| abstract |
The present invention relates to peptides and methods of use for the delivery of anionic materials, such as anionic therapeutic agents, across biological barriers. The present invention relates to a peptide comprising or consisting of: X-(Xaa1)a-(Xaa2)b-Y-(Xaa3)c-(Xaa4)d-Z, wherein X and Z are each independently is selected from Asn, Cys, Gln, Gly, Ser, Thr and Tyr; wherein one of Xaa1 and Xaa2 is His, and the other of Xaa1 and Xaa2 is Arg; wherein one of Xaa3 and Xaa4 is His, and the other of Xaa3 and Xaa4 is Arg; wherein the amino function of X is optionally acylated; wherein the carboxylate function of Z is optionally amidated; wherein Y is selected from Ala and Trp; wherein a and d each independently is 2 to 4; and b and c are each independently 2 to 4, or a salt or amide thereof. The present invention also relates to a peptide for inducing an immune response in a subject in need thereof or a method for inducing an immune response in a subject, the method comprising administering the peptide to the subject in need thereof. The present invention also relates to peptides for the treatment and/or prevention of infection, cancer, trauma in a subject in need thereof, or a method for the treatment and/or prevention of infection, cancer, trauma, comprising administering to a subject in need thereof The subject is administered the peptide of the first aspect of the invention. |