gly).sub.n, where one of the positions Xaa or Yaa is a bulky, non-electron withdrawing proline derivative. By substituting a proline derivative at either the Xaa or Yaa position in the native collagen helix, the stability of the helix is increased due solely to steric effects relative to prior known collagen-related triple helices. Methods are also disclosed for making the novel collagen mimics.

Provided herein are antibacterial compounds, wherein the compounds in some embodiments have broad spectrum bioactivity. In various embodiments, the compounds act by inhibition of bacterial type 1 signal peptidase (SpsB), an essential protein in bacteria. Pharmaceutical compositions and methods for treatment using the compounds described herein are also provided.

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.

Disclosed are proteasome inhibitors, fibroblast activation protein (FAP)-activated prodrugs of proteasome inhibitors, and pharmaceutically acceptable salts of the inhibitors and prodrugs. Also disclosed are related pharmaceutical compositions, and methods of using the inhibitors and prodrugs and compositions thereof, for example, in treating cancer or other cell proliferative diseases. In vitro and in vivo methods of quantifying the expression of FAP in a biopsy sample and a mammal, respectively, are also disclosed.

The compounds of the present invention are represented by the following compounds having Formula (I) where the substituents R.sup.1-R.sup.10, X, Y, k, m, n, q, and s are as defined herein. These compounds are used in the treatment of cancer, immunologic disorders, autoimmune disorders, neurodegenerative disorders, or inflammatory disorders or for providing immunosuppression for transplanted organs or tissues.

The invention relates to neurodegenerative disorders, and in particular to novel peptides, peptidomimetics, compositions, therapies and methods for treating such conditions, for example Alzheimer's disease.

The present application relates to a peptide having protective activity against cell damage caused by particulate matter, and to uses for the peptide.

Peptide compounds and their use in treating diseases and disorders that cause, are caused by, or are characterized by cellular oxidative stress.

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.

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The invention relates to the compound of general formula (I) as novel inhibitors of transglutaminases, to methods for producing the inventive compounds, to pharmaceutical compositions containing said inventive compounds and to their use for the prophylaxis and treatment of diseases associated with transglutaminases.