COMPOSITIONS AND METHODS FOR REDUCING ADHESIVENESS OF DEFECTIVE RED BLOOD CELLS

摘要

Peptide sequences and analogs thereof based on amino acid motifs in band 3 which are effective in reducing the adhesiveness of pathologically adhesive red blood cells. One class of peptide sequences are characterized by the sequence motif Z1xKxxx+, wherein Z1 is selected from the group consisting of tyrosine, phenylalanine and alanine; x is an unobstructive residue and + is a positively charged residue (e.g., K or P-H). These peptides are used to reduce adhesiveness in the treatment of sickle cell disease, thalassemia and diabetes. A second class of peptide sequences are characterized by the sequence motif Z2Z2Z2x-xxx-, wherein Z2 represents a hydrophobic residue, x is an unobstructive residue and - is a negatively charged residue. These peptides can be used to reduce adhesiveness in the treatment of malaria, sickle cell disease, thalassemia and diabetes.