isolated peptide, multimeric compound, composition, kit of parts, methods for treating a disease, for stimulating neurite growth and / or promoting neuron survival, and for interfering with the binding of il1ri to il-1
The present invention discloses novel peptides derived from the IL-1 receptor antagonist protein (IL1 RA), capable of binding to the cell surface IL-1 receptor 1 (IL1 R1) and interfere with the binding of IL-1 to IL1 R1. This binding thus effectively antagonizes the inflammatory effects of IL-1, such as by reducing TNF-alpha secretion from macrophages. This is of potential use as an anti-inflammatory factor throughout the human body, including the central nervous system. The use of said peptides as anti-inflammatory agents for treatment of pathological conditions wherein IL-1 plays a prominent role, such as inflammatory conditions of the body and the central nervous system, is thus an aspect of the present invention.