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