| abstract |
The invention identifies fragments of hsp60 which retain the capability of inducing a pro-inflammatory immune response of cells of the innate immune system. It is further discloses the unexpected finding that smaller peptides derived from these fragments of hsp60 are capable of acting as antagonists of hsp60 insofar as they have the ability to reduce or even prevent the induction of a pro-inflammatory immune response by hsp60 in cells of the innate immune system. It further discloses variants, derivatives and analogs of such peptides, which are capable of acting as antagonists of hsp60 insofar as they have the ability to reduce or prevent the induction of a pro-inflammatory immune response by hsp60 in cells of the immune system. The invention also discloses pharmaceutical compositions comprising such peptide fragments or variants, derivatives and analogs thereof, and their use to prevent or ameliorate inflammatory diseases or disorders. |