Apoptotic compounds

US7041784B2 · kind B2 · utility

Assignee

• The Board of Regents of the University of Texas System · US

Inventors

• Xiaodong Wang · Zhejiang, CN
• Chunying Du · Dallas, US

Key dates

• Filing date: Aug 15, 2003
• Grant date: May 9, 2006
• Expiry date: Apr 22, 2024

Classification

• Technology area (CPC C): Chemistry; Metallurgy
• CPC primary: C07K14/4747
• WIPO field: Pharmaceuticals
• WIPO sector: Chemistry

Abstract

The invention provides methods and compositions for enhancing apoptosis of pathogenic cells. The general method comprises the of contacting the cells with an effective amount of an AV peptoid, wherein the AV peptoid is a peptide comprising AX1, wherein X1 is V, I or L, or a peptide mimetic thereof, which interacts with an Inhibitor of Apoptosis protein (IAP) as measured by IAP binding, procaspase-3 activation or promotion of apoptosis, wherein apoptosis of the pathogenic cells is enhanced. The subject compositions encompass pharmaceutical compositions comprising a therapeutically effective amount of a subject AV peptoid in dosage form and a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier, wherein the AV peptoid is a peptide comprising AX1, wherein X1 is V, I or L, or a peptide mimetic thereof, which inhibits the activity of an Inhibitor of Apoptosis protein (IAP) as measured by IAP binding, procaspase-3 activation or promotion of apoptosis. The invention also provides assays for identifying agents which modulates the interaction of an AV peptoid with an IAP, active compounds identified in such screens and their use in the foregoing compositions and therapeutic methods.